IN SILENCE. 1st Timothy 2:11. There is nothing demeaning about silence. Most of what we learn and keep in our minds comes from times of silent meditation and thinking about how to apply what we've learned. Some things are taught using words, while others are best learned in silence. Often, we are inspired by what we hear when the Holy Spirit uses spiritual men to teach spiritual truths. Other lessons are learned best by watching those sitting beside us and observing their attitude toward the word of God being preached. Truth taught is one thing; truth received is another. Subjection might not be popular with those wanting to lead and hold authority, but it makes a lasting impact on spiritual growth when we understand the importance of who we are and what we do.
Wisdom is given to those willing to follow divine order and live accordingly. Those who remain silent earn respect and honor from others who read the Bible and allow the Spirit of God to lead them into all truth. Some believe that women's silence in public meetings is a thing of the past and a way to dismiss sisters in Christ. Those who study the scriptures can see that God assigns roles suited to each person.
Some will argue that the practice was ancient, historically limited, and only relevant to the assembly at Ephesus. They will also claim that it was not meant to continue until women gained emancipation. For some reason, those who add their opinions to God's Word believe they are belittled if they are not given the role of spokesperson for the assembly. Usually, the belief is that the speaker is important, not the message the Holy Spirit delivers on behalf of the assembly. They often take offense and insist we are wrong when the Bible teaches that women should remain silent in public prayer and preaching. They argue there is no silence during voices raised in praise in song. They say that such singing is teaching rather than a response to previous teaching.
In the context of scripture, it seems very clear that this practice is universal and timeless, like the rest of the teaching in God’s Word. It is not a question of whether women are less important than men but rather an order that honors the Lord has been established. Roles are different because man was created first; the Lord gave the responsibility to lead to men. Women, with beauty and silence, provide public evidence of the attitude of the gathered congregation toward the Lord when they meet. By doing what God commands in His way, both genders submit to the will of divine Providence and publicly acknowledge the wisdom and grace of God in the distinct roles of the sexes. This same principle applies as marriage reflects the love of Christ and His bride, the universal church. Equality does not mean that everyone has to do the same things.
Learning is a continuous process in the Christian life. Listening and observing are positive ways to be instructed and understand spiritual truths necessary for growth. In public gatherings, the role of a public teacher is not given to women because that would usurp the authority assigned to men. Silence does not indicate lesser intelligence but signifies acceptance of divine order. To accept this divine decree does not mean surrendering one's conscience, nor does it cause resentment or bondage. Distinct roles are assigned for public conduct, not originating from Paul and his background but from God and His word. Dominion was given to Adam, and God established His church (His Bride) with this order. Divine order of headship, quiet learning, and respecting authority is essential for a peaceful assembly life.