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God's High Calling for Women
Women are not inferior to men—so why does the church sometimes treat women as less capable or valued than men? Women are told to be bold, assertive, independent, and competitive. They are expected to take leadership, exert authority, be bread-winners, and to single-handedly tackle all of life’s demands. God’s high calling for women in the church—a topic still relevant for today—is outlined in 1 Timothy 2:9-15 If followed, His plan results in blessing, unity, and glory for God. In God’s High Calling for Women , Dr. John MacArthur discusses important concerns for women in the church as outlined by the apostle Paul: their attitude, appearance, testimony, design and contribution. Complete with questions for review and thoughts for reflection at the end of each section, this thorough, insightful, yet concise study on the important and controversial subject of women in the church will serve as an excellent resource for personal or group study.
96 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 1987
75 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,928 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 21, 2017
Terrible. I wouldn't recommend that anyone waste their time on such a disappointing book.
This book is dire. Lots and lots about women should not do - no dressing like a prostitute at church, ladies, no going to church to find a man, no dressing like a prostitute at church, no authority, no dressing like a prostitute at church... about 25% of the book is spent on this.
So what is God's high calling for women, other than not wearing stripper shoes on a Sunday morning?
Apparently God's high calling for women is 'the role of subordination and subjection'. The arguments used by the author are so full of flaws and blatant, deliberate misreadings of Scripture that I find the book highly objectionable.
The author claims that 'when Eve stepped out from under the protection of Adam, she wad highly vulnerable and fell'. No. Eve was tempted by Satan and chose to disobey God. Genesis 3 makes it clear that conflict in the relationship between man and woman came as a result of the fall.
The argument that women should not prophesy in church begins with mentioning a Scriptural basis and then misinterpreting a whole lot of other Scripture. 'There were loads of women prophetesses in the Bible, but they don't count because they were women and women have never been prophetesses because only men get to do that!' It's not exactly the world's best argument. Why not just discuss the relevant passage in the NT and leave it at that?
I'm not a fan of Scripture being twisted to support an argument. Not everything needs to backed up with sixty different irrelevant quotations. I think the author needs to remember the story about the man who decided that he would live his life by the first verse he set eyes on when opening his eyes to a random page, and opened the Bible to 'he went and hanged himself'.
I'm also not a fan of 'here is a passage from 1 Corinthians. Odd numbered verses should be considered in light of the cultural traditions of the day, but even numbered verses should be taken literally'. Although there are many parts of the Bible where an understanding of the culture of the day does shed light on the Scripture in question, choosing whether or not to consider this based on whether or not it fits your argument gets you nowhere.
In summary, this book says almost nothing about God's high calling for women. It says a lot about what women shouldn't do (REMEMBER, NO PROSTITUTE DRESSES IN CHURCH) but pretty much nothing else (there is a very brief mention of the need for women to be well-educated in Scripture so that they can raise their children to know God's word, but this takes about a fifth of the time devoted to the no stripping in church thing).
TL;DR
Full of blatant misreadings of Scripture, and about as enlightening as a broken lightbulb. And remember: no dressing like a hooker in church.
I should make it clear that I'm not fundamentally opposed to much of what the author tries, and fails, to say. I actually agree that the New Testament teaches that women should not take on public preaching roles in church and that it is a blessing for a woman to be able to raise her children to know God and the Scriptures. I'm also pretty sure that church is not the place for dressing like a prostitute. I just have a really big problem with how MacArthur twists Scripture to the point where some of what he says (i.e. Eve fell because she disobeyed man, not because she disobeyed God) utterly contradicts the word of God.
This book is dire. Lots and lots about women should not do - no dressing like a prostitute at church, ladies, no going to church to find a man, no dressing like a prostitute at church, no authority, no dressing like a prostitute at church... about 25% of the book is spent on this.
So what is God's high calling for women, other than not wearing stripper shoes on a Sunday morning?
Apparently God's high calling for women is 'the role of subordination and subjection'. The arguments used by the author are so full of flaws and blatant, deliberate misreadings of Scripture that I find the book highly objectionable.
The author claims that 'when Eve stepped out from under the protection of Adam, she wad highly vulnerable and fell'. No. Eve was tempted by Satan and chose to disobey God. Genesis 3 makes it clear that conflict in the relationship between man and woman came as a result of the fall.
The argument that women should not prophesy in church begins with mentioning a Scriptural basis and then misinterpreting a whole lot of other Scripture. 'There were loads of women prophetesses in the Bible, but they don't count because they were women and women have never been prophetesses because only men get to do that!' It's not exactly the world's best argument. Why not just discuss the relevant passage in the NT and leave it at that?
I'm not a fan of Scripture being twisted to support an argument. Not everything needs to backed up with sixty different irrelevant quotations. I think the author needs to remember the story about the man who decided that he would live his life by the first verse he set eyes on when opening his eyes to a random page, and opened the Bible to 'he went and hanged himself'.
I'm also not a fan of 'here is a passage from 1 Corinthians. Odd numbered verses should be considered in light of the cultural traditions of the day, but even numbered verses should be taken literally'. Although there are many parts of the Bible where an understanding of the culture of the day does shed light on the Scripture in question, choosing whether or not to consider this based on whether or not it fits your argument gets you nowhere.
In summary, this book says almost nothing about God's high calling for women. It says a lot about what women shouldn't do (REMEMBER, NO PROSTITUTE DRESSES IN CHURCH) but pretty much nothing else (there is a very brief mention of the need for women to be well-educated in Scripture so that they can raise their children to know God's word, but this takes about a fifth of the time devoted to the no stripping in church thing).
TL;DR
Full of blatant misreadings of Scripture, and about as enlightening as a broken lightbulb. And remember: no dressing like a hooker in church.
I should make it clear that I'm not fundamentally opposed to much of what the author tries, and fails, to say. I actually agree that the New Testament teaches that women should not take on public preaching roles in church and that it is a blessing for a woman to be able to raise her children to know God and the Scriptures. I'm also pretty sure that church is not the place for dressing like a prostitute. I just have a really big problem with how MacArthur twists Scripture to the point where some of what he says (i.e. Eve fell because she disobeyed man, not because she disobeyed God) utterly contradicts the word of God.
November 4, 2012
I think my expectations from this book were much too high. I do not know about the other readers but what I retrieved from this book were two things: women are equal to men in Gods eyes and woman get to raise children as their service to God - something that has been known (rarely ever practiced) since Christ's time.
My issues is that the title of this book was to explain our high calling but John does not mention it at all until the final chapter. Also he never went deeper into the subject. What about women who have lost their husbands and have to work? What about woman who have careers and their husbands stay home with the kids?
My reason for being disappointed is that I was excited to see outside of the obvious-baring and raising children-what MacArthur would have to say about women's role in the church. Sadly this did not do that.
My issues is that the title of this book was to explain our high calling but John does not mention it at all until the final chapter. Also he never went deeper into the subject. What about women who have lost their husbands and have to work? What about woman who have careers and their husbands stay home with the kids?
My reason for being disappointed is that I was excited to see outside of the obvious-baring and raising children-what MacArthur would have to say about women's role in the church. Sadly this did not do that.
September 13, 2022
This is a great book for women whether single or married, young or old!! He does a wonderful job of breaking down specific passages relating to women and their role. It shows what a privelage it is to be a woman in accordance with our God-given role! In the course of it all he addresses all of the false teachings about the woman's role in true biblical fashion. This a must read!!
March 5, 2019
I must say I was VERY disappointed in this book. I have heard good things about MacArthur, and believe he is well-meaning. But I was seriously concerned with his method of interpreting scripture. I will admit there were some good points he made (like church is not the place advertise your body, and biblically-grounded women can have great influence over their children, etc) BUT...
Although the author at first seemed committed to getting his view straight from the scripture, when I got to his section on women and prophesy, alarms started going off. He attempts to argue that there is "no evidence of an ongoing prophetic ministry" by a woman in the bible. His support for this is to point out that no woman has "more than one" prophesy recorded. While technically true, this is a faulty argument. Especially since, at least in the case of "Hulda the prophetess" (2nd Chronicles 34), it is quite obvious that men of God, including the HIGH PRIEST, specifically sought out a woman to ask for a message from God. Why else would they go to her, if she had never prophesied before? It seems obvious she had a reputation already established as a prophetess.
Several of his other assumptions about the various biblical prophetesses also seem unsupported by scripture. Furthermore, he never even mentions the "virgin daughters" who prophesied in the new testament, nor the verses in Joel and Acts that specifically say "your sons and your DAUGHTERS shall prophesy."
I was saddened and disappointed to find he was apparently reading his view into scripture in this area instead of getting his view FROM scripture. We should be VERY careful putting limits and restrictions on how people can serve God, and do our utmost NOT to impose human-made rules. The fact that he seemed completely blind to the fact that he was twisting the scripture to get his view out of it in this area, made me rather suspicious of the rest of the book, even though there were parts of it I did agree with.
Although the author at first seemed committed to getting his view straight from the scripture, when I got to his section on women and prophesy, alarms started going off. He attempts to argue that there is "no evidence of an ongoing prophetic ministry" by a woman in the bible. His support for this is to point out that no woman has "more than one" prophesy recorded. While technically true, this is a faulty argument. Especially since, at least in the case of "Hulda the prophetess" (2nd Chronicles 34), it is quite obvious that men of God, including the HIGH PRIEST, specifically sought out a woman to ask for a message from God. Why else would they go to her, if she had never prophesied before? It seems obvious she had a reputation already established as a prophetess.
Several of his other assumptions about the various biblical prophetesses also seem unsupported by scripture. Furthermore, he never even mentions the "virgin daughters" who prophesied in the new testament, nor the verses in Joel and Acts that specifically say "your sons and your DAUGHTERS shall prophesy."
I was saddened and disappointed to find he was apparently reading his view into scripture in this area instead of getting his view FROM scripture. We should be VERY careful putting limits and restrictions on how people can serve God, and do our utmost NOT to impose human-made rules. The fact that he seemed completely blind to the fact that he was twisting the scripture to get his view out of it in this area, made me rather suspicious of the rest of the book, even though there were parts of it I did agree with.
August 6, 2025
Fun fact:
I'm writing my master's thesis on the biblical role of women in ministry. (Well, I still need to write my proposal and get it approved... but I'm hoping it will work out.) For the books I read in their entirety, I'll post a review with my reflections. Note that my thoughts on this topic are a work in progress, but I'm excited to develop what will hopefully be a well-informed viewpoint.
Review/Reflection:
I appreciate MacArthur's insistence on the value of women. He emphasizes multiple times that women are not inferior to men. The back of the book even says: "Women are NOT inferior to men — so why does the church sometimes treat women as less capable or valued than men? It shouldn't." What a great topic to tackle! I was excited to see how MacArthur would uplift the biblical role of women in the church, but it turns out I was misled. I wasn't excited for long.
Contrary to what the author writes initially, his true belief in the value of women is extremely limited. He sees it as played out in the home — and only in the home — in the roles of wife and mother. He has little to say to those women who are single, unable to have children, work outside the home, or are called by God to vocational ministry. The author suggests that in the church, "'in silence with all subjugation'... defines for us the woman's role" (p. 73). He uses Scripture to support his claims throughout the book, but the assumptions he makes reveal an unfortunate bias toward a low view of women. For example, he argues that "women in the Old Testament times did not serve as leaders," therefore, women should not serve as leaders in any capacity today (p. 38). This is clearly unfounded. He also acknowledges that women praying and prophesying was normative based on 1 Cor. 11, but assures the reader that this probably wasn't in a church context (that's awfully convenient for his viewpoint, isn't it?) so it doesn't count. Therefore, women shouldn't pray in church, but instead should acknowledge that "subordination is not punishment, but privilege" (p. 62). Yikes! And don't even get me started on how he interprets and applies Genesis 3...
Contrary to MacArthur's claims, Scripture upholds women as valuable contributors to the church (and society), not merely passive learners and receivers. Women can learn (this point is very important to the author), but women can also teach others what they learn — not because they selfishly desire power over men but because they love God and others. Women who are equipped to learn and teach benefit other women, men, and children alike within the God-given authority structure of the church. Sometimes this means women — although excluded from the role of pastor/elder — fill leadership roles to the glory of God. Although the author may think that women are hindered when they lead (p. 30), and are more content being subordinate (p. 77), Scripture and history tell a different story. It is the church that is hindered when women don't lead, especially when God has equipped them to do so.
Unfortunately, MacArthur is focused more on what women cannot do than what they can. What is God's high calling for women? And what is its purpose? Perhaps these answers can be found elsewhere, but they're not found here.
I'm writing my master's thesis on the biblical role of women in ministry. (Well, I still need to write my proposal and get it approved... but I'm hoping it will work out.) For the books I read in their entirety, I'll post a review with my reflections. Note that my thoughts on this topic are a work in progress, but I'm excited to develop what will hopefully be a well-informed viewpoint.
Review/Reflection:
I appreciate MacArthur's insistence on the value of women. He emphasizes multiple times that women are not inferior to men. The back of the book even says: "Women are NOT inferior to men — so why does the church sometimes treat women as less capable or valued than men? It shouldn't." What a great topic to tackle! I was excited to see how MacArthur would uplift the biblical role of women in the church, but it turns out I was misled. I wasn't excited for long.
Contrary to what the author writes initially, his true belief in the value of women is extremely limited. He sees it as played out in the home — and only in the home — in the roles of wife and mother. He has little to say to those women who are single, unable to have children, work outside the home, or are called by God to vocational ministry. The author suggests that in the church, "'in silence with all subjugation'... defines for us the woman's role" (p. 73). He uses Scripture to support his claims throughout the book, but the assumptions he makes reveal an unfortunate bias toward a low view of women. For example, he argues that "women in the Old Testament times did not serve as leaders," therefore, women should not serve as leaders in any capacity today (p. 38). This is clearly unfounded. He also acknowledges that women praying and prophesying was normative based on 1 Cor. 11, but assures the reader that this probably wasn't in a church context (that's awfully convenient for his viewpoint, isn't it?) so it doesn't count. Therefore, women shouldn't pray in church, but instead should acknowledge that "subordination is not punishment, but privilege" (p. 62). Yikes! And don't even get me started on how he interprets and applies Genesis 3...
Contrary to MacArthur's claims, Scripture upholds women as valuable contributors to the church (and society), not merely passive learners and receivers. Women can learn (this point is very important to the author), but women can also teach others what they learn — not because they selfishly desire power over men but because they love God and others. Women who are equipped to learn and teach benefit other women, men, and children alike within the God-given authority structure of the church. Sometimes this means women — although excluded from the role of pastor/elder — fill leadership roles to the glory of God. Although the author may think that women are hindered when they lead (p. 30), and are more content being subordinate (p. 77), Scripture and history tell a different story. It is the church that is hindered when women don't lead, especially when God has equipped them to do so.
Unfortunately, MacArthur is focused more on what women cannot do than what they can. What is God's high calling for women? And what is its purpose? Perhaps these answers can be found elsewhere, but they're not found here.
March 3, 2018
There are some books which I read that are just refreshing. This was one of those. Because I was brought up with Biblical teaching, there wasn’t anything new about Biblical womanhood presented in this book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed hearing the teachings that I know presented yet again, and in such a logical, educational fashion.
I listened to this book as an audiobook. It was about two hours, so I’m guessing it’s just a short booklet. The points in this book could be expounded upon, for sure, but as a quick overview of God’s role for that woman, Macarthur covered all of the main points. Because I listened to it, there were a few things brought out that I’m not sure I agree with 100% (mainly, it was the presentation, not the “doctrine”). He used various Bible translations and commentaries.
Several times, he would start a point and I would almost hold my breath to see how he expounded on the Scriptures. He very clearly pointed out some modern misconceptions and exegesis of the Scriptures (such as women should be in leadership). He presented the Scriptures as applicable today—which I greatly appreciate. Many women try to say, “That’s what it was for that culture.” MacArthur anticipated these arguments and gave historical background for the letters in the New Testament, and how they applied back then, and how they should apply today.
I really liked this book and definitely recommend it.
I listened to this book as an audiobook. It was about two hours, so I’m guessing it’s just a short booklet. The points in this book could be expounded upon, for sure, but as a quick overview of God’s role for that woman, Macarthur covered all of the main points. Because I listened to it, there were a few things brought out that I’m not sure I agree with 100% (mainly, it was the presentation, not the “doctrine”). He used various Bible translations and commentaries.
Several times, he would start a point and I would almost hold my breath to see how he expounded on the Scriptures. He very clearly pointed out some modern misconceptions and exegesis of the Scriptures (such as women should be in leadership). He presented the Scriptures as applicable today—which I greatly appreciate. Many women try to say, “That’s what it was for that culture.” MacArthur anticipated these arguments and gave historical background for the letters in the New Testament, and how they applied back then, and how they should apply today.
I really liked this book and definitely recommend it.
September 6, 2018
A short and succinct commentary on 1 Tim. 2:9-15. I went into the book expecting to disagree with MacArthur and ready to rip into the book. As I read on I realized I actually agreed with him and enjoyed his consistent encouragement for women, reminding us of our worth and uniqueness. My two complaints are his lack of candor and gentleness in speaking about mothers (could make a single woman feel like she’s missing out on our “biggest blessing”), and his poignant lack of footnotes.
February 9, 2022
The high calling for women is to be mothers Mr MacArthur says. I would agree if this were a book written to mothers. But as a childless women (who is without children because of the failures of my body to produce children) I want to know still, what is my high calling?
I imagine all single women think this as well, as I often thought it as a single women.
What is the women role when she has no man to serve and no children to teach? That is what I want to know...
I agree with the Bible, but I was hoping MacArthur's explanation would be more...atainable.
As disappointed as I was with the conclusion, there is lots of Biblical truth here and it's an ok book if you want to know the historical context of the New Testament.
As a women who has the gift of teaching and no children to teach, however, I feel more silenced and more barren.
I imagine all single women think this as well, as I often thought it as a single women.
What is the women role when she has no man to serve and no children to teach? That is what I want to know...
I agree with the Bible, but I was hoping MacArthur's explanation would be more...atainable.
As disappointed as I was with the conclusion, there is lots of Biblical truth here and it's an ok book if you want to know the historical context of the New Testament.
As a women who has the gift of teaching and no children to teach, however, I feel more silenced and more barren.
January 2, 2021
I’d be embarrassed to recommend this book to anyone. Especially a woman new to the faith. How demoralizing it would be.
Not to point out how off base it is. Scripture twisted to fit the author’s viewpoint for sure. I think the only thing I agreed with is, Yes, absolutely you should not dress like a prostitute when going to church. But if a woman was dressed that way, we should have open arms welcoming her. Isn’t that what the church is for, to bring sinners to Christ?
As I was reading this book, all I could think of is the numerous women of faith leaders who have tremendously impacted the kingdom of God through their public teaching and leadership roles.
What a disturbing and disappointing read!
Not to point out how off base it is. Scripture twisted to fit the author’s viewpoint for sure. I think the only thing I agreed with is, Yes, absolutely you should not dress like a prostitute when going to church. But if a woman was dressed that way, we should have open arms welcoming her. Isn’t that what the church is for, to bring sinners to Christ?
As I was reading this book, all I could think of is the numerous women of faith leaders who have tremendously impacted the kingdom of God through their public teaching and leadership roles.
What a disturbing and disappointing read!
November 27, 2022
God's High Calling For Women, while a short read, held a lot of truths and helped to shine light on this topic. I liked how Scripture was quoted and that it outlined the different roles for men and women in the church. Great read.
March 6, 2023
This is a short book that is packed with wonderful insight. I have read several books regarding the biblical role of women and I found this one to be my favorite. I especially enjoyed his background regarding Ephesus and the culture and how it relates to 1 Timothy.
July 8, 2023
MacArthur is one of my favorite pastors and while I agree with this book I found it to be a little repetitive. it focused too much on how women cannot preach and not enough on what God has called women to be able to do.
January 29, 2018
This book is mostly about the biblical view of a women's role within the church.
September 10, 2020
I think the title says it all!
April 24, 2025
This was more what women should NOT do, not what our higher calling is. It really let my expectations down.
August 5, 2025
Read this in honor of the passing of John MacArthur - basically four sermons about women, their role in the church and the world.
Read
July 16, 2024I still believe God has different purposes for both men and women. This has become more and more unpopular in current opinion. But I think it is good to understand things according to God's plan.
March 26, 2021
While I have a fairly conservative view on the role/calling of women compared to many within the church and world today, I found MacArthur's viewpoint rather narrow. I think he has some good things to say, but often comes off as condescending. The books title is "God's High Calling for Women" but MacArthur spends more time talking about what women should NOT do and how they should dress, than he does actually talking about what God has designed for the role of women and how that calling is beautiful and fulfilling. The book as a whole was repetitive and choppy--a good editor and reformatting would go a long way in making this a better book.
December 19, 2022
This is just a skimming of some of the subject matter. While other books hold more help toward what it means to give one's self to womanhood, this book helped with the historical and biblical context of Paul's letters to Timothy. Thankful! I definitely learned a few things.
Looking for a book more geared towards being a woman in the general/practical things of life, read "Eve In Exile". It's fantastic.
Looking for a book more geared towards being a woman in the general/practical things of life, read "Eve In Exile". It's fantastic.
October 8, 2022
So disappointing that the book didn't offer what its title promises to do. Besides all the many "thou shalt not", there isn't much to it. The theology is skewed, the only good thing in it was some bits of informative history here and there. In case you're wondering if I'm a feminist who wants women preaching and so forth, I am not - it's just that it's impossible to agree with this author in many points.
March 22, 2024
Reading as part of a study about egalitarian and complementarian views….it is obvious that John is pretty smug and has some pre-suppositions that he doesn’t question from the very first paragraph.
Also, coming from a man who allows abuse in his church, and dis-fellowships women who decide to part ways with their physically and sexually abusive husbands , I don’t think I take his opinion about women seriously. It is not “high calling “ for women ,
Also, coming from a man who allows abuse in his church, and dis-fellowships women who decide to part ways with their physically and sexually abusive husbands , I don’t think I take his opinion about women seriously. It is not “high calling “ for women ,
October 14, 2015
Concise. Easy to read and use as a reference because the book compiles major passages about women's roles. Could be used as a "primer" because it introduces passages that should be explored more in personal study.
February 13, 2019
The contents and the title were a mismatch.
January 26, 2023
Very thorough Biblical analysis of God's high calling for women. This is very much worth the hour and a half listen to get a better picture of God's view not the "politically correct" view.
October 5, 2021
Loved this short book by John MacArthur! I was encouraged afresh to live out Biblical womanhood in a society that considers these important aspects of a woman's life to be a thing of the past. Truth is eternal, and therefore our calling is unchanged from the very time the Holy Spirit carried along Paul to write the book of Titus and every other Scriptural passage that provides us a clear picture of our calling as Christian women. In a post-modern society that does not believe in any substance of standard, calling or truth, we need this reminder now more than ever--God's plan and high calling for women is the most excellent destiny possible for the lives of every female believer.
MacArthur's tone is both uncompromising and friendly; tender and bold. I felt as though I was seated at Grace Community Church having these words proclaimed to me from the pulpit. MacArthur does well in explaining, particularly at the beginning of the book, how feminism has drastically changed our world in ways we do not even fully grasp because of how deeply etched it is into many parts of our society. He urges us to leave behind such worldly and godless movements and to embrace instead our beautiful calling from God, clearly laid out in scripture. As a college aged woman, I absolutely do not hear this message often enough. I am immensely grateful MacArthur made sure this sermon series was also published in book form. I applaud him for this solid, Biblical and engaging book.
MacArthur's tone is both uncompromising and friendly; tender and bold. I felt as though I was seated at Grace Community Church having these words proclaimed to me from the pulpit. MacArthur does well in explaining, particularly at the beginning of the book, how feminism has drastically changed our world in ways we do not even fully grasp because of how deeply etched it is into many parts of our society. He urges us to leave behind such worldly and godless movements and to embrace instead our beautiful calling from God, clearly laid out in scripture. As a college aged woman, I absolutely do not hear this message often enough. I am immensely grateful MacArthur made sure this sermon series was also published in book form. I applaud him for this solid, Biblical and engaging book.
September 5, 2020
2.5 stars
I am sad to say that I was disappointed in this book. I have read a few books by MacArthur before and found them to be educational and inspirational. This one let me down. There were some sections that I felt were very well done, had some good things to say and I had no problems with, but others were built on faulty reasoning and in disregard of those scriptures that could be used to contradict his conclusion. On top of that it basically comes down to single woman and motherless woman having no calling/ role within the church (unless you count learning as a role). On top of all that, there was a surprising lack of depth on the topic itself. What I mean is he didn't go into what roles we can fill in the church (apart from being mothers), like children's ministry or hospitality or evangelism or cleaning services etc. He primarily focused on what woman are not supposed to do: lead, preach, teach, etc.
I am glad that I read this book for some of the research he includes for the background and context of the time 1 Timothy was written in, but can't say that it has done anything else for me.
I would not recommend this book for single woman or motherless woman because I fear they will come away feeling discouraged and could perhaps hinder their relationship with God rather than aiding it.
I am sad to say that I was disappointed in this book. I have read a few books by MacArthur before and found them to be educational and inspirational. This one let me down. There were some sections that I felt were very well done, had some good things to say and I had no problems with, but others were built on faulty reasoning and in disregard of those scriptures that could be used to contradict his conclusion. On top of that it basically comes down to single woman and motherless woman having no calling/ role within the church (unless you count learning as a role). On top of all that, there was a surprising lack of depth on the topic itself. What I mean is he didn't go into what roles we can fill in the church (apart from being mothers), like children's ministry or hospitality or evangelism or cleaning services etc. He primarily focused on what woman are not supposed to do: lead, preach, teach, etc.
I am glad that I read this book for some of the research he includes for the background and context of the time 1 Timothy was written in, but can't say that it has done anything else for me.
I would not recommend this book for single woman or motherless woman because I fear they will come away feeling discouraged and could perhaps hinder their relationship with God rather than aiding it.
June 23, 2023
Main Point: John MacArthur lays out the biblical role of women in the church. He explains it clearly and thoughtfully, highlighting Paul's points to the churches in Ephesus and Corinth, while also tying it into today's standards. The biggest point he draws out is Satan's handiwork in twisting and diluting what scripture explicitly states.
Thoughts on Book: I loved that he broke down the verses and really exegeted it all. It made it very clear as to what Paul was writing in his letter to Timothy. It was also nice to have study questions at the end of each chapter and reflection for both men and women. This tells me he wrote it for all Christians to read and learn from.
Favorite Quote: "Women must stop believing the devil's lie that the only role of significance is that of leadership. People usually desire places of prominence - not to humbly serve others, but to boost their own egos and gain power and control. Leaders, however, bear a heavy burden and responsibility, and the subordinate role is often one of greater peace and happiness. Subordination is not punishment but privilege." P. 62
Thoughts on Book: I loved that he broke down the verses and really exegeted it all. It made it very clear as to what Paul was writing in his letter to Timothy. It was also nice to have study questions at the end of each chapter and reflection for both men and women. This tells me he wrote it for all Christians to read and learn from.
Favorite Quote: "Women must stop believing the devil's lie that the only role of significance is that of leadership. People usually desire places of prominence - not to humbly serve others, but to boost their own egos and gain power and control. Leaders, however, bear a heavy burden and responsibility, and the subordinate role is often one of greater peace and happiness. Subordination is not punishment but privilege." P. 62
June 25, 2023
With recent events in the SBC, I thought now might be a good time to reread this book. Full disclosure, I believe the Bible to be clear that the office of pastor/elder should be held by men only. What I disagree with, however, is the mentality that marriage and child-bearing is the highest calling for a woman. I’ve seen first-hand how that kind of focus can push can lead a whole generation of single females to feel shame and doubt that God could use them because they are not married. I do not think that single females in the church who want to be married someday are “a potential danger to the purity of the church” as MacArthur would claim.
I appreciate the reminders for humility and seeking to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. I just think this book (and those who would perpetuate this mentality) are missing out on the opportunity to help these sisters in Christ to develop their gifts and helping them to be able to serve in the local body. Our priority should be seeking to humbly serve the Lord with the gifts He’s given, whether married or single. It’s not something that can’t be accomplished without marriage or without having kids.
I appreciate the reminders for humility and seeking to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. I just think this book (and those who would perpetuate this mentality) are missing out on the opportunity to help these sisters in Christ to develop their gifts and helping them to be able to serve in the local body. Our priority should be seeking to humbly serve the Lord with the gifts He’s given, whether married or single. It’s not something that can’t be accomplished without marriage or without having kids.
September 2, 2025
I wish this book went deeper. It mostly stayed in 1 Timothy 2 and drew out ideas revolving around Paul's writing.
For example: How you dress. Is my reason for what I wear to glorify God? While in the grand scheme of things what I wear isn't a sin, but if what I wear is intended for evil, well then God sees that as evil.
A cool concept he went into was that role reversal in society is a high priority for Satan, and women end up being the victims of it. With society now saying women need to fill so many different hats, we can lose our purpose and villanize God's good design, which was actually made for us to flourish.
There was a section of women in the church leadership, and again I wish he went deeper. Although, he went into detail about the burdon of leadership and the responsibility, as well as historical peices of information for Paul's writing to Timothy. While I am still wrestling, this quote absolutely cooked me. "Subordination is not punishment, but privilege." Convicting? Sure, but a blessing? Absolutely.
The book feels controversial, but I'd say a good intro book in helping to digest the more controversial parts of scripture about women.
For example: How you dress. Is my reason for what I wear to glorify God? While in the grand scheme of things what I wear isn't a sin, but if what I wear is intended for evil, well then God sees that as evil.
A cool concept he went into was that role reversal in society is a high priority for Satan, and women end up being the victims of it. With society now saying women need to fill so many different hats, we can lose our purpose and villanize God's good design, which was actually made for us to flourish.
There was a section of women in the church leadership, and again I wish he went deeper. Although, he went into detail about the burdon of leadership and the responsibility, as well as historical peices of information for Paul's writing to Timothy. While I am still wrestling, this quote absolutely cooked me. "Subordination is not punishment, but privilege." Convicting? Sure, but a blessing? Absolutely.
The book feels controversial, but I'd say a good intro book in helping to digest the more controversial parts of scripture about women.
August 13, 2018
This book was so much smaller than what I was expecting, but don’t let that deceive the reader because it is hard hitting and fast. Pay attention or you’ll miss so much good insight.
My favorite chapter was probably the last one because it really honed in on an idea I hadn’t thought of before, that which is this. Eve’s fall is mankind’s chance at redemption at a more godly and holier life because of the godly women who raise us.
A very quick read, but I say, take your time with the chapters. My only complaint is that I felt it ended abruptly. But that is such a small potato compared to the meat of the book. I imagine I’ll come back to this book even so often to reread it.
My favorite chapter was probably the last one because it really honed in on an idea I hadn’t thought of before, that which is this. Eve’s fall is mankind’s chance at redemption at a more godly and holier life because of the godly women who raise us.
A very quick read, but I say, take your time with the chapters. My only complaint is that I felt it ended abruptly. But that is such a small potato compared to the meat of the book. I imagine I’ll come back to this book even so often to reread it.
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