1 Timothy 2:11

‘Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection.’

Paul wanted no unseemly behaviour by over-excitable women in church. It is difficult for us today to appreciate the release that Christianity had brought to the average woman. But the danger was that they could over-react. So they were rather to listen peaceably, treating the Teacher with due respect.

‘With all subjection.’ This simply means that they must humbly recognise their rightful place in the scheme of things. We must not get too excited over the word ‘subjection’. It is a word that is at the heart of Christian behaviour. Children are to be subject to their parents (1 Timothy 3:4), and Christians are to recognise others as better than themselves (Philippians 2:3 -for while they are not aware of the truth about others, but they certainly know the sinfulness of their own hearts). And all Christians are told to be in subjection one to another in the fear of Christ (Ephesians 5:21) and in all humility (1 Peter 5:5). The idea is thus simply of showing due respect, listening quietly and behaving courteously, without pushing themselves forward, or behaving arrogantly, accepting their due place, whether high or low, in modesty and humility. Of course the pride of man (and of woman) does not like being ‘subject’ to anyone or anything. But the truth is that we are all usually subject to the law, and to the authorities (Romans 13:1; Romans 13:5), except when they get it badly wrong. In the same way should we be subject to the requirements of being considerate and thoughtful as required by Scripture. For a woman it goes one step further. It is to acknowledge that the man has the last word, not as a domineering tyrant (no Christian male should be that), but as the final arbiter after coming, if possible, to common agreement. We may see the male as the ideal chairman, who comes to the final decision after taking into account the views of all parties, after which all accept the position without acrimony.