The question of whether women may teach and exercise authority in the church is the subject of debate as never before. Historically, eldership has been solely a male preserve. Was this a product of culture or a response to biblical teaching?
Central to the debate from Scripture is Paul's instruction in 1 Timothy 2. Was Paul addressing believers in his day only? Did Paul mean to forbid women from exercising authority or merely from usurping authority? Did Paul's background as a Pharisee account for his teaching? What kind of activity did he have in mind when he referred to teaching?
By interacting with many recent writers on the subject, this study seeks to come to terms with Paul's words and their implications for today.
This edition has been expanded to include an appendix responding to issues raised by a critic of the original study.
About Phil Roberts:
Phil Roberts is the pastor of Hartshill Bible Church in Stoke-on-Trent
