From where does the teaching on women in ministry come? First off, since I know this may be a somewhat controversial question in today's climate, let me just state that I'm not intending to take any part in that controversy. I'm just asking this question because I'm curious.

The position of scripture on women being ordained seems to be quite clear. I guess 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12 are the most well-known examples.

What I'm wondering is how this teaching originated. Unless I'm wrong, it is mainly the apostles who speak about it, rather than Christ himself, or for that matter the prophets, and I haven't been able to find any source in the old testament in general. Certainly, it's not like I think that the apostles just made it up of their own volition, either.

Is it part of pre-existing Jewish law, quite simply? If that is so, how come it doesn't seem to be mentioned in the old testament? Was it simply so "obvious" at the time that there was felt no need to codify it, or did the law evolve between the relevant writings of the old testament and the time of Christ? Also, has it ever been considered by any ecumenical council (or other church authority) to have been abrogated by the new covenant? (I'm thinking that if it was considered a specifically Jewish law, then it might have been considered.)

One specific thing I'm having a hard time comprehending is the seeming conflict with the fact that there have been women who have been considered prophets and saints. If women can be bestowed with such authority, how come that priesthood is considered completely beyond them?

Keep in mind that what I'm asking about is primarily about women in ministry, not "women's rights in the Bible" as some more general question.
This appears to be a Jewish tradition rather than any precept of God, since the only Biblical reference I can find is in Paul's letter to Timothy:

1st Timothy 2:11 through 15  KJV


  Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 


Since Paul was a well schooled Pharisee, this might be a hold over concept from those teachings. Before the time of Jesus the Sanhedrin had so polluted Judaism, that many of the stringent restrictions were the ideas included at the desire of Religious leadership.

Some Denominations today hold on to this concept because it was espoused by Paul.