Know The Truth – Who Should Pray In Assembly

The Holy Spirit said, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.” 1 Timothy 2:8-11. The word “men” here is the Greek word “aner” meaning, “a man…with a reference to sex, and so to distinguish a man from a woman…” Thayer, p. 45. The word “pray” is a present tense infinitive which means that the Holy Spirit is saying that men [males] are to be prayer leaders. Men [males] are to be the prayer leaders in the assemblies of the church, however, it includes other places where prayers would be made to God and men are present. The point is that the men must be the leaders in the spiritual realm.

However, this verse has a broader application than just teaching; it prohibits a woman, in any way, from having dominion (spiritually) over a man. It is obvious, then, that any practice which places a woman ina role of exercising authority over a man is sinful. In 1 Timothy 2 the principle of subordination is based on the creation. The statement that a woman is not “to have authority over the man” is not an application of the principle of subordination, but is a clear statement of the principle itself. The conclusion is this: A woman can never occupy a position of spiritual authority, whether in public or private settings. There is nothing in the context, language, or otherwise, that would limit this passage to public worship. This (vv. 8-15) is a general principle governing women in the work of the church. Her realm is that of quietness; her position is that of submission. Paul does not suffer or permit the woman to teach or to usurp authority over the man. Her role is that of silence according to the Greek word. It is quite obvious therefore that she would be in violation of this injunction were she to be a public preacher with both men and women present, a Bible teacher of a mixed class of both men and women, an elder, a deacon, a song director, a prayer leader or an officiate at the Lord’s Table. Any teaching she does must not be OVER the man or usurpation of his role. This is God’s counsel; it is not Pauline prejudice in manifested form as liberalism now contends and the women’s movement advocates.

The Holy Spirit said, “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:34, 35. It is because of the order of the Creation and Eve’s deception that women are not permitted to teach or exercise authority over a man. Some may not like it, however, it is God’s Word. John 12:48.

Only the saved will be in heaven. Examples of those who were saved in the New Testament: Acts 2:14-42; 8:5-13; 8:30-39; 9:17-18, 22:6-16, 26:12-18; 10:34-48; 16:13-15; 16:25-34; 18:8; 19:1-7. One must hear, believe, repent, confess and be immersed according to these examples!