An Exegesis of I Timothy 2:11-15 and its Relation to the CHE Statement: "The Role of Man and Woman According to Holy Scripture"

Abstract

Mark Braun’s 1981 essay, An Exegesis of I Timothy 2:11–15 and Its Relation to the CHE Statement, offers a detailed linguistic and theological analysis of a key passage concerning the roles of men and women in the church. Braun examines the Greek terms hupotassō (submission) and authenteō (authority), arguing that Paul’s instructions reflect a divinely instituted order rooted in creation, not cultural context or punishment for sin. He critiques alternative interpretations, including those suggesting Paul’s words apply only to married women or to women teaching false doctrine. Braun defends the CHE Statement’s position that headship and subordination are part of God’s moral order for all human society, not just the church or marriage. He concludes that while Scripture offers broad principles rather than detailed prescriptions, the church must apply these principles faithfully in a changing world, resisting both legalism and cultural relativism. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)