I Timothy 2:12

usurp authority--"to lord it over the man" [ALFORD], literally, "to be an autocrat."

In this chapter Paul treats, I. Of prayer, with many reasons for it (Ti1 2:1-8). II. Of women's apparel (Ti1 2:9, Ti1 2:10). III. Of their subjection, with the reasons of it (Ti1 2:11-14). IV. A promise given for their encouragement in child-bearing (Ti1 2:15).

2:12 teach men or have authority over them: The relationship between teaching and authority depends on how both are understood. Women did teach (Titus 2:3-5), but there are no clear New Testament examples or endorsements of women teaching men in church meetings (cp. Acts 18:26; 1 Cor 14:34-35; Phil 4:3). We know it was happening in some of the churches only by way of Paul’s opposing responses. Women did prophesy (Acts 2:17-18; 21:9; 1 Cor 11:5), but some types of prophecy might not have been seen as authoritative teaching (Acts 11:28; 21:10-11; 1 Cor 14:29). • have authority over them (or usurp their authority): This verb can denote either a domineering attitude or simply the exercise of authority.