1 Timothy Chapter 2
1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men:
2 for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour,
4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony in its own times,
7 to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle-I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying-a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.
9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing,
10 but with good works, which is appropriate for women professing godliness.
11 Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission.
12 But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness.
13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience;
15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.
Footnotes
- Verse 9 (just)
- The word "just" is inserted here in English to preserve the meaning of the whole original Greek sentence in context. The word for "not" is the negative particle which denies an expected idea, as opposed to the usual word for "not" which denies a fact. Thus "not" in this context is denying an expected idea (that women can be properly dressed without good works).
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1 Timothy Chapter 2 Guide
The apostle then turned to the public devotions of the Church. As the Church is the medium for proclamation of the doctrine of truth, so also is it the instrument of intercession as between men and God. The apostle used words that cover the whole ground, "supplications," "prayers," "intercessions," "thanksgivings." Christians in those days were being charged with rebellion against earthly government. The prayers of the Church disproved the charge. Such prayer is according to the will of God, and harmonizes with the perfect provision He has made for salvation.
Turning to the matter of the demeanour and position of women, we must remember that Paul was dealing with affairs in Ephesus. Behind the picture of the Christian woman as here portrayed is that of many of the women of the Greek communities, and it was to save the women of the Church from any conformity to debased ideals that these passages were written. The adornment of women in the Church must not be external decoration, but the general demeanour. The word "apparel" in this connection has reference to much more than mere raiment. It is the garbing of the whole life in its external manifestation. This garbing should result from internal sobriety, which means the perfect equipoise and control of life. The true place of woman is indicated by a reference to the original order in the case of Adam and Eve. Out of that history comes the occasion of woman's travail, and the apostle declared that in that supreme sorrow she will be saved, if her character is what has been already described.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
1 Timothy Chapter 2 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Prayer to be made for all persons, since the grace of the gospel makes no difference of ranks or stations. -- (1-7)
- How men and women ought to behave, both in their religious and common life. -- (8-15)
Verses 1-7
The disciples of Christ must be praying people; all, without distinction of nation, sect, rank, or party. Our duty as Christians, is summed up in two words; godliness, that is, the right worshipping of God; and honesty, that is, good conduct toward all men. These must go together: we are not truly honest, if we are not godly, and do not render to God his due; and we are not truly godly, if not honest. What is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, we should abound in. There is one Mediator, and that Mediator gave himself a ransom for all. And this appointment has been made for the benefit of the Jews and the Gentiles of every nation; that all who are willing may come in this way, to the mercy-seat of a pardoning God, to seek reconciliation with him. Sin had made a quarrel between us and God; Jesus Christ is the Mediator who makes peace. He is a ransom that was to be known in due time. In the Old Testament times, his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, were spoken of as things to be revealed in the last times. Those who are saved must come to the knowledge of the truth, for that is God's appointed way to save sinners: if we do not know the truth, we cannot be ruled by it.
Verses 8-15
Under the gospel, prayer is not to be confined to any one particular house of prayer, but men must pray every where. We must pray in our closets, pray in our families, pray at our meals, pray when we are on journeys, and pray in the solemn assemblies, whether more public or private. We must pray in charity; without wrath, or malice, or anger at any person. We must pray in faith, without doubting, and without disputing. Women who profess the Christian religion, must be modest in apparel, not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness. Good works are the best ornament; these are, in the sight of God, of great price. Modesty and neatness are more to be consulted in garments than elegance and fashion. And it would be well if the professors of serious godliness were wholly free from vanity in dress. They should spend more time and money in relieving the sick and distressed, than in decorating themselves and their children. To do this in a manner unsuitable to their rank in life, and their profession of godliness, is sinful. These are not trifles, but Divine commands. The best ornaments for professors of godliness, are good works. According to St. Paul, women are not allowed to be public teachers in the church; for teaching is an office of authority. But good women may and ought to teach their children at home the principles of true religion. Also, women must not think themselves excused from learning what is necessary to salvation, though they must not usurp authority. As woman was last in the creation, which is one reason for her subjection, so she was first in the transgression. But there is a word of comfort; that those who continue in sobriety, shall be saved in child-bearing, or with child-bearing, by the Messiah, who was born of a woman. And the especial sorrow to which the female sex is subject, should cause men to exercise their authority with much gentleness, tenderness, and affection.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.