Women in the Church (Third Edition) [eBook]

An Interpretation and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15

The role of women in the church is highly debated, with Christians on all sides using Paul’s teachings in 1 Timothy to justify their positions. Now in its third edition, this classic book edited by Andreas J. Kostenberger and Thomas R. Schreiner offers serious students of the Bible a robust exegesis of 1 Timothy 2:9-15, looking at the passage’s historical background, syntax, grammar, and enduring significance. Featuring updated information and fresh contributions based on the latest research—including an in-depth discussion of the meaning of the phrase “exercise authority”—this volume stands as the most comprehensive exploration of this contested passage to date.

Andreas J. Kostenberger (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior research professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is a distinguished evangelical scholar and editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. His books include The Heresy of Orthodoxy and God, Marriage, and Family.

Thomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is the James Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous scholarly articles and books, including a commentary on the book of Romans, Interpreting the Pauline Epistles, and Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ.

“A pivotal text behind a major problem deserves a major book. The pivotal text is 1 Timothy 2:9–15. The major problem is how men and women relate to each other in teaching and leading the Christian church. And the major book is Women in the Church. There is none more thorough or careful or balanced or biblical. The appearance of a third edition is added confirmation of the book’s abiding value.”
—John Piper, Founder, desiringGod.org; Chancellor, Bethlehem College and Seminary

“In an age when ideological dogmatism and sheer speculative fancy often displace sober exegesis, it is refreshing to read a book that tries to wrestle with what the text is saying without cleverly domesticating it. This book needs to be read by all sides in the current controversy.”
—D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Cofounder, The Gospel Coalition

“Read it to the end! These chapters unfold the biblical text in depth; they connect us with a world of scholars on all sides; and they interact with a rapidly growing layer of women’s voices writing and speaking on the subject. I’m thankful for a book focused both on academic precision and on loving care for the church, Christ’s bride.”
—Kathleen B. Nielson, Director of Women’s Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition

“The third edition of this outstanding volume of integrated essays about the ministry of women in the Christian church (particularly in relation to 1 Timothy 2) is the most comprehensive treatment to date on the subject. At significant points this series of grammatical, linguistic, exegetical, hermeneutical, and theological essays takes us beyond earlier editions and makes a fresh contribution to our knowledge. The contributors have interacted extensively and courteously with contemporary scholarship as they have sought to grapple with the teaching of God’s Word on this vital issue of women’s ministry and to work through some of its implications. Highly recommended.”
—Peter T. O’Brien, Former Vice-Principal and Senior Research Fellow and Emeritus Faculty Member, Moore Theological College, Australia

“In an age when assertions abound concerning the meaning of this text, the contributors have not only presented the most thoroughgoing and decisive case for the traditional view of 1 Timothy 2:9–15 now available but have also provided a handbook of solid interpretive methodology. Whether or not one agrees with their conclusions, the reader will find the issues clarified, the evidence evaluated, and the text carefully analyzed and applied. I heartily recommend this book to all who are willing to confront and be confronted by the biblical text once again.”
—Scott J. Hafemann, Reader in New Testament, University of St. Andrews