1 Timothy 1-3

I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet woman will be saved through bearing children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.‭‭ (1 Timothy‬ ‭2:12-15‬)

These verses prompted a powerful response in me and not a positive one. The author does not permit women to teach or to lead. Who does God call, equip and authorize, then?

Esau was born first, yet God chose Jacob. So much for authority properly going to creation order. Furthermore, Adam was deceived, just as Eve was deceived, only a few minutes later, according to the story.

While childbearing may have contributed positively to some women’s progress in being saved, salvation is fundamentally the work of Christ on the cross and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.

The author is giving Timothy guidance on how a first century Christian community may be led. He is not “laying down church law” for all times, cultures, and places.