A letter from the guys at my church to the girls at my church for valentines:
Women Theologians
Ladies,
As men, we can read the passages such as 1Timothy 2:9-15 or Corinthians 14:33-38 and see in them only restrictions on women. We can react and say, “You have to obey this rule and this restriction”. Although there is a reason for these verses, and we must take them very seriously, if this is our attitude we don’t understand these verses. These verses are not there to give us an attitude of “placing restrictions on women”; these verses instead challenge us as men to lead and honor the women around us.
We can look at the scriptures and see God’s heart for women. A Godly woman is described with eloquence and dignity throughout. We have women like Sarah, Ruth, and Esther, and many more who stand out in the history of Israel. We watch and listen as Jesus treats women with honor. They were always near ministering to him, and he to them. Paul walked with the women around him, relying on the gifts that God had given them. And there is so much more, but for times sake, I am barely even touching the surface of how the scripture describes the beauty of women. My point is I don’t believe that the majority of heroes of the faith should be men. As we see these scriptures opened up and obeyed we will see the churches littered with the heroines of the faith. There is no place for any thought that women have less to offer. The Bible screams against this and rebukes any man who contemplates this. It is not God’s heart to put restrictions on women. In the scriptures, He has provided an amazing protection of the beauty and the expressiveness that only a woman can provide. It is God’s heart for a woman to bloom, under the nourishment and protection of His word.
Our pastor has recently been talking about how Mary’s act of anointing Jesus before His death was a powerful and poignant act. In that act, one women out-theologized all the many men that were in the room. If anyone thinks because a women cannot preach or teach, she has less expression of theology they are wrong. Christ made it clear, what this woman had done would be told everywhere the Gospel was preached. By her act she has challenged both men and women over the ages wherever the Gospel has been preached. Jesus had no intention to limit this woman’s expression of theology . . . nor do the scriptures.
As men, God has called us to lead in the church, but we’d be a fool if we thought we were more than what we are, fellow servants in the Lord, co-laborers in the gospel of God’s grace, with no more influence and strength then the women around us. What Mary did was powerful and meaningful. And she out shone the men around her. A woman can express theology and influence the direction of the church in a way that a man could never do. The church cannot be all God has called it to be without the women, co-laboring with the men.
God has called us men to lead, but He has also called us to honor and cherish the women in our lives. Peter tells husbands that if they do not honor and value their wives, their prayers will not be heard. I don’t believe this just applies to a husband and a wife. If we as men do not honor and cherish the women in our church, we are in danger of having our prayers not heard. A woman has a desire to be captivating and God has left her with a means for that desire to be filled. A woman shouldn’t have to force herself on us to show her theological insight. No, instead as men, we should treat women as captivating and valued. We should seek out what their hearts and what their ideas are. We should be in awe of the insight that God has given women.
Sisters, as your brothers, we want to learn how to encourage you to express theology in the fullness of being a woman and to treat you with the eloquence and dignity that the scriptures dictate. We want you to feel valued and cherished. We want to fight for you with our prayers and actions. Not by convention; by loving you like Jesus, laying our lives down, letting our lives point to one who is truly Romantic, your Savior and Lord. May we be stripped away, so that you will see Jesus. Be patient, we still have a lot to learn, but we pursuing to learn more and grow together through God’s stunning grace in becoming men who treat you with honor, and with God’s help we will. He will grant what He commands . . . by grace alone.
May Our Eyes Always Be Upon Jesus
(written by Landon Lewis)
May our eyes always be upon Jesus,
The founder and perfecter of our faith,
So that we may not grow weary or faint
As we attempt each day to run the race.
Do not grant our eyes the chance to wander
Lest we will give in to the temptation
To stop and marvel at our endurance
Or cringe at our lack of motivation.
Direct our eyes to the one who came down
And though tempted to quit, ran for His church
In perfect, perpetual righteousness
And endured the cross to finish the work.
As our eyes behold your Son’s bloody stripes
May we rest in His race and perfect time
Because it is His hands that will carry us
And His legs that have crossed the finish line.
May God cultivate and bring your heart to full bloom,
Your brothers
Showing posts with label 1 Timothy 2:7-15. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 Timothy 2:7-15. Show all posts
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 3, 2008
1 Timothy 2:10
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think it is important to realize that Paul here is fighting against the oppression of women, they have a valued role in the church that only they can fill. Paul knows that there is a strength and power that God has given women. This strength is being striped away from them, when we don't believe. It is like stripping the pedals off a flower and telling it that it must be a tree to have worth. Don't underestimate the power of a flower and don't underestimate a woman who is godly, she has the strength to capture hearts and to change the world. God is very clear that He intends a woman to have strength and dignity and influence. When we try to do this in our own wisdom we hinder the beauty that God has given women. In walking in our own wisdom we oppress women, instead of trusting in a God who loves us and cares for us and knows us best.God turns the strength and wisdom of this world over and destroys it with something far greater and more beautiful. He is an amazing God. And His dreams for us or so much bigger than our own. He is truly worthy of our trust.
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think it is important to realize that Paul here is fighting against the oppression of women, they have a valued role in the church that only they can fill. Paul knows that there is a strength and power that God has given women. This strength is being striped away from them, when we don't believe. It is like stripping the pedals off a flower and telling it that it must be a tree to have worth. Don't underestimate the power of a flower and don't underestimate a woman who is godly, she has the strength to capture hearts and to change the world. God is very clear that He intends a woman to have strength and dignity and influence. When we try to do this in our own wisdom we hinder the beauty that God has given women. In walking in our own wisdom we oppress women, instead of trusting in a God who loves us and cares for us and knows us best.God turns the strength and wisdom of this world over and destroys it with something far greater and more beautiful. He is an amazing God. And His dreams for us or so much bigger than our own. He is truly worthy of our trust.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
1 Timothy 2:15
1 Timothy 2:15
15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
Here we see Paul defending the honor of women, lest someone would use this to demean or abuse them. He does this elsewhere and is careful to see that women are not oppressed by men.
15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
Here we see Paul defending the honor of women, lest someone would use this to demean or abuse them. He does this elsewhere and is careful to see that women are not oppressed by men.
1 Timothy 2:14
1 Timothy 2:14
14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
This forms a second point presented by Paul.
14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
This forms a second point presented by Paul.
1 Timothy 2:13, Adam then Eve
1 Timothy 2:13
13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
Paul’s teaching about women here does not come from a cultural perspective nor is it based on circumstances in the Ephesus church. Paul is clear about why he is writhing this and gives the reason why he writes what he does about women. Paul’s writes what he writes because of the scripture. Paul is saying that this was the intent of God at the creation of mankind before sin entered the world as seen in scripture. Man was created first for a reason. And woman was created second for a reason. Their roles in the church come from God’s design.
13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
Paul’s teaching about women here does not come from a cultural perspective nor is it based on circumstances in the Ephesus church. Paul is clear about why he is writhing this and gives the reason why he writes what he does about women. Paul’s writes what he writes because of the scripture. Paul is saying that this was the intent of God at the creation of mankind before sin entered the world as seen in scripture. Man was created first for a reason. And woman was created second for a reason. Their roles in the church come from God’s design.
1 Timothy 2:12, "over a man"
1 Timothy 2:12
over a man,
This verse only excludes women from having authority over a man. It does not include other women or children. This phrase seems to specifically be in conjunction with “exercise authority”. If this verse is translated in the order that the Greek has it, it would say something like “But to teach, a woman, I do not permit, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence.” I, however, don’t think this is means that there is a general prohibition for women not to teach, I think it, too, is restricted to teaching men.
This verse also says “a man” instead of “men” I think this is significant because it is not just excluding women from the pastoral role of having authority over “men” or the congregation, but is restricting women from having any position within the church where they would be having authority over “a man”.
Some would say that it is ok if a woman has authority over a man if she has a man having authority over her or as a “mother” would have authority over children, so a woman can have authority over men in the church. This is making up an exception that the scripture does not allow for. And in fact the use of the word “man” instead of “men” demonstrates that this is not an allowance given by the scripture. Paul closes out any argument that could come against this. A woman is not to have authority over any man in the church whether he is in a position of authority or not, there are no exceptions given here or elsewhere. In other words, the relationship of a woman to other men in the church should not be one of authority. This leaves no allowance for women to have authority over a man in any circumstance including if she has a man that has authority over her.
This however does not mean that there is not a relationship of respect and honor between a man and a woman. To continue with the thought of being a “mother” in the church: A mother only has authority over her child while he is a child. But once he becomes a man, he has authority, especially if his father has died. The mother still, however should be respected and her council valued by her adult son (It is clear in scripture that the son is a fool if he does not value his mother), but she no longer has authority over the son. It is the same way in the church. A woman is not to have authority over an adult man. She can be a mother in the church, even to adult men, but she is not to have authority over a man. (1 Timothy 5:1 – it is also clear here that being a “mother” in the church does not imply authority). Although women do not have authority, they, however, are to be respected and valued and if older treated as mothers and given the high respect that comes with that. It is important to have “mothers” in the church. It is necessary to have “mothers” in the church. And it is commanded by God that there be “mothers” in the church. Augustine’s mother is a good example of this (her example is given under my discussion on 1 Peter 3).
Women are to be valued and respected in the church; their opinions and insight are to be taken seriously. God has made women because we need their insight. We don’t do so well with out them. Also if we do not value and respect women, God will not hear the prayers of us men.
over a man,
This verse only excludes women from having authority over a man. It does not include other women or children. This phrase seems to specifically be in conjunction with “exercise authority”. If this verse is translated in the order that the Greek has it, it would say something like “But to teach, a woman, I do not permit, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence.” I, however, don’t think this is means that there is a general prohibition for women not to teach, I think it, too, is restricted to teaching men.
This verse also says “a man” instead of “men” I think this is significant because it is not just excluding women from the pastoral role of having authority over “men” or the congregation, but is restricting women from having any position within the church where they would be having authority over “a man”.
Some would say that it is ok if a woman has authority over a man if she has a man having authority over her or as a “mother” would have authority over children, so a woman can have authority over men in the church. This is making up an exception that the scripture does not allow for. And in fact the use of the word “man” instead of “men” demonstrates that this is not an allowance given by the scripture. Paul closes out any argument that could come against this. A woman is not to have authority over any man in the church whether he is in a position of authority or not, there are no exceptions given here or elsewhere. In other words, the relationship of a woman to other men in the church should not be one of authority. This leaves no allowance for women to have authority over a man in any circumstance including if she has a man that has authority over her.
This however does not mean that there is not a relationship of respect and honor between a man and a woman. To continue with the thought of being a “mother” in the church: A mother only has authority over her child while he is a child. But once he becomes a man, he has authority, especially if his father has died. The mother still, however should be respected and her council valued by her adult son (It is clear in scripture that the son is a fool if he does not value his mother), but she no longer has authority over the son. It is the same way in the church. A woman is not to have authority over an adult man. She can be a mother in the church, even to adult men, but she is not to have authority over a man. (1 Timothy 5:1 – it is also clear here that being a “mother” in the church does not imply authority). Although women do not have authority, they, however, are to be respected and valued and if older treated as mothers and given the high respect that comes with that. It is important to have “mothers” in the church. It is necessary to have “mothers” in the church. And it is commanded by God that there be “mothers” in the church. Augustine’s mother is a good example of this (her example is given under my discussion on 1 Peter 3).
Women are to be valued and respected in the church; their opinions and insight are to be taken seriously. God has made women because we need their insight. We don’t do so well with out them. Also if we do not value and respect women, God will not hear the prayers of us men.
1 Timothy 2:12, "or"
1 Timothy 2:12
“or”
It may seem ridiculous to talk about the word “or” but every word of these verses have been contested and some would say that “or” is a conjunction that absolutely puts these two ideas together meaning that authority and teaching must be taken together and not separately. In other words both must be present in order for the action to be prohibited. This however is not the meaning of the conduction “or”. Here is the meaning:
If we look to see how “or” is used elsewhere in the New Testament, we find it can mean two exclusive non- connecting things, neither of which will be connected with the subject that is talked about. For example, Mattew 6:26 “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? In this passage “sow”, “reap” and “gather” are not meant to imply one action, but instead it is to imply that all are connected to actions that fowls do not do. Here are some more verses that confirm this:
Mar 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
Luk 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall 0 not be able to gainsay nor 3761 resist. They will not be able to do this and they will not be able to do this.
In this verses to teach and to have authority are two separate actions that Paul does not allow women to do. A more direct translation of the word order in the Greek is “But to teach, a woman, I do not permit, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence”, which gives more of the idea that these are two separate actions that Paul is talking about.
What type of authority is being addressed here? Governing?
Also if this verse was limited to an Elder or Preacher why didn’t Paul just say that instead of using functional language and not title.
“or”
It may seem ridiculous to talk about the word “or” but every word of these verses have been contested and some would say that “or” is a conjunction that absolutely puts these two ideas together meaning that authority and teaching must be taken together and not separately. In other words both must be present in order for the action to be prohibited. This however is not the meaning of the conduction “or”. Here is the meaning:
If we look to see how “or” is used elsewhere in the New Testament, we find it can mean two exclusive non- connecting things, neither of which will be connected with the subject that is talked about. For example, Mattew 6:26 “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? In this passage “sow”, “reap” and “gather” are not meant to imply one action, but instead it is to imply that all are connected to actions that fowls do not do. Here are some more verses that confirm this:
Mar 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
Luk 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall 0 not be able to gainsay nor 3761 resist. They will not be able to do this and they will not be able to do this.
In this verses to teach and to have authority are two separate actions that Paul does not allow women to do. A more direct translation of the word order in the Greek is “But to teach, a woman, I do not permit, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence”, which gives more of the idea that these are two separate actions that Paul is talking about.
What type of authority is being addressed here? Governing?
Also if this verse was limited to an Elder or Preacher why didn’t Paul just say that instead of using functional language and not title.
1 Timothy 2:12, "to teach"
1 Timothy 2:12
12But I do not allow a woman to teach
The word to teach means, “1) to teach a) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses b) to be a teacher c) to discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one's self as a teacher 2) to teach one a) to impart instruction b) instill doctrine into one c) the thing taught or enjoined d) to explain or expound a thing f) to teach one something”.
The term here is functional and not positional. If this were to be limited to Elder or a Preacher why does it not use those terms, the terms here are functional not positional, and therefore we must not be quick to make them mean positions, rather than actions.
Why does Paul say “I”, is this his personal opinion or God’s? Earlier Paul says as an apostle “I”. So is this a statement based on his authority as an apostle.
12But I do not allow a woman to teach
The word to teach means, “1) to teach a) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses b) to be a teacher c) to discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one's self as a teacher 2) to teach one a) to impart instruction b) instill doctrine into one c) the thing taught or enjoined d) to explain or expound a thing f) to teach one something”.
The term here is functional and not positional. If this were to be limited to Elder or a Preacher why does it not use those terms, the terms here are functional not positional, and therefore we must not be quick to make them mean positions, rather than actions.
Why does Paul say “I”, is this his personal opinion or God’s? Earlier Paul says as an apostle “I”. So is this a statement based on his authority as an apostle.
1 Timothy 2:11, "entire submissiveness"
1 Timothy 2:11
with entire submissiveness.
The root in the Greek is the same as elsewhere in the New Testament. The places where this word is specifically used are 2 Cor 9:13; Gal 2:5; and 1 Tim 2:11, 3:4. Paul does not want the fact that women should learn to open the door for women to grow in pride and walk outside their God given roles as a woman and disobey scripture.
with entire submissiveness.
The root in the Greek is the same as elsewhere in the New Testament. The places where this word is specifically used are 2 Cor 9:13; Gal 2:5; and 1 Tim 2:11, 3:4. Paul does not want the fact that women should learn to open the door for women to grow in pride and walk outside their God given roles as a woman and disobey scripture.
1 TImothy 2:11, "recieve instruction"
1 Timothy 2:11
receive instruction
A woman is to learn and to receive instruction. They are to be strong in the word and are to walk in soundness. They are to know the Word as well as men. The Jewish custom was to allow women to learn if they desired to, but they did not feel that it was necessary nor did they encourage it. Here Paul is saying that it is a necessity that women learn. This was also the attitude of Christ who taught both women and men, as well as children. And it was the attitude of the early church that assembled with both women and men. The involvement of women in the church was seen as vital and necessary. However this learning does not qualify them to go beyond scripture. They are to remain submissive to men and are not to take up teaching or have authority over a man. Women are to continue to guard their incorruptible beauty and strength that God has given them and honor the men.
Some would say that the reason women were not allowed to teach and have authority was because they were unlearned. Although this was the case for many women, this was not the case for all women of that time. In the Jewish custom women were allowed to learn, although it was not expected. In fact, we have examples of educated women in Timothy’s mother and grandmother and Priscilla and probably others. Women were taught and educated under the teaching of Jesus, the greatest of all teachers. And women were involved in listening to the teachings of the church. So there were women in the church at this time who were well educated. And yet everywhere in all the churches they were not to teach and have authority over a man. This was not based on whether they were educated or not, but on God’s purpose and design when he made man first, as Paul makes very clear later on in this passage. Also if this was Paul’s intention then he would not later restrict teaching and authority after claiming that women should learn, instead he would have stated that women are not to teach or have authority until they are learned. Neither Paul nor Jesus, were one to be timid and be pushed around by cultural ideas. They both went against the cultural norm many times. Instead he uses not teaching and having authority as a qualification to learning. Basically he says, “They can learn, but they cannot teach or have authority.”
Here is something I wrote in a letter: I have thought about the "lack of education" part, but it cannot be substantiated. In fact, Jewish women were allowed to learn, but often did not because they were not encouraged to, but an educated Jewish woman was not out of the question. I also don't think this is Paul's reason because it comes after a statement of him admonishing women to learn. Even though they are to learn, they are not to lead. If learning was the problem, he would not have restricted them to teach, or would have said to wait till they are learned. Also his [Paul’s] reasons are not based on anything outside of scripture. He gives his reason for not allowing women to teach or have authority within the text, and that is because man was created first (the state of submission before the fall), and the fall. We do not need to find an outside reason and if there is one that is presented it must substantiate Paul’s reason, because scripture is more authoritative.
receive instruction
A woman is to learn and to receive instruction. They are to be strong in the word and are to walk in soundness. They are to know the Word as well as men. The Jewish custom was to allow women to learn if they desired to, but they did not feel that it was necessary nor did they encourage it. Here Paul is saying that it is a necessity that women learn. This was also the attitude of Christ who taught both women and men, as well as children. And it was the attitude of the early church that assembled with both women and men. The involvement of women in the church was seen as vital and necessary. However this learning does not qualify them to go beyond scripture. They are to remain submissive to men and are not to take up teaching or have authority over a man. Women are to continue to guard their incorruptible beauty and strength that God has given them and honor the men.
Some would say that the reason women were not allowed to teach and have authority was because they were unlearned. Although this was the case for many women, this was not the case for all women of that time. In the Jewish custom women were allowed to learn, although it was not expected. In fact, we have examples of educated women in Timothy’s mother and grandmother and Priscilla and probably others. Women were taught and educated under the teaching of Jesus, the greatest of all teachers. And women were involved in listening to the teachings of the church. So there were women in the church at this time who were well educated. And yet everywhere in all the churches they were not to teach and have authority over a man. This was not based on whether they were educated or not, but on God’s purpose and design when he made man first, as Paul makes very clear later on in this passage. Also if this was Paul’s intention then he would not later restrict teaching and authority after claiming that women should learn, instead he would have stated that women are not to teach or have authority until they are learned. Neither Paul nor Jesus, were one to be timid and be pushed around by cultural ideas. They both went against the cultural norm many times. Instead he uses not teaching and having authority as a qualification to learning. Basically he says, “They can learn, but they cannot teach or have authority.”
Here is something I wrote in a letter: I have thought about the "lack of education" part, but it cannot be substantiated. In fact, Jewish women were allowed to learn, but often did not because they were not encouraged to, but an educated Jewish woman was not out of the question. I also don't think this is Paul's reason because it comes after a statement of him admonishing women to learn. Even though they are to learn, they are not to lead. If learning was the problem, he would not have restricted them to teach, or would have said to wait till they are learned. Also his [Paul’s] reasons are not based on anything outside of scripture. He gives his reason for not allowing women to teach or have authority within the text, and that is because man was created first (the state of submission before the fall), and the fall. We do not need to find an outside reason and if there is one that is presented it must substantiate Paul’s reason, because scripture is more authoritative.
1 Timothy 2:11, "quietly"
1 Timothy 2:11
must quietly
The word quietly (hesuchia) does not necessarily mean not speaking (although it can and at times does), but can be used to represent an attitude of quietness and peaceful living. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 is an example of this: “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness 2271 they work , and eat their own bread.” This word can also mean silence as it is used in Acts 22:2 “(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence 2271: and he saith ,) This is also the same word used in verse 12 of 1 Timothy 2. The root word is hesuchios which is used in 1 Timothy 2:2 and 1 Peter 3:4.
must quietly
The word quietly (hesuchia) does not necessarily mean not speaking (although it can and at times does), but can be used to represent an attitude of quietness and peaceful living. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 is an example of this: “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness 2271 they work , and eat their own bread.” This word can also mean silence as it is used in Acts 22:2 “(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence 2271: and he saith ,) This is also the same word used in verse 12 of 1 Timothy 2. The root word is hesuchios which is used in 1 Timothy 2:2 and 1 Peter 3:4.
1 TImothy 2:11, "woman"
1 Timothy 2:11
11A woman
These passages are referring to women in general and not just wives.
11A woman
These passages are referring to women in general and not just wives.
1 Timothy 2:10 "making a claim to godliness."
1 Timothy 2:10
making a claim to godliness.
The Greek word “making a claim” means to proclaim, to profess, to promise (often it is translated “promise”). If a woman proclaims or promises that she wants to honor God and revere God and that claim is true, then it is proper for this woman to demonstrate it by her good works.
making a claim to godliness.
The Greek word “making a claim” means to proclaim, to profess, to promise (often it is translated “promise”). If a woman proclaims or promises that she wants to honor God and revere God and that claim is true, then it is proper for this woman to demonstrate it by her good works.
1 Timothy 2:10
1 Timothy 2:10
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think the focus of the woman’s role in the church is good works. You see this in Acts as the women were involved in all kinds of good works and were very productive. Without them the church would not have survived. Even in Jesus’ ministry the women were a vital support to what he was doing and it is clear that Jesus valued and honored the women around him greatly. This is also seen in Proverbs 31. I think that it is not the woman’s focus to teach or have authority, but instead to do good works, as is the proper role for woman. I think that this speaks louder than words. In 1 Peter 3, it says that a woman wins over her ungodly husband in this manner. If it has the power to win an ungodly heart, how much more will it influence godly men and the church? I believe that this is the strength of a woman. And this strength will move men and she will be praised in the places of authority. In Proverbs 31 it says, “And let her own works praise her in the gates.” This is no weak woman, but a picture of strength and dignity and beauty. And this is the type of woman that moves the heart of the King of Kings. God himself declares that this type of woman is precious in His sight.
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think the focus of the woman’s role in the church is good works. You see this in Acts as the women were involved in all kinds of good works and were very productive. Without them the church would not have survived. Even in Jesus’ ministry the women were a vital support to what he was doing and it is clear that Jesus valued and honored the women around him greatly. This is also seen in Proverbs 31. I think that it is not the woman’s focus to teach or have authority, but instead to do good works, as is the proper role for woman. I think that this speaks louder than words. In 1 Peter 3, it says that a woman wins over her ungodly husband in this manner. If it has the power to win an ungodly heart, how much more will it influence godly men and the church? I believe that this is the strength of a woman. And this strength will move men and she will be praised in the places of authority. In Proverbs 31 it says, “And let her own works praise her in the gates.” This is no weak woman, but a picture of strength and dignity and beauty. And this is the type of woman that moves the heart of the King of Kings. God himself declares that this type of woman is precious in His sight.
1 Timothy 2:9
1 Timothy 2:9
9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
This is very similar to 1 Peter 3
Culture of the day
Juvinile 60-140ad (Poet of the time)
“There is nothing a woman will not permit herself to do
Nothing she deems shameful
And when she encircles her neck
With green emeralds
And fastens huge pearls to her elongated ears
So important is the business of beautification
So numerous are the tiers and stories piled on another on her head
That she pays no attention to her own husband”
A woman’s beauty comes from the incorruptible inner beauty of having a heart after God. I have written more extensively on this subject elsewhere.
There is a strength that God has given woman that is not given to men. Men don’t do womanhood so well. God has made us different with different strengths, which is good. I have heard from women that they would like men to be men. As a man, I long to see this strength in women.
9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
This is very similar to 1 Peter 3
Culture of the day
Juvinile 60-140ad (Poet of the time)
“There is nothing a woman will not permit herself to do
Nothing she deems shameful
And when she encircles her neck
With green emeralds
And fastens huge pearls to her elongated ears
So important is the business of beautification
So numerous are the tiers and stories piled on another on her head
That she pays no attention to her own husband”
A woman’s beauty comes from the incorruptible inner beauty of having a heart after God. I have written more extensively on this subject elsewhere.
There is a strength that God has given woman that is not given to men. Men don’t do womanhood so well. God has made us different with different strengths, which is good. I have heard from women that they would like men to be men. As a man, I long to see this strength in women.
1 Timothy 2:8, "in every place"
1 Timothy 2:8
in every place
These commands are not meant for the church in Ephesus alone. This was not based on a situation or circumstance. As in 1 Corinthians 14 these commands were the practice of the church in all of Christendom. This was the custom of the Church everywhere.
in every place
These commands are not meant for the church in Ephesus alone. This was not based on a situation or circumstance. As in 1 Corinthians 14 these commands were the practice of the church in all of Christendom. This was the custom of the Church everywhere.
1 Timothy 2:7-8
1 Timothy 2:7-8
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8Therefore I want
Paul is calling on his authority as an apostle as he rights these commands to the churches as is seen by the word “Therefore” (which refers to him saying he is an apostle). When Paul says in this passage “I want”, he is calling on his authority as an apostle. This authority when invoked is not to be taken lightly. Later he gives the reason for his command as God’s intention in creating man first and then woman. He also appeals to the fall of man. In 1 Corinthians, he makes it clear that it is the practice in all churches and he also says the command comes from scripture and from the Lord. Also Paul wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these words are scripture and are intended by God to be revered as scripture. Therefore these scriptures must be obeyed based on the authority of Paul as an apostle, based on the intention of God in creation, based on the Old Testament Scriptures, based on the command of the Lord, based on these words being inspired by the Holy Spirit, and based on these words being scriptures themselves. These passages are clearly the command of God. We have a choice to either trust in the wisdom of God’s authority or to trust in our own. I for one think the authority of God and His wisdom outweighs my own.
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8Therefore I want
Paul is calling on his authority as an apostle as he rights these commands to the churches as is seen by the word “Therefore” (which refers to him saying he is an apostle). When Paul says in this passage “I want”, he is calling on his authority as an apostle. This authority when invoked is not to be taken lightly. Later he gives the reason for his command as God’s intention in creating man first and then woman. He also appeals to the fall of man. In 1 Corinthians, he makes it clear that it is the practice in all churches and he also says the command comes from scripture and from the Lord. Also Paul wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these words are scripture and are intended by God to be revered as scripture. Therefore these scriptures must be obeyed based on the authority of Paul as an apostle, based on the intention of God in creation, based on the Old Testament Scriptures, based on the command of the Lord, based on these words being inspired by the Holy Spirit, and based on these words being scriptures themselves. These passages are clearly the command of God. We have a choice to either trust in the wisdom of God’s authority or to trust in our own. I for one think the authority of God and His wisdom outweighs my own.
1 Timothy 2:7-15
1 Timothy 2:7-15
7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. 9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. 9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
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