1 Timothy 2:11– Is Paul discriminating

Let a woman be learning in quietness with all subjection.

It is not easy for a Westerner in the 21st century to appreciate a text like the one above. Influenced as we all are by feminism and emancipation ideas. We are taught to have an aversion against distinguishing between male and female. “Discrimination!” is soon shouted indignantly. While, strictly speaking, that word simply means ’to make a distinction’. Scripture begins with that distinction. God created man, “male and female created he them” (Gen. 1:27). First the man, then Eve. It is masculine to lead, direct and make decisions. The woman is exempted from those duties and left alone. The man comes first as head and the consequence of this is that when things go wrong, the man is always liable. Hence, “in Adam” humanity became sinner and mortal. Not in Eve.

How important for understanding Scripture to take off our biased, gender-neutral glasses. Because not Scripture, but our glasses are time-bound. And very preoccupied, so that we no longer distinguish obvious differences. The word of Him (indeed Him!), who created male and female, gives us insight into this!

Delen: