The Headship of Man

Steven F. Deaton

Our society routinely rejects the idea that man is the head of the woman, contrary to Bible teaching.

The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” Some will say that man’s position as head of the woman degrades and demeans the woman. If that is so, then does God’s headship over Christ degrade and demean our Lord? Headship is not a matter of worthiness or intelligence; rather it is a matter of authority. The Lord has ordained that man is head of his wife. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body” (Eph 5:22-23).

There are many religious people who will affirm the above, but will deny what Paul said in regard to the relationship of men and women in the church. “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim 2:11-12). Many denominations permit women to publicly teach mixed audiences. Such is a violation of God’s will, just as much as the wife being the head of the husband. Man is given the leadership position because Adam was formed first and woman was deceived in the garden (1 Tim 2:13-14). That’s what the Bible teaches.