The Bible And Women

Paul reminds Timothy about his mother’s and grandmother’s attitude toward Scripture and their skill in studying, understanding, and applying it. He wrote the well-known verses about all Scripture being inspired by God and “profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness,” to make us competent and equipped for every good work, in the context of the outstanding job that Eunice and Lois did equipping Timothy (2Tm 3:14-17). These two women did not disregard, disrespect, or deride the Bible. They held it in highest esteem.

In order to influence for Christ those who are in our relational sphere, women need to have the same regard for Scripture that Eunice and Lois had. We need to be students of the Bible and diligently study it, so we can correctly teach the word of truth (2Tm 2:15). “Correctly teaching” (Gk orthotomounta; “cutting straight, holding a straight course, doing right, rightly dividing”) suggests the imagery of a farmer cutting a straight furrow, a builder cutting a stone, or a tentmaker cutting the cloth. Precise, faultless workmanship is indicated. Women have a responsibility to develop their ability to handle Scripture correctly. Those who fail to do this are susceptible to error (2Tm 3:6). Women who highly esteem the Bible and have a good grasp of doctrine will be able to “teach what is good” and will have a tremendous impact in mentoring their children and friends in the ways of the Lord (Ti 2:3-4).