1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2 (NIV)

Paul addresses a few important things in this letter to Timothy. He first discusses prayer and the importance and reasons for it. He, then, discusses dressing appropriately, and he discusses the roles of men and women and the reasons for it.

Instructions on Worship

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

A charge is made for Christians to pray for all men in general, but even more so for those in authority. He says to pray all kinds of prayer for all people. This will benefit us – because if we pray for those in authority, they will lead in a Godly manner and our lives will be pleasant here on earth. If we do not pray for those who rule over us, we are directly responsible for the state of things. God wants EVERYONE to come to the knowledge of truth and it is his intention to use his children to bring that about. This is why Paul tells us to pray for our officials. Even the authorities of Paul’s time were unsaved – it is no different today. And our responsibility is no less today than it was all those years ago. We are commanded to seek peace – and Jesus is the author of peace.

8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

Paul does not say to go to the church to pray – he says men everywhere should pray. This means that no matter where you are, or what church you attend. This is the wonderful unity of God’s design. If we pray for those in charge with all of our hearts. If we pray for their salvation, if we pray for God to have his way… and we are ALL praying, Catholics, Baptist, Pentecostal, etc. – ALL – of us will be in unity. God said where two or more are gathered in his name agreeing on any thing, he will answer according to his word! I think that this is at least one area

where the entire body of Christ can be in unity. If we pray for the elected official – for his salvation – for God’s will in his life – then we can guarantee God will move! But see, God knows we have a tendency to “discuss” to “argue” to “dispute” with each other over details. That keeps us out of unity. If we only pray for salvation and God’s will – then we are in unity and we can leave the details to God.

Paul speaks to the women now and their appropriate clothing and behavior. The society they lived in was worldly (as is ours, even now) and the focus was on outward appearances. He was reminding them that their true value was inside them. Keep in mind that when the “perfect” woman in Proverbs 31 was described – her appearance is never mentioned. It was her attitude, hard work, and faithfulness that were worth more than rubies. He was reminding them that their true value was in their Godliness – not in worldliness.

11 A woman[a] should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;[b] she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women[c] will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

This scripture has always been a touchy one. Jesus said women were equal heirs with men, but then Paul seems to indicate otherwise…? However, this verse is speaking directly to married women. The greek word used here and translated as “woman” is actually “married woman”. Likewise, the word for “man” here is actually “husband”. In those days, just as now, many women came to Christ before their husbands did. In verse 11 Paul is telling the women that when they come to learn, they should not ask many questions in the service, but instead ask their husbands when they got home. This was customary – remember, in the Jewish culture, women did not learn scripture with the men. Now there was a mixture of sexes and a whole new dynamic was being formed. In addition, women who were saved prior to their husbands were doing what women tend to do.. “teach” their men! But in light of the culture, it was causing some very serious problems, and in God’s eyes it isn’t right. God made men the head of the household and the protection over a woman for a reason. Notice too, that although Adam was held responsible for the sin, it was Eve who sinned first and convinced him to sin also. Women have an influence over men, and God put men over them to keep a balance. Her teaching and training skills were not designed for her to use on her husband. They were designed for her to use to raise up her family, or those whom God has given her to disciple. This instruction from Paul is not to put women down, but to guide their talents to the places that God designed them to be used.

Footnotes:

a 1 Timothy 2:11 Or wife; also in verse 12 b 1 Timothy 2:12 Or over her husband
c 1 Timothy 2:15 Greek she