‘Einer Frau gestatte ich nicht, dass sie lehre‘ (1 Timotheus 2:12): Exegese – Hermeneutik – Kirche

• Main Author: Christoph W. Stenschke
• Format: Article
• Language: Afrikaans
• Published: AOSIS 2019-11-01
• Series: HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies
• Subjects: paul; 1 timothy; role of women in early christianity; role of women in contemporary christianity, hermeneutics; application of scripture, ordination of women, gender issues
• Online Access: https://hts.org.za/index.php/hts/article/view/5364
• ISSN: 0259-9422; 2072-8050

This article is an exercise in combining the exegesis, hermeneutical issues and application of 1 Timothy 2:12 in ecclesial contexts where this prohibition is still taken seriously as a Pauline injunction or, at least, as part of the canon of the Church. It surveys representative proposals in New Testament studies of dealing with this least compromising assertion regarding the teaching of women in early Christianity. It discusses the hermeneutical issues involved in exegesis and application and how one should relate this prohibition to other New Testament references to women and their role in the early Christian communities. In closing, the article discusses whether and how this assertion can still be relevant in contemporary contexts when and where women have a very different role in society and church.