Bible Study Seattle

Two passages:

“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.  For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.” 1 Timothy 2:12-14

“As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.  Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.”  1 Timothy 5:11-12

The first passage has often been used to limit women’s role in church.  The second seems to be saying that’s young widow’s who desire a husband are forfeiting Christianity.  But look at the Revised English Version’s translations:

“I do not permit a woman to teach that she is the originator of man, rather she is not to cause a disturbance.  For Adam was first formed, then Eve, and Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being thoroughly deceived, fell into transgression.”

“Buy younger women refuse, for when they have sensual desires contrary to Christ, they desire to marry, incurring judgment because the have rejected their first pledge.”

Much more reasonable!