Christian Study - Biblical Subjection of Christian Women

Biblical teaching on the topic of women’s subjection to men in the home and in the worship assembly is under constant pressure from contemporary American culture. The concept of drawing a distinction between the God-given roles of Christian men and women can be emotionally charged. Historic inequities in the work place and law courts have been eliminated over the years, and some of this fervor occasionally finds its way into the Lord’s church.

Consequently, when this topic is considered at all, the student sometimes gives in to the temptation to dilute Scripture. The sound approach is to present in a straightforward manner the simple New Testament teachings. Obviously this must be done in the context of balanced biblical study. A complete approach to the teachings of the New Testament on authority and submission is necessary to instruct all Christians who, in meekness of heart, are willing to accept the word of God as the sole authority in these matters.

Sometimes the Bible uses submission in a general way, meaning simply humility towards one another. Ephesians 5:21 and 1 Peter 5:5 are examples of general submission. These admonitions were made to no one other than the entire group to whom the letter is addressed. The all encompassing scope of these passages and their parallelism argue for making " subjection "with "humility " equal in both texts. No authority is implied in these passages other than God’s.

Other passages that teach us about Biblical submission are quite different from the scriptures commanding general submission. One example of a more specialized submission is seen in scriptures pertaining to the leadership role of elders. Consider 1 Peter 5:1-3 and also 1 Timothy 5:17. It is well understood that elders take oversight and rule. While there are instructions directed towards the attitude with which they execute their duties, they still rule and submission is a requirement. Recognize for this discussion, not only women—but also men—fall under the oversight of the elders, who are themselves exclusively men (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The command to submit to individuals that can make mistakes is not therefore solely a requirement on women.

The example of submission to elders serves as a backdrop for the discussion of women’s role. It is a specialized submission as well. Consider 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15. These Scriptures require a submission of women in the worship services and public teaching occasions that is not bound upon men. It is specialized. Additionally, it is for a reason that relates to the time of creation and therefore not merely reflective of alleged New Testament misjudgment.

Finally, in the confines of the Christian marriage, a most specialized form of submission is commanded: that of the wife to the husband. Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7 clearly teach the point.

When two or more are in agreement, subjection is easy; you are doing what you want to anyway. But when our individual will is different from those in authority we face a greater challenge. It is then that we are tempted. It is then that our individualism demands its own way. It is then that we must consciously yield for Christ’s sake to all of the ordinances of God concerning sub-mission. . The status of women has benefited significantly from legislative changes in contemporary American culture. However, the Word of God has not changed. It has always raised women as an equal creation, a position considered socially shocking in the first century. The leadership role of the Christian man is not a thing to be coveted or abused; neither is it something to be apologized for or set aside. It is simply the God-given order of things for those dwelling within his kingdom. We ought to focus rather on the many things that men and women can do in their God given role. There is plenty we can do in our work for the Lord without challenging His order. As we make our way through this world, let us remain vigilant to keep the philosophy of man, whatever benefits may accrue there from, outside the walls of the heavenly kingdom.

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