Is it in accordance with the Bible for Christian women to give sermons or Bible studies, or to publish, or have published, their Biblical or spiritual articles?
The Bible is very clear that such conduct would be in violation of Scripture. We are setting forth below excerpts from pages 13-14 of our booklet, “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families”:
“Notice 1 Timothy 2:11-15 where Paul says, ‘Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence…’ Notice, too, the parallel passage in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, ‘Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak… And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.'”
These passages clearly teach that women are not to give sermons or Bible studies in church. Older women can teach younger women in private, but not from the pulpit (compare Titus 2:1-5). We also note that Aquilla and Priscilla took Apollos aside to explain to him the Way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-26). Priscilla did not teach Apollos publicly, in front of others.
In addition, women are not to teach Biblical or spiritual matters in a public forum, such as television, the Internet, or the printing press. This conduct would not be in accordance with the spirit of God’s law instructing women to “keep silent in the churches” (compare, again, 1 Corinthians 14:34). To continue with our excerpts from pages 14 and 15 of our booklet, “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families”:
“In today’s world of mass communication, churches often use radio, television, the printing press or even the Internet to publish spiritual material. Women should not deliver sermons on radio or television, either, nor should they write Biblical, prophetic, ecclesiastical or spiritual articles. They could write articles in addressing topics such as child rearing, homemaking, cooking, or other matters relating more to our physical lives, thereby avoiding a possible conflict in writing about spiritual matters…
“Rienecker’s Lexikon zur Bibel points out, under ‘Women,’ ‘The relationship between man and woman, ordained by God, can also be seen in the role of service and function within the church… Paul does not allow the women to teach, that is, to fill the office of teacher in the church (1 Timothy 2:12). It is different when Apollos is introduced more fully, in a personal conversation with Aquilla and Priscilla, to the teachings of God. (Acts 18:26).'”
The message of Scripture is unambiguous: Christian women are not to teach Biblical or spiritual matters in church or in a public forum. It may be difficult for some to accept and apply God’s Word on this issue. Sadly, due to the violation of these clear instructions, unhappy or failed marriages have been the result in many cases. If you want to read more about the God-given roles and functions of husbands and wives in a Christian marriage, as well as the Biblical rules of childrearing, please read our free booklet, “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Family.”
