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No.10.
The Calling of Woman (cont).
pp. 25 - 31
Consideration has been given to Paul's word in I Tim. 2: 12 in the light of the
background of Eden (verses 13, 14), concerning the teaching of women. Based upon her
position in creation, `Adam was first formed, then Eve' and her handling, and consequent
`deception', with the Word of God, Paul states unequivocally:
"I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."
These words do not indicate any `personal bias' but are as much a part of the Word of
God as any others Paul wrote. They represent truth for all generations of the present age,
and may not be considered as applying only to the society in which Paul lived.
But whilst the above is true with respect to the teaching of the Word of God, it ought
not to be missed that certain women are instructed to `teach' in another context:
"Bid the older women . . . . . to teach what is good, and so train the young women to
love their husbands and children, to be sensible, chaste, domestic, kind, and submissive to
their husbands, that the word of God may not be discredited" (Titus 2: 3-5, R.S.V.).
One ought not to discount this important part placed by the woman in bringing up her
children, which must include some aspects of `teaching', although not so as to contradict
Eph. 6: 4:
"Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord."
From Titus 2: it may be gathered that the `home' was to play a large part in the
calling of woman (especially married women), and the `older women' were considered
(no doubt because of their long experience in such matters) to be in a position to train (or
`school') the younger ones in this sphere of life. It may be noted that when, in a context
dealing with the advisability of marriage for younger widows, Paul mentions the `house',
he uses the strong word oikodespoteo, master or rule of the house, in connection with the
woman's place (I Tim. 5: 14).
One cannot help observing also, that `hospitality' was to characterize the believer
(Rom. 12: 13; Heb. 13: 2; I Pet. 4: 9), and there can be no doubt that such, whilst it
was enjoined upon the man (cp. I Tim. 3: 2), greatly involved the woman (I Tim. 5: 9,
10). It is sad indeed to see even Christian women despising the home, with all its
important commitments, as though it represented some inferior part of life. Such have
not appreciated what an important role it plays in the exhibition of truth in practice, as is
witnessed by Eph. 5: 22 - 6: 4. To speak of a `kitchen sink philosophy' in connection
with those who advocate a return to the Scriptural position of woman, is to
misrepresent the whole case. If woman is to be degraded at all, it will not be by