1 Timothy (Chapter Two)

The evidence of a changed life by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is love that issues from a pure heart and good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5). One vital aspect of the new life in Christ is prayer which touches the Father heart of God (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The purpose of prayer is that we may lead a godly life, dignified in every way, offering supplications, prayers, thanksgivings for all people, for God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

As we read the rest of chapter two we discover two primary issues within the church that Paul addresses: 1) the men were arguing and disputing with anger, and 2) the women were dressed inappropriately, drawing attention to themselves (1 Timothy 2:8-9).

In addition, too, the women were quarrelsome and disruptive and slanderous (1 Timothy 3:11). The greek word for slanderous is "diabolous," i.e., they were devilish in their talk sowing seeds of discord, doubt, and discontent.

Pay particular attention to verses 11-15. In verse 11 we read, "Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness." The same word for "quietly" is used in verse 12 and is the same greek word, ησυχια, which means to listen or learn inwith quiet attentiveness. Evidently, there was quite a bit of quarreling going on during the teaching by the women. They were told that the proper attitude of a pupil is to listen and be attentive. It is for this reason, in verse 12, that we interpret "I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man" as being particular to the context of the Ephesian experience. The greek word for authority means "to dominate" and is not the normal greek word for authority (cf. Matthew 28:18).

Besides, Paul's comments in verse 15 that "a woman will be saved through childbearing" are contradictory to what he said in verse 5, "there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all." Since childbearing cannot save a woman, nor does the verse guarantee that all Chritian women will survive childbirth (some die during the process), we take this verse to refer to Genesis 1:28 and Genesis 3:15.

Adam and Eve both sin, and, therefore, are no longer able to stay in the presence of God without atonement. The promise is that, one day, her offspring (i.e., "seed" singular) will crush the serpent and the serpent will strike his heel. We now know this to refer to Jesus and his death of the cross, wherein he was nailed to the cross, yet through his death he won victory over sin, death, and the devil.

To summarize, the church in Ephesus is in chaos. People are not learning or worshipping. They are quarrelsome and contentious. Paul admonishes them to learn with quiet hearts and in an attitude of prayer and thanksgiving. This is what the Apostle John refers to as "First Love" in his letter to the Ephesians (Revelation 2:1-7).

We have in our sanctuary the banner: "Prayer First, Prayer Always." May it be a constant reminder to us to enter his sanctuary with the right heart and attitude. I can't tell you how many times I have beeen "bushwacked" with criticism or negative comments just 2-5 minutes prior to a service. It is very difficult after such an incident to restore my soul to quietness, especially when I have feelings of deep hurt or even anger. This is Satan's plan, to distract his people from coming to Jesus to sit at his feet, instead, we gather in the kitchen, near the coffee pot and we gossip and malign each other with our criticism and talk.

If we were to experience the full presence of Jesus, we would definitely be changed and much of our "concerns" would be addressed with his love.