Discipleship: The church is the means and the end of
discipleship (to make disciples/learners) on earth. She makes disciples who
build the community of the redeemed, the church.[1]
This purpose of our Lord was meant to include, not exclude, women. This was
Jesus’ way (Luke 8:1-3; 10:41-42; John 4:10) and it was also the way of His
apostles (Acts 1:14-15). Paul followed this same pattern (Acts 16:14; Gal.
3:28) and directed women in this text to “receive instruction” or “learn” (to
be disciples).[2]
There is indeed a restrictive dimension to his instruction in v12, but that is
to be understood in this context of discipleship. Women are not to be teachers
for they are to be learners (disciples).
Teachers: In the church of God, who is to authoritatively teach God’s word and exercise leadership (“authority over a man”)? Paul gives the answer[3] in no uncertain terms: men. But it must quickly be added that this is not men in general or even the male population of the church. This is appointed male leadership of the church, plainly seen later in this book, namely, 3:1-5, and 5:17 (cf. also Tit. 1:9). All authoritative teaching in the church is the duty of male pastors and elders of the church. For this reason, women are instructed to remain quiet and to assume the posture of learning with “entire submissiveness.” While women may engage in admonishing and teaching one another in regular discourse (Col. 3:16; Acts 18:26), they are not to give authoritative teaching in the church. Theirs is to learn, not to teach; to submit, not to lead.
[1]
The church was the apostolic means of discipleship (Matt. 28:20, “teaching them
to observe all that I commanded you” ). Her edification unto full likeness to
Christ is also the end of discipleship (Eph. 4:11-16).
[2]
The verb for “receive instruction” is to “learn” (ESV, KJV), the Greek word manthanō (μανθάνω), from
which comes words for “disciple” or mathētēs (μαθητής) and “to make disciple” mathēteuō
(μαθητεύω).
[3]
Even as vv8-10 was no mere personal opinion of Paul’s, so neither is v12 a
matter of his own personal opinion. He speaks as “the teacher of the nations in
faith and truth” (v7).