The Grands Letter (1Tim/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on July 18, 2021 5:47 am (CST)Dear Grands,
1 Timothy 2:11-15, “A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.
12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.
13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.”
These words from the heart and pen of the Apostle Paul are possibly the most difficult of his writings to be absorbed, as far as women are concerned. Some of my readers might well assess that I am taking my own literary life in my hands by even citing these verses. Yet, I can assure you that no one ever admired and lived by them more than my late wife. And they are doubtlessly still properly understood by sincere Christian women.
The prohibition of women is not to teach, but not “to teach or exercise authority over a man.” Certainly, women are the primary instructors of their children; yet, if they adhere to the apostle’s full instruction, they will teach their children that their father is the primary authority in the home. The preservation of women and their glory and authority lies in the bearing of children “if they continue in faith and love… with self-restraint.”
Each situation in life requires levels of authority. The General develops the plans of action, but the troops under their sergeant carry them out. Both are needed, and both are authoritative; yet each has his own responsibility and level of authority. So it is with the home and the church. We must remember that the LORD is the ultimate Authority; and if the children are to become what He desires, they must see their parents as submissive to the LORD Jesus Christ.
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America
“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom
