If We Are All One In Jesus Christ, Why Then Do Men Want To Silence Women? Why Are We Treated Insignificantly From A Biblical Perspective?

# **If We Are All One in Jesus Christ, Why Then Do Men Want to Silence Women?**

### **Why Are Women Treated Insignificantly from a Biblical Perspective?**

## **Introduction**

Galatians 3:28 states, *“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”* This powerful verse makes it clear that in Christ, all believers—men and women—are equal in spiritual worth. However, despite this truth, history and culture have often placed women in positions of inferiority, both in society and within the church. Many men, even those in religious circles, continue to suppress women’s voices, limiting their roles in leadership, teaching, and decision-making.

The question arises: If we are all one in Jesus, why do some men insist on silencing women? Why are women treated as if they are less significant when the Bible itself provides numerous examples of strong, wise, and godly women who contributed greatly to God’s work? This article will explore these questions, examining historical, cultural, and biblical perspectives to uncover the truth about women’s roles in faith and society.

---

## **Why Do Some Men Want to Silence Women?**

### **1. Misinterpretation of Biblical Passages**

One of the primary reasons women have been silenced is the misunderstanding and misapplication of certain Bible verses. Two commonly cited passages are:

- **1 Corinthians 14:34-35** – *“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.”*

- **1 Timothy 2:12** – *“I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.”*

At first glance, these verses seem to prohibit women from speaking in church or holding positions of authority. However, when studied in their proper context, they do not suggest a universal, timeless ban on women’s voices.

- In **1 Corinthians 11:5**, Paul acknowledges that women *do* pray and prophesy in church, meaning that their speaking is not inherently wrong. The instruction in chapter 14 is likely addressing a specific issue in the Corinthian church where women were disrupting services with questions or chatter.

- In **1 Timothy 2**, Paul was dealing with false teaching in Ephesus, where untrained individuals—both men and women—were spreading incorrect doctrines. His instruction was not about permanent silencing but about proper learning before teaching.

Thus, these passages have been misused to suppress women rather than to guide them in wisdom and proper instruction.

### **2. Cultural Traditions and Patriarchy**

Throughout history, most societies have been patriarchal, meaning men have traditionally held positions of power and authority while women were expected to submit and remain silent. Many early church leaders and theologians were influenced by these societal norms, which shaped their interpretation of Scripture.

For example, in ancient Jewish culture, women were rarely educated in religious matters, which contributed to the belief that they should not teach. Similarly, in Greco-Roman society, women were often viewed as intellectually and morally weaker than men. These cultural biases seeped into church doctrine, reinforcing male dominance rather than reflecting the true biblical model of equality in Christ.

### **3. Fear of Losing Control**

Some men fear that if women are given equal voices in the church, home, and society, they will lose their traditional authority. This fear is rooted in insecurity rather than biblical truth.

A true leader does not silence others to maintain control but encourages wisdom and participation from all members of the body of Christ. In fact, men who feel threatened by a woman’s voice should examine whether their leadership is based on God’s calling or personal pride.

### **4. Misunderstanding Biblical Submission**

Many men believe that because Ephesians 5:22 says, *“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord,”* women should always be passive and silent. However, this verse is often quoted out of context.

- **Ephesians 5:21** states, *“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”*

- **Ephesians 5:25** commands husbands, *“Love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”*

Biblical submission is not about oppression or silence—it is about mutual respect and sacrificial love. Husbands are called to lead by serving, just as Jesus led by serving His people. A husband who silences his wife is not following Christ’s example.

---

## **Why Are Women Treated as Insignificant?**

### **1. Overlooked Biblical Examples of Strong Women**

Despite attempts to minimize their significance, the Bible is filled with examples of women who played critical roles in God’s plan:

- **Deborah (Judges 4-5)** – A prophetess and judge who led Israel in battle and guided the nation with wisdom.

- **Esther (Book of Esther)** – A queen who used her voice to save the Jewish people from destruction.

- **Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)** – The first person to witness and proclaim Jesus’ resurrection.

- **Priscilla (Acts 18:26)** – A teacher who, along with her husband, instructed Apollos, a man, in the way of God.

These women were not insignificant—they were powerful instruments of God’s will.

### **2. The Influence of Human Sin and Pride**

The oppression of women is not from God; it is a result of sin. In Genesis 3:16, after the fall, God tells Eve, *“Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”* This was not a divine command for male dominance but a description of the brokenness that sin would bring into human relationships.

Jesus came to restore what was broken. His treatment of women—teaching them (Luke 10:38-42), defending them (John 8:1-11), and commissioning them (Matthew 28:10)—demonstrates that He did not see women as insignificant but as valuable members of God’s kingdom.

### **3. The Failure of Some Churches to Embrace Biblical Equality**

Unfortunately, some churches still adhere to outdated views that minimize women’s contributions. They limit women to children’s ministry or hospitality roles while reserving teaching, preaching, and leadership for men. This is not reflective of God’s will but of human traditions.

Paul himself acknowledges the work of women in ministry:

- **Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2)** was a deacon.

- **Junia (Romans 16:7)** was called “outstanding among the apostles.”

- **Lydia (Acts 16:14-15)** was a successful businesswoman who helped establish the church in Philippi.

If these women were significant in biblical times, why should women today be treated differently?

---

## **Conclusion**

If we are truly one in Christ, there is no justification for silencing women or treating them as insignificant. The suppression of women’s voices is rooted in cultural traditions, fear, misinterpretation of Scripture, and human pride—not in the teachings of Jesus.

The Bible provides numerous examples of strong, wise women who contributed to God’s work. Jesus Himself elevated and empowered women, proving that their voices matter. It is time for the church and society to recognize the God-given value of women and embrace their contributions in the home, church, and community.

God’s kingdom thrives when both men and women work together in unity, as equal heirs of His promises. Instead of silencing women, we should encourage them to speak, lead, and fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives.