"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."
In the first part of today's quote, Paul exhorts all Christians to continue in prayer for all mankind, be they friend of foe.
In the latter verses, Paul cautioned Christian women not to over adorn themselves so as to hide their Godliness. He also instructed Christian women to; "learn in silence with all subjection".
However, he followed that statement with this, "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." Paul did not make it clear as to whether that commandment was passed through him from Jesus or whether it was his personal opinion.
There is however, scripture written by Paul himself that seems to contradict what he said in this text and that allows for women to be teachers. Such is in the example of Aquila and Priscilla whom Paul referred to as; "Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus". He clearly intended for both to be acknowledged for their work.
Further, Aquila AND Priscilla taught the gospel "more clearly" to Apollos; "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." (Acts 18: 24-26)
They, meaning both Aquila, and Priscilla, taught Apollos the gospel of Jesus Christ, "more perfectly". In my opinion, women are not scripturally barred from teaching the gospel.~
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