A Woman’s Place1 Timothy 2:8-15

exegetical hermeneutics

• This is a difficult passage.• It is important to avoid reading or

interpreting from our presuppositions.• We must bridge a significant culture-time

gap in application of this text.

interpretive options

• Two major views of this passage:– Egalitarian • men and women are equal in every way

– Complementarian • men and women have unique roles, because

they were created uniquely

“Interpretations are so varied that one wonders how much of the exegesis is based

on the text and how much on presuppositions and varying methodologies.” Mounce, p.117

a continuum

E COUR

POSITION

go girls!

go guys!

“If one position were truly clear or obvious, then there would not be significantly

divergent positions held by respectable scholars.” Mounce, p.103

authorial intent

• Timothy’s ‘leadership target’ for the Ephesian church was “blameless”.

• The church and its leadership has the responsibility of developing its people.

equality

Men & Women are …= in image bearing= in sinning, ability to be tempted= in salvation= in giftedness/value to the Body = in worship= in honor

inequality

Men & Women are …≠ in roles– Men have been given the role of headship or

leadership or authority by God. • Men are the LEADERS, designed to set direction• Women are the HELPERS, designed to set tone

– It is NOT and issue of worth, or ultimate value.

conclusions

• Embrace the gender roles that God has given you

• Respect the other gender for what they bring to the team

• Make the greatest contribution that you can at your position