PROHIBITION OF WOMEN FROM TEACHING IN WORSHIP: AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF 1 TIMOTHY 2:8-15

The prohibition of women from teaching in worship, particularly in 1 Timothy 2:8-15, has long been a source of controversy. Verses 11-12, which demand women to learn in silence and refrain from teaching, have sparked various interpretations that influence the roles assigned to women in Christian worship. This paper examines Paul’s statement to assess whether it represents a general and timeless prohibition or addresses a specific historical context. Using a historical-grammatical approach, this study analyzes the text’s setting, context, and grammar to uncover Paul’s intention Learning in silence likely pertains to maintaining decorum and order during worship rather than enforcing female subordination. Paul’s reference to the order of creation does not imply women’s inferiority to men, as is evident from Galatians 3:28, where gender distinctions are irrelevant in Christ. Since teaching is a spiritual gift granted to both men and women, it is unlikely that Paul would permanently forbid women from exercising this gift. Instead, the restriction is likely to address a specific situation in the Ephesian church rather than imposing a universal, timeless ban on women’s teaching roles in worship.