The Role of Men and Women

There is clear distinction made between men and women in the Bible. This manifests from the very beginning in the way that God created the first man: Adam and the first woman: Eve. Instead of creating them male and female simultaneously, God created Adam first. He then showed Adam the whole animal kingdom and only after this event is it acknowledged that Adam was “alone.”1 Only then did God take a rib from Adam and uses it as part of the creation of the woman Eve.2 The process created an incredible bond between them that is immediately recognised by Adam when he named Eve a “wo-man” because she was taken out of him. It also established the importance of marriage as a symbolic reunification of a man and a woman into a single being3.

This distinction between men and women continued in the different consequences that resulted from the sin of Adam and Eve. Eve’s curse was:

To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.”
(Gen 3:16)

While Adam’s was:

And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
(Gen 3:17)

It is worth noting that there are two common translations for the latter part of Eve’s curse. In one, her desire if for her husband, while in the other (shown above) her desire is contrary to her husband. If the latter translation is accurate, it alludes to a struggle between the sexes being another consequences of their sin. Regardless of which translation is correct, the “dominion” by men component is an unambiguous part of Eve’s “curse”. Some have used this verse to justify men’s rule over women as divine prerogative but that interpretation is illogical since in that case it would then follow that it should be mandatory for all men to suffer pain in the process of producing food! In these statements to Adam and Eve, God is outlining the common consequences for their sin in this new “fallen” world. Ultimately God is educating Adam and Eve about something that can be readily observed today: There are biological and psychological differences between men and women and these differences manifest in the lives and behaviour of men and women today.

Within the first three chapters of the Bible, we have two passages that teach us three things (at least) on this subject):

  1. There are fundamental differences between men and women
  2. Men and women need each other
  3. As a result of sin, there will be a struggle between the sexes

The crux of the subject is to be able to distinguish where the differences are divinely intended and where the differences are the result of the sinful abuse of power.

New Testament Teachings

1 Timothy is a book loaded with lessons from Paul on practical instructions on how believers should conduct themselves in practical matters and the various roles of the early church. Paul outlines the expected behviour of various different people including men4, women5, widows6 and those with various leadership roles7. When defining the role of women, Paul links back to the Genesis creation in 1 Timothy 2:11-15.

In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works. Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission. But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.
(1Ti 2:9-15)

Paul points out two reasons that God intended women to be excluded from teaching or having authority over men:

  • Adam was created first
  • Eve was deceived – interestingly Paul says that Adam wasn’t deceived which suggests that he knowingly transgressed, presumably due to loyalty to his wife rather than God

This passage is not entirely alone with a similar theme found in 1 Corinthians 14:

Let the wives be quiet in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to be talking except in submission, as the law also says, if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a wife to be talking in the assembly.”
(1Co 14:34-35)

It is important to note that 1 Corinthians refers to wives not women in general but the same general principle can be seen to apply. 1 Corinthians 14 contains instructions similar to 1 Timothy in that it provides guidelines for the smooth operation of the early church in general8.

Husbands and Wives

The different role of husbands and wives is also a clear theme throughout the Bible. Peter clearly outlines the distinction in 1 Peter where he, like Paul, refers back to the Old Testament for support for the distinction of the roles of men and women:

In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word; seeing your pure behavior in fear. Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious. For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror. You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.
(1Pe 3:1-7)

Once again, the “beauty” of women is emphasized as being in their behaviour instead of superficial qualities. One of those behaviours is “submission” or “obedience” to their husbands. Note that the role of the husband is not to take advantage of this power imbalance but is instead to “honour” the wife. A very pertinent lesson in this context is one that Jesus taught his disciples on many occasion that “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant“9. Peter also finishes the section with a reminder that both men and women are “joint heirs10” – a useful reminder that although there are different roles for men and women, that as far as salvation is concerned there is no difference between men and women11.

Paul shares the same teaching about the role of husbands and wives in Ephesians 5 where he finishes with ” Nevertheless each of you [the husband] must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.12” The command then is if anything, more onerous for the husband since he must love his wife, while the wife must only “respect” her husband.

Counter-arguments for a Difference in Role Between Men and Women

Naturally, 1 Timothy 2 has become a very contentious passage, especially in modern western culture. On one hand, some have enlisted it to suppress the voice of women, while on the other hand, others have sought to discredit and dismiss it as an anacrhonism. Since the case for is relatively

Some common arguments used to invalidate it include:

  • Paul’s teaching was specific to a certain time and place (Ephesus) only
  • This passage is inconsistent with Paul’s actions and words elsewhere when he includes women
  • The meaning of the word “authority” is disputed
  • The literal application of these verses is often inconsistent with the other instructions in the passage about women that are usually less literally applied: For example: 1 Timothy 2:15

If we examine these arguments

One of the key challenges made to support Women speaking is the presence of “prophetesses” in the Bible. There are a number of women who filled this role:

  • Miriam13
  • Huldah14
  • Anna15
  • Phillips 4 virgin daughters16

Of the Judges, there was a single woman: Deborah. However, the story of Deborah is complicated by it likely being a cautionary tale of men not stepping up and fulfilling their duty of leadership. In Deborah’s case, Barak proved to a very reluctant saviour and as result, the glory of killing the enemy general (Sisera) is given to a woman (Jael) instead of Barak17

Of the Kings that ruled over the nations of Israel and Judah, there is only a single example: Athaliah. She is recorded as a particularly wicked ruler (although there were plenty of wicked male rulers as well!) who obtained her position through corruption and murder. Any suggestions that she is an example that women should allowed to rule is tainted with her being a exemplar for evil.

Ahab was a king who was heavily influenced by his wife Jezebel who exerted a great deal of power over both Ahab and the nation of Israel18. Jezebel competes with Athaliah for wi

None of the 12 disciples were women.19

Seven brothers were elected to manage the welfare of the early church.20

Verses that Define a Difference in Role

Let the wives be quiet in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to be talking except in submission, as the law also says, if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a wife to be talking in the assembly.”
(1Co 14:34-35)

Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission. But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.
(1Ti 2:11-15)

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
(1Ti 3:2-3)

But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
(1Co 11:3)

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.
(Eph 5:22-24)

In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word; seeing your pure behavior in fear. Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious. For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror. You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.
(1Pe 3:1-7)

Verses that Specify Male Only Roles

Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
(Act 6:3)

Females Contributing to the Work:

Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
(Php 4:1-3)

I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
(Rom 16:1-3)

Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
(Act 21:9)

Soon afterwards, he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of God’s Kingdom. With him were the twelve, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others; who served them from their possessions.
(Luk 8:1-3)

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, judged Israel at that time.
(Jdg 4:4)

Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.
(Exo 15:20)

So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they talked with her.
(2Ki 22:14)

There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
(Luk 2:36)

But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
(Act 2:16-18)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(Gal 3:28)

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
(Act 18:26)

I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,
(Rom 16:1)

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.
(Rom 16:7)

On the next day, we, who were Paul’s companions, departed, and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
(Act 21:8-9)

But every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered dishonors her head. For it is one and the same thing as if she were shaved.
(1Co 11:5)

  1. Gen 2:18 ↩︎
  2. Gen 2:21 ↩︎
  3. Gen 2:24 ↩︎
  4. 1 Timothy 2:18 ↩︎
  5. 1 Timothy 2:12 ↩︎
  6. 1 Timothy 5:3 ↩︎
  7. 1 Timothy 3 ↩︎
  8. 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 ↩︎
  9. Matthew 20:26 ↩︎
  10. 1 Peter 3:7 ↩︎
  11. Galations 3:28 ↩︎
  12. Ephesians 5:33 ↩︎
  13. Exodus 15:20 ↩︎
  14. 2 Kings 22:14 ↩︎
  15. Luke 2:36 ↩︎
  16. Acst 21:8-9 ↩︎
  17. Judges 4:21 ↩︎
  18. 1 Kings 19:2 ↩︎
  19. Luke 6:13-16 ↩︎
  20. Acts 6:3 ↩︎