A Few Thoughts About Women in 1 Timothy 2

The Scripture:

1 Timothy 2:8-15 WEL Therefore, I want men to pray wherever they are, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubt. 9 Likewise, that women dress themselves in modest clothes, inclined to avoid notice, and be in self-control, not with embroidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothes, 10 But with what is proper for women professing godliness along with good works. 11 Let a women learn quietly in humble gentleness. 12 Now, I do not allow a woman to teach or domineer a man but to be quiet, 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, was in transgression. 15 Nevertheless, she will be saved through the childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with self-control.

Notes:

B1 Paul left Timothy with the congregation in Ephesus due to some problems they were experiencing. 1 Timothy 1:3-4 WEL As I encouraged you to remain in Ephesus, when I was going to Macedonia, so that you would tell certain [individuals] not to teach any other doctrine, 4 Or pay attention to fables and endless genealogies, which leads to controversy rather than godly growth in faith.

C1 Certain people

D1 Were teaching wrong doctrine

D2 Paying attention to fables

D3 Paying attention to genealogies

C2 Results

D1 The congregation was being taught error

D2 The congregation was in controversies

D3 The congregation was not experiencing “...godly growth in faith.”

B2 Background

C1 Paul was in Ephesus 2 times, once for a few months and later for about 2 years about 54 AD. (Acts 19:8,10; 20:31)

C2 Paul wrote 1 Timothy about 63 AD.

C3 The people of Ephesus

D1 Were dedicated to Diana (Artemis, etc.)

D2 A good number of the citizens believed the Gospel.

D3 Were by tradition a city founded by the Amazons (warrior women, domineering, brutal, aggressive, etc.)

D4 It is believed that women in Ephesian society, due to the influence of Artemis, had powerful positions, high rank as priestesses, and influence regardless of who their husbands were. (Source)

D5 The sisters in the congregation evidently were domineering, controlling, and forceful in their teaching, speaking, actions, etc. They were rebuked for this.

C3 The Lord Jesus gave a message to the Ephesian congregation in Revelation 2:1-7. There was no rebuke like Paul instructed Timothy to give, so the work of Timothy, with God’s grace, helped the Ephesian church for a number of decades at least.

B3 Our passage

C1 The brothers and sisters of the congregation had some problems.

D1 The men were not praying

E1 1 Timothy 2:8 WEL Therefore, I want men to pray wherever they are, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubt.

E2 Paul wanted Timothy to instruct the men start praying.

D2 The women were not modest (attitudes, actions, dress, etc.)

E1 1 Timothy 2:9-11 WEL Likewise, that women dress themselves in modest clothes, inclined to avoid notice, and be in self-control, not with embroidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothes, 10 But with what is proper for women professing godliness along with good works. 11 Let a women learn quietly in humble gentleness.

E2 Paul wanted Timothy to instruct the women to

F1 Act modestly in attitudes, actions, dress, etc.

F2 Cease from seeking recognition

F3 Start doing good works (as God defines it)

F4 Start to listen rather than domineering

C2 Paul gives some remarks for the brothers and sisters in the congregation

D1 The sisters

E1 1 Timothy 2:12 WEL Now, I do not allow a woman to teach or domineer a man but to be quiet

E2 Are not to be domineering and teaching in such a manner that the men have little or no say, cannot question their teaching, must be in compliance to them. Much like some male dominated congregations today where nothing is to be questioned. The elders are to be obeyed. The people, especially the sisters, are expected to sit in the pew, give their money, feign respect (my sarcasm), and shut-up.

E3 This verse does not mean that the sisters do not have the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or any ministry in the church.

E4 These sisters must learn meekness instead of domineering, so not to be arrogant. That is why they must learn to be quiet. These domineering women needed to do the opposite to learn God’s ways.

D2 All

E1 1 Timothy 2:13-14 WEL For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, was in transgression.

E2 The sisters must have had an evil attitude of believing they are right, correct, to be believed, etc. because of culture and being raised such.

E3 Sisters can be deceived. These sisters must have had an attitude that they did not think they were not deceived and perhaps could not be deceived..

E4 We learn that Adam had the greatest sin.

F1 He deliberately, willfully, cravenly wanted to commit this sin.

F2 Adam knew what he was doing.

F3 Eve was deceived.

F4 Adam, as many understand it, being present did not stop Eve from eating.

F5 When exposed to sin

G1 Eve told the truth and confessed her sin (Genesis 3:16).

H1 Her punishment was pain in child birth.

H2 Her promise was of the coming Messiah through her.

G2 Adam covered up his sin, practiced blame shifting, and accused God and Eve as the source of his sinning. Because of his sin:

H1 Romans 5:12 NET So then, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all people because all sinned

H2 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 NET For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

H3 Adam had no promise given him.

D3 1 Timothy 2:15 WEL Nevertheless, she will be saved through the childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with self-control.

E1 She refers to Eve in the context.

E2 She will be saved because she is the distant ancestor of Messiah. The Messiah, Jesus, was promised to come through a woman. This hints at the virgin birth.

E3 These sisters in Ephesus would be saved if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with self-control.

E4 If they continue to be domineering, they will suffer loss at judgment.

B4 Our Christian sisters have

C1 The Holy Spirit as all believers do

C2 Spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit

C3 Gifts that are to be used in the congregation

C4 Some notable examples are Philip's daughters, Phoebe, a deaconess, and the Virgin Mary.

B5 This passage has nothing to do with women preachers or no women preachers.

1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3:1-13

B1 God’s Undershepherds, His leaders

C1 Jesus is Supreme in the church: Ephesians 1:22-23 WEL He has put everything under his feet and given him to be the head of everything in the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything of everything.

C2 Jesus is supreme teacher and leader: Matthew 23:8-12 WEL But you are not to be addressed as Rabbi, because one is your Teacher, the Messiah, and you are all brothers. 9 "Do not address anyone as your "Father" on this earth, because one is your Father, who is in heaven. 10 "Also do not be addressed as "Teachers", because one is your Teacher, the Messiah. 11 "Instead he who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 "And whoever will exalt himself will be humbled, but he who will be humble will be exalted.

C3 Jesus’s rules/commands are supreme: John 14:15 WEL If you love me, obey my commandments.

C4 Jesus appoints the offices: Ephesians 4:11-12 WEL He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

C5 Jesus has plurality of elders in every church:

D1 Acts 14:23 WEL After they had chosen elders in every church and after praying with fasting, they committed them to the Lord on whom they had believed.

D2 Acts 20:17 WEL At Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.

B2 Pastors, Deacons, and Deaconesses

C1 Qualifications

D1 A true believer (this is different than just a believer, for some might be able to say or teach the correct doctrine but their life is not matching the New Testament)

D2 The list is further things beyond salvation. I count 18 in the list. Another person may count differently.

E1 First grouping is character traits. These are desire, blameless, vigilant, self-controlled, good behavior, not quarrelsome, not greedy, gentle, not contentious, not covetous

E2 Second is marital status. He is to be a one woman man. He does not HAVE to be married, though.

E3 Third is  abilities. He is to be hospitable, able to teach, and a good manager at home.

E4 Fourth is addictions. He is not to be addicted to wine. He is also not to be addicted to porn, gambling, drugs, sports, work, etc. It is the addiction that is evil.

E5 Fifth is length of time he has been a Christian.

E6 Sixth is standing in society. He has to have a good reputation in society, with Christians, non-Christians, government, education, etc.

D3 Even though many might have these qualifications, if the calling of God is present, the person will show pastor like desire and actions.

C2 Responsibilities

D1 Preach the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 1:17 WEL For Christ didn't send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, not with wisdom in words lest the cross of Christ be ineffective.

D2 Read, exhort, and teach. The teaching would be teaching the Bible, doctrine, and how to live Christian life : 1 Timothy 4:13 WEL Until I come apply yourself to reading [of Scripture], exhortation, and to teaching.

D3 Teach the doctrines of the faith: 1 Timothy 4:6 WEL If you remind the brethren of these things you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and good teaching to which you have carefully followed.

D4 Assist in the congregation’s direction in Christian life and outreach: 1 Peter 5:2 WEL Feed the flock of God, which is among you. Take the oversight voluntarily, not by being forced, not for money's sake but with a willing heart.

D5 Be examples. We have to live the same life we teach others to do: 1 Peter 5:3 WEL Do not lord it over God's heritage, but be examples to the flock.

D6 Practice shepherd leadership. This is seen in the example and life of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are many who say they provide this, but by their life, words, and actions are controlling. The controlling pastor is most likely a false convert to Christianity (Read 3 John about Diotrephes). 1 Peter 5:3 WEL Do not lord it over God's heritage, but be examples to the flock.

D7 Teach other qualified men: Acts 14:23 WEL After they had chosen elders in every church and after praying with fasting, they committed them to the Lord on whom they had believed.

D8 They need to use discernment: 2 John 1:10 WEL If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house, nor greet him.

C3 The qualifications for deacons and deaconesses are similar.

D1 Character traits are respectable, not deceitful, not addicted to substances, and not greedy for money.

D2 Spiritual traits are known and fully believe the doctrines of the Christian faith in such a way to be consistent in their words and lifestyle.

D3 Also, they need to be tested (examined, evaluated) as to their spiritual traits.

D4 A blessing from God for faithful service is boldness (to live and preach the Gospel) and respect from others (reputation).

D5 The example is Stephen in Acts 6-7.

1 Timothy 3:14-16

B3 Reasons for church conduct

C1 We learn from this that our fellow Christians are family members with us. We are together as family in God’s family.

C2 We are not together for a similar purpose, reason, or goal, but we are together as a family.

C3 The church is to be the light in this world in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. We are to honor God by obeying His rules in the New Testament.

C4 Our religion is a mystery to the unsaved.

C5 The Lord Jesus was revealed in the flesh. He is the God/man. Many translations foul this Scripture. Wilbur Pickering PhD states in his Bible notes: Instead of 'God', 1% of the Greek manuscripts read 'who', and most modern versions follow this 1%. But 'who' is nonsensical (in the context), so most of them take evasive action: NEB and NASB have "he who"; Phillips has "the one"; NRSV, Jerusalem, TEV and NIV render "he". Berkley actually has "who"! In the Greek Text the relative pronoun has no antecedent, so it is a grammatical 'impossibility', besides being a stupidity—what is so mysterious about someone being manifested in flesh? All human beings have bodies. The pronoun can be accounted for as an easy transcriptional error, a simple copying mistake, so why not stay with the 98.5%? "God was manifested in flesh"—now there you have a mystery!

B4 Applications

C1 There are to be pastors, deacons, and deaconesses.

C2 There are requirements in order to be one. Being a great business person or leader in society counts for nothing in God’s church.

C3 We must be consistent in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

C4 We are a family. We are to love and live as a family, The house we live in is God’s house. This is not referring to communal living.