Although we are led to believe that the Bible is full to the brim with passages supporting the hierarchtical/patriarchal/complementarian view, in reality it primarily hinges on one passage.

In 1 Timothy 2:11-15 we read:

A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. (BSB)

Even a cursory reading of this passage clearly shows that it is not a simple passage.

Jon Zens looks in-depth at this passage in his book What’s With Paul and Women? Unlocking the Cultural Background to 1 Timothy 2. In particular, Zens looks at the cultural context. I’d like to share a few thought-provoking quotes from Chapter 1.

Entitled “How the New Testament Views Women,” the chapter gives example after example of how women were viewed, acted, and participated in church life in the New Testament.

Here is a sampling.

Neither the Gospel narratives nor the recorded words of Jesus ever put restrictions on the ministry of women. (page 27)

A woman’s testimony was disallowed as evidence in first century courts. Yet the Lord chose females to be the first witnesses and lead the proclamation of his resurrection. (page 28)

In Revelation 2:20-24 Christ rebuked the Thyatiran congregation for allowing a false prophetess, nicknamed ‘Jezebel,’ to ‘teach’ some of the Lord’s servants to sin grievously. If it was such a crime for a woman to teach the brethren, why didn’t the Lord just condemn the assembly for even allowing a woman to instruct others? This incident in Thyatira implies that the assembly permitted other male and female prophets to teach the truth. Christ’s objection was not that a woman taught, but that what she taught was false teaching. (pages 31-32)

Have you ever thought about the fact that we have in the New Testament more glimpses into the service of women in the Kingdom than we do concerning most of the twelve apostles? (page 32)

There is much more in this book. Highly recommended if you are starting to work through your beliefs on this topic. This is a good place to start.

What’s With Paul and Women?