RESTORING QUIETNESS
Opening Prayer
Lord, help me to strive for order in the church.
Read 1 TIMOTHY 2:1–15
Instructions on Worship
2 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.
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.
11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; 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 will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
Take some time to identify any controversial issues in your church or fellowship. How might God be challenging you to pray for them?
Think Further
Although Paul has other priorities here—particularly getting the church praying (1,2)—we shall concentrate on the controversial verses about the role of women. In verse 15, Paul’s focus might be the idle widows of 5:11–15. Lacking purpose in their idleness, some have strayed and are perpetuating the false teaching of the deposed leaders. As the culture then had few roles for women outside the home, Paul’s point seems to be that remarriage and childbearing will save these women from idle purposelessness. Thus, childbearing is a means of restoring purposeful structure to their lives, thereby lessening disruption within the church. If that’s right, then the heart of Paul’s command is for us to live as purposeful, fruitful disciples. Many will find significant purpose and delight in parenting today. Our culture now offers many other ways for women to express their calling beyond the home, but those who decide to concentrate on parenting should still be seen as honoring Paul’s underlying instruction to be fruitful and purposeful.
Verse 12 isn’t a straightforward command. It could be translated, “I am not permitting,” suggesting contextually appropriate advice rather than a lasting ordinance. Given the continuing loyalty from some church women towards the deposed leaders who had grievously misled them, they are no longer permitted to teach or enter into dialogue. The whole church is to be challenged to learn anew with a quiet, teachable spirit (quarrelsome men in verse 8, women enjoined to “quietness” in verses 11,12).
Remember that Paul’s focus is on regulating this situation, not legislating for all situations always and everywhere. His concern here for the Gospel, order, and respectful relationships seems to be consistent with Ephesians 5:21, something that is applicable always.
Apply
The mutual submission in Christ of Ephesians 5:21 is more taught than practiced. Where do you need to grow in this area?
Closing prayer
Lord, give the leaders in our church the wisdom to understand what exactly is Your will in these difficult matters.
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