The Pastoral Epistles (1-2 Timothy, Titus) Theme of Gender

Paul once wrote, "There is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

The Pastor has some different ideas.

He sees men's and women's roles in the community as distinct and different. Because he's all about keeping order and being respectable, a lot of his advice falls in line with traditional gender roles of the time. Don't worry, ladies. Equality would come eventually. It would just take a couple thousand years.

Questions About Gender

  1. Do you think the Pastor is misogynistic? Or is he just a product of his time? Or…both?
  2. Why is the running of a household so important for the Pastor? What would happen if wives took charge and husbands submitted?
  3. How does the Pastor's advice for men and women still impact us today?