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My Daily Thoughts–1 Timothy 2:8-15

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1 Timothy 2:8-15 (NKJV) I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

V8 “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting…” Paul is addressing the Christian men (males-XY). Our hands should be holy without having committed evil, when we pray. Our lives (heart and body) should be without wrath seeking personal revenge. Our attitudes should be not to doubt that God does hear our prayers and will give an answer at the proper time. It might be an instant answer, a negative answer, or “wait.” This standard is specifically for men but applies to women as well. The important part is to pray. I recommend for all to have a prayer list that they pray every day. It might include your spouse, children, parents, friends, other Christians, the church, the church leaders, the ministries of the local church, for family and acquaintances who have yet to place their faith into Jesus alone, etc.

Colossians 4:2 (NKJV) “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”

The Greek word for “continue earnestly” is (G4342)προσκαρτερέω proskarteréō, which means to be serious about, persistent and regular. Compare Acts 2:42 (steadfastly) and Acts 2:46 (continually), and Romans 12:12 (continuing).

V9  “…in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing…” The adornment of women (XX) is not with drab clothing. It refers to the type of clothing such as rejecting immodesty, showy, and any clothing that would cause dissension. This standard also applies to men. The “braided hair” would be a ridiculous hairdo such as gold and pearl chains, etc. woven in the hair. Look up in your search engine “Ancient Greek hairstyles” for examples. Costly clothing would be showy, one of a kind of clothing that would draw attention that you are better and richer than the other sisters in the assembly. It is not that the clothing is immodest, per se, but the attitude that accompanies it. Sloppy, dirty, or dazzling attire should also be rejected. The Greek word for “modest” is (G2887) κόσμιος kósmio, which means orderly and arranged (see 1 Corinthians 11:5 and following). Wuest adds: “this orderliness must not extend merely to the relationship of the various articles of wearing apparel to one another, but also to the relationship of that apparel to her Christian character and testimony. In other words, the apparel must be congruous with, fitting to, and consistent with what she is, a child of God.” The Greek word for “propriety” is (G127) αἰδώς aidṓs, which means not being arrogant but being respectful. Wuest adds: “The word is a blend of modesty and humility.” The Greek word for “moderation” is (G4997) σωφροσύνη sōphrosúnē, which means “sober-mindedness, moderation of desires, passions, or conduct” (Word Study Dictionary). Many of these are Ephesian traditions showing their loyalty and worship of Artemis. Consider Ephesiaca of Xenophon writing about Ephesian culture and worship (among other things). 

V10 “…but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” Everything we do, whether men or women, is to glorify God.

V11  “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.” This is applicable to those women who are chit-chatting in the assembly. It does not refer to women who teach Sunday School or other ministries. The idea of “submission” is not being abusive and domineering. Additional information from the Outline of Biblical Usage: “This word was a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In non-military use, it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden.”

The Greek word for “silence” is (G2271) ἡσυχία hēsuchía, which means tranquility (2 Thessalonians 3:12) or silence (Acts 22:2). See 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.

V12 “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.”

Personally, I believe this to refer to senior pastors, teaching pastors, etc. not women teachers otherwise. I believe strongly in ordained deaconesses. Nevertheless, this refers, I believe, to a local church issue where some women would causing disorder in the church meeting.

V13  “For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” Paul’s, under inspiration, has this argument and reason.

V14 “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” Eve was deceived; Adam was a liar and passed the blame for his sin. Eve owned up to her sin; Adam did not but instead made excuses. This does NOT mean women are more easily deceived than men. God cannot deceive in any way or method (Titus 1:2 and Isaiah 53:9).  God knows clearly the thoughts of every human and their motives (1 Chronicles 28:9). All people are deceived (Jeremiah 17:9). We deceive ourselves by saying that we haven’t sinned (1 John 1:8 and Luke 16:15). False prophets are deceived (compare Micah 3:5). We deceive ourselves when we think we have pleased God (Jeremiah 7:9-11).

V15 “Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” The women in Ephesus believe in being safe in pregnancy was from appeasing the gods in particular Artemis. Since the believers do not worship these idols anymore, some women were fearful of not having a safe pregnancy and delivery out because of their tradition. Paul assures the believing women that the through Christian faith, love, holiness, and self-control, they will be safe. Faithfulness is important. Saved does not refer to salvation from God’s wrath. See: https://youtu.be/tsyQlaC0btY