John Calvin Commentary 1 Timothy 2:12

"But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness." — 1 Timothy 2:12 (ASV)

But I suffer not a woman to teach. He does not mean by this that he takes from them the responsibility of instructing their own family, but only excludes them from the office of teaching, which God has committed to men only. On this subject, we have explained our views in our exposition of the First Epistle to the Corinthians.

If anyone brings forward, as an objection, Deborah (Judges 4:4) and others of the same class, about whom we read that they were at one time appointed by God’s command to govern the people, the answer is easy. Extraordinary acts done by God do not overturn the ordinary rules of government, by which He intended that we should be bound.

Accordingly, if women at one time held the office of prophets and teachers, and that, too, when they were supernaturally called to it by the Spirit of God, He who is above all law might do this. However, being a special case, this is not opposed to the constant and ordinary system of government.

He adds—what is closely related to the office of teaching—and not to assume authority over the man; for the very reason they are forbidden to teach is that it is not permitted by their position. They are subject, and teaching implies the rank of power or authority.

Yet it might be thought that there is not great force in this argument, because even prophets and teachers are subject to kings and other magistrates. I reply that there is no absurdity in the same person both commanding and obeying, when viewed in different relations.

But this does not apply to the case of woman, who by nature (that is, by the ordinary law of God) is formed to obey. For γυναικοκρατία (the government of women) has always been regarded by all wise persons as a monstrous thing; and therefore, so to speak, it would be a mingling of heaven and earth if women were to usurp the right to teach. Accordingly, he instructs them to be quiet, that is, to keep within their own rank.