1 Timothy 2.12
Years ago I taught the bible classes at a Christian junior high. It was overseen by an Assemblies of God church, and if you know the denomination, you’ll know we have women pastors. Haven’t always, but have way longer than most denominations.
I should also mention the school accepted students, and hired teachers, from just about any denomination. Frequently half my students were
Anyway, one morning one of my kids informed me, “Mrs. Gopinatha” (name randomly picked; actual name withheld to protect the guilty) “says women can’t be pastors.”
This came as no surprise to me. Mrs. Gopinatha was a member of one of those independent Baptist churches. You know the sort. Most of the reason they’re independent is ’cause they figure everybody else is wrong.
“Oh does she,” I said.
“Because she says the bible says women can’t be pastors.”
Well,
“She’s got that part wrong,” I said; “it says women can’t be teachers. Show her 1 Timothy 2.12 the next time she tries to teach you anything biblical.” Here’s that verse, by the way:
1 Timothy 2.12 KJV - But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Sexists love this verse. Love love love. Quote it every time a woman dares try to correct ’em—whether it’s an unrelated woman in their church, up to and including the pastor’s wife; whether it’s a relative, like a mother, aunt, or sister; but especially when it’s a relative they think they’re in charge of, like a wife or daughter. Absolutely no woman is qualified to teach, rebuke, or correct them. And if they dare try, it’s usurping his divinely-granted
What’re the chances they’re quoting it out of context? Hundred percent.
What’re the chances they don’t care, so long that their misquotation keeps them in power? Hundred percent.