The proper and acceptable role for women in the church is a question that is dividing the church today. The teaching of the New Testament (and the practice thereof) is not popular in modern America. The basic principles found in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12, while they may not be “trendy” today, are nevertheless straightforward and compulsory. “…It is shameful (improper, NASB) for women to speak in church” (1 Cor. 14:35). “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have (exercise, NASB) authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:11-12). The constraints of these passages are shunned and ridiculed in a variety of ways today, such as the following ideas.
“Restricting the role of women in the church is a chauvinistic thing.” However, the words of the New Testament are those of God (1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Cor. 14:37) and not the words of man or any chauvinist.
“Restricting the role of women in the church is a traditional thing and behind the times.” However, we must draw a sharp distinction between man-made tradition (which is damning, cf. Matt. 15:8-9; Col. 2:23) and God-made tradition (which is obligatory, cf. 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6).
“Restricting the role of women in the church is a mean and horrible thing to do.” While some may carry out this God-given directive rudely and shamefully with a pride-filled sense of superiority, an improper attitude does not abolish the will of God on a matter (cf. Jas. 4:6-17), nor does a humanly-devised evaluation trump a divinely-inspired precept (cf. 1 Pet. 4:4).
“Restricting the role of women in the church is a cultural thing, and since women are no longer oppressed in our society, neither should they be in the church.” However, the God-given role of women in the church has nothing to do with oppression or culture. In 1 Timothy 2:13 (the verse immediately after the divine guidelines for women in the church), God gives His reason (which is the only one that matters): “For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” It has nothing to do with culture and everything to do with creation.
“Restricting the role of women in the church is only a temporary thing and is eventually going to change and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.” Man’s obedience to the will of God may change with the whims of society, but God’s will does not change (1 Pet. 1:23-25; Jude 3; Gal. 1:6-9).
Man reacts in a variety of ways to God’s will on many subjects. May our response to the will of God always be one of humility and compliance (Matt. 5:3-6; 7:21-27).