Paul has been writing to Timothy, his son in the faith, to challenge him in some areas at the church of Ephesus. False teachers had entered the church trying to deceive believers into accepting another gospel…a gospel of works. After warning Timothy of the dangers, Paul began advising him about some issues within the church which were causing them to lose effectiveness. The first characteristic lacking in the church was their failure to pray for the lost (1 Timothy 2:1-7). The second issue plaguing the church was a lack of understanding about the roles of men and women in the church as well as improper behavior in worship services. It seems that the wealthy women of the church were flaunting their riches by wearing expensive clothing and dressing in a manner which had caused much distraction in the church (2:9b). In the first century women would adorn themselves with “gold or pearls or costly clothing” to draw attention to their wealth. This cultural practice had made it’s way into the church and resulted in division between the rich and the poor women. Paul wrote to the women to “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety [humility] and moderation [self-control].” (2:9a) Church is supposed to be about giving our full attention to God and no one should be distracting others from worshipping Him. In addition to dressing improperly, the women of the church were seeking high leadership roles in the church. Paul clearly outlines the role of 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.” (2:11-12) God has given the role of teaching in the church to the man and women should never try to take this God-given authority from him. Paul then illustrates this concept by going back to Adam and Eve. God gave Adam authority over Eve. His responsibility was to protect and her responsibility was to remain under his authority. Eve chose to go out from under the authority of Adam and was deceived by Satan. Adam, even though he was not deceived, took of the forbidden fruit and sinned. All of this happened when man and woman left the roles God had intended. Paul was warning Timothy about man and woman failing to recognize their roles in the church and the possible chaos which could take place. Paul then makes clear the great responsibility of women – “Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” Women have the unique role of shaping the lives of their children. Having a closer bond with their mother, children are greatly influenced by her. When a mom raises her children to follow after godliness, she is changing the course of history. Paul challenged mothers to spend their time learning at church and then passing on spiritual truth to their children. When men and women understand their roles, God has the freedom to accomplish His will in the church.
Dear God, help men and women to be satisfied in the unique roles You have given them. May the men teach with passion and may the women raise their children to be passionate followers of You.
