1 Timothy 2:⁸ I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; ⁹ also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, ¹⁰ but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. ¹¹ Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. ¹² I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve; ¹⁴ and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. ¹⁵ Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.

Many elements of scripture are eternal truths. This is not. Paul begins v.8 with, “I desire…”. Then v.12 “I permit…”. Paul isn’t arguing that God has declared it should be this way. He’s giving practical guidance to a young leader in a time and culture very different from ours. Context is key. Always.

Lord God in heaven, thank you that we understand roles of men and women differently today than in the early days of Christianity. I don’t know what the Church would do without women leaders. The witness of the gospel would surely be diminished. Amen.