1 Timothy

2:12

1 Timothy 2:12 has been the source of considerable controversy concerning gender equality. Certain Christian churches such as the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church use it as a justification to reject the ordination of women. A note on this text in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible says, "Not an absolute prohibition that applies in all circumstances, but one that excludes women from the teaching ministry exercised by ordained clergymen." The note cites 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and the 1976 document Inter Insigniores. Some theologians have interpreted this verse to mean that all women should be subordinate to all men, and others to mean women should not teach, pray, or speak in public. Tertullian and Cyprian held that neither virgins nor married women were permitted to baptize, nor could they hold active or teaching roles in Church assembly. John Chrysostom and Ambrosiaster held that such restrictions were applicable in order to maintain divine order.