Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Timothy 2:11

"Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection." — 1 Timothy 2:11 (ASV)

Let the woman learn in silence.—The thought of public ministry is still in the Apostle’s mind when he gives this instruction. The very questioning on difficult points is forbidden them at the public assembly (1 Corinthians 14:35). So averse was St. Paul to anything which might mar the quiet solemnity of these meetings for prayer, praise, and authoritative instruction.

This prohibition for Christian women to speak publicly in assemblies for prayer and praise was renewed in the North African Church at the Council of Carthage, held AD 398. The same Council, however, specifically permitted women to teach those of their own sex in private; indeed, the power to teach “ignorant and rustic women” was required as one qualification for deaconesses. The employment of deaconesses as private instructors seems to have been the custom generally in the Eastern Churches.