5 of the Most Controversial Verses in the Bible

1. Ephesians 5:21-23

Churches vary in their interpretation of this passage of Scripture. While more conservative churches believe that women should be submissive to their husbands within the family dynamic, it is important to note the verse before Paul's instructions to husbands and wives. It says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." 

In marriages, it is necessary for a husband to submit to his wife just as it is for a wife to submit to her husband. For a husband and wife to co-exist and have a healthy marriage dynamic, there are times when one must submit to the other. In this passage, Paul calls the wife to be the one to submit. However, there are times when the wife is right, and the husband will decide to submit to her. When that happens, the wife maintains the leadership role in that scenario. Love abounds when both love each other enough to submit to each other and ultimately to Christ, and a healthy marriage is attained.

Related:

Is Marriage Meant to Be a Headship or a Partnership?

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2. 1 Timothy 2:12

"I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet." 

This verse causes more controversy than most verses in the Bible. This is because women want to explore their roles within the church body. Although some church denominations prohibit a woman from being a senior pastor or attaining any pastoral role, some allow women to be pastors within a staff position but not as a senior pastor. However, they are allowed to be the head of a children's church, a greeting team, or any other secondary position. This confuses some who don't understand why a woman should not be the head of anything above a man. A man is rarely the head of any children's ministry in churches today. This sentiment is in accordance with 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, which says, "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church." 

Women in this time were guilty of gossiping and causing dissension among their church family. Women with some level of male headship above them can explore positions within the church body as they adhere to their church's guidelines. Christ does not encourage dissent among his body. Therefore, any action that would create tension among the weaker brothers of your congregation should not be taken. Proceed with caution when exploring this verse and do what you feel God is calling you to do, but only within the confines of your church leadership. 

Related:

Why Does the Apostle Paul Tell Women to Be Silent and Not to Teach?

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Klaus Vedfelt

3. 1 Timothy 6:10

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

People who read this verse quickly can easily misinterpret its meaning. While money can certainly lead us down the wrong path to a life submitted to Christ, it is not wrong to have money. Money in and of itself is not the root of all evil. Rather, it is what we do with it. However, when used for abusive acts, money can be the root of evil in our lives if we're not careful. For example, if we are miserly and do not help those in need while we have the money, we're guilty of selfishness and not allowing God to provide. Additionally, if we use money to spend on worldly pleasures rather than on the mission of God, we have not done with our money what God has wanted us to do. People with the gift of giving find that God blesses them through their giving to others. While money is the root of all kinds of evil, it is not the root of all evil. Greed is the bigger sin. It is important to make this distinction when God blesses us with wealth.

Related: 

How Is the Love of Money the Root of All Evil?

What the Bible Actually Says about Money

4. Philippians 4:13

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." 

This verse encourages many people who feel their circumstances are beyond the scope of God's abilities. Many people who have big dreams but don't feel they can be accomplished use this verse to provide encouragement and hope that God may still be able to work in their situation. Although this may be true, the context in which this verse is contained is Paul's response to being content in all circumstances. He refers to being content because of God's strength and help even while in prison. Paul says he knows every circumstance and has learned to be content no matter his circumstances. Yet, people misuse this verse to say God will allow people to do whatever they put their minds to or whatever they decide to dream for their lives. A life with Christ at the head allows him to dictate their steps, not us dictating God's steps for us. 

5. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 

I've often heard this verse used at weddings to encourage the guests how important it is to love one another within the confines of God's requirements. However, in its context, this verse refers to the use of spiritual gifts, not the love between a man and a woman. Having said this, it certainly can serve as a guideline for how people should treat each other, especially in a marriage covenant. It is important to read within the context of spiritual gifts. When people use their gifts within the church, sometimes envy and jealousy result. We need to love one another within the context of being brothers and sisters in Christ. When we don't do these things, it causes strife and conflict. God loves us all equally. We must also set an example by loving others the same way Christ loves us.

No matter how educated we are in Scripture, we all can make mistakes from time to time. When we read and study Scripture in community, it is important to listen to other points of view regarding our interpretation. Not everyone has the Bible figured out. It is important to listen to others' points of view and be humble and open-minded to others' viewpoints. Do your best to study and test the Word in community with others. We may find some of our interpretations of Scripture are wrong in theory, but when corrected, they can be used powerfully to train us into all righteousness.