The following Question and Answer was adapted from John MacArthur's book, The Master’s Plan for the Church, 189-90.  ©1991 by John MacArthur. All Rights Reserved.

Question

What does the Bible say about women elders?

Answer

The Bible makes no provision for women to serve as elders. First Timothy 2:11-12 says “Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.” In the church women are to be under the authority of the elders, excluded from teaching men or holding positions of authority over them.

The reason women must submit to the leadership of men is not cultural, nor does it reflect a Pauline prejudice, as some claim. Rather, it is rooted in the order of creation: “For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve” (v. 13). The Fall of man confirmed that order: “And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression” (v. 14).

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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