What does Paul expect when he commands Women to “learn quietly with all submissiveness” and what does that mean for the Church? The Apostle, and God Himself, expects that female Christians humbly and longingly live out their dependence on the Lord by confessing their ignorance and obeying the wisdom of the Church, which herself—the Bride of Christ—embodies in her submission to Jesus her husband. This may seem like we should consider this “common sense Christianity”, but it is far from it, at least in practice. First, women learning assumes that they recognize their lack of knowledge and wisdom. Second, it likewise takes for granted that women will prioritize the ongoing pursuit of knowledge of God and wisdom—that such a pursuit is not a male-specific imperative. Third, in context, that they would seek knowledge and wisdom in the divinely organized Church. This isn’t simply independent study for spiritual enrichment but the means that Holy Spirit uses to sanctify them, which is necessary, and their siblings in Christ. Fourth, that they would learn quietly, that is without a fuss. This does not mean that they are not to make any noise when learning, or ask questions, or anything like that, but that they learn expecting to receive the truth and value it far above godl and silver. Fifth, they learn in submission, that is, they learn in order to live by it. Female Christians should not learn simply to have something to put down on the test or out of religious or social obligation, but out of a conviction that we human beings and the people around us need the knowledge and wisdom of God for the best life—and they want nothing more than the life that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has for them. Sixth, it also assumes that there will be things that they, by nature or nurture, do not like or want in the Gospel, but that they will be conformed to it for their salvation and the glory of God regardless. And this is where we find the application for the whole Church, the Bride of Christ: what women do as a class must be done by the collective Body, both local and catholic, including her men who teach and rule over her as undershepherds of the Great Shepherd.

APPLICATION

1. Sisters, actively and joyfully pursue the knowledge of God in His Church.

2. Brothers, do likewise, so that you may righteously teach and rule.