— Can A Woman, Pastor A Church || excerpts from the book - “The Woman Question” 1 Timothy 2:12 (NLT) || “I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly”. Now this isn’t a blanket ban on women teaching since elsewhere Paul commends women like Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia. So Paul here is addressing a particular abuse in Ephesus — how women influenced by false doctrines were trying to dominate the men because they believed in certain false teachings that Eve was superior to Adam. And the Greek word (authentein), as translated, assumes that authority carries a domineering, usurping, or controlling sense. But some people, hardened in heart, might misuse the word “usurp” to argue that women were created to be under the authority of men, and that Paul was merely telling them not to rebel against that authority. However, this interpretation is biased, as it fails to consider a particular command given by Jesus; Matthew 20:25–26 (ESV) || “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. Instead, whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” So the scripture above is saying that there should be no attempt at control or dominance amongst you. Rather, you all (men and women now) should take on the role of servants in how you relate with one another. Serving, not lording it over, with the gifts God has given to you. John 13:12-14 (NLT) || “After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? [13] You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. [14] And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.” Jesus, our Lord and Teacher, humbled Himself to take on the role of a servant — and He commanded us to do the same. Therefore, no one, whether man or woman, is meant to exercise control or lordship over others within the body of Christ. This sheds light on the true meaning of the word “usurp”. So Paul was not concerned about women usurping the authority of men; rather, he was concerned about anyone — specifically women in that context — usurping the authority that belongs to Jesus. For Christ has already commanded us to serve one another in humility. To act otherwise, by being domineering or controlling, is to usurp the authority of Jesus Christ Himself. Thus, Paul’s concern was not about women teaching or pastoring, but about a spirit of domination that replaces servanthood with self-exaltation, thereby undermining the authority of Jesus Christ. Now if this challenged what you thought you knew, then the conversation doesn’t end here. • Read the full argument. • Unlearn the myths. • Relearn the truth. Get a copy of “The Woman Question” by Caleb Eleojo via this link — https://selar.com/m/Caleb_Eleojo #calebeleojo #snippets #thewomanquestion #feminism #womanhood #feminine #Femininity Picture credits, Pst Kingsley Okonjwo, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson