1 Timothy 2. Beginning in 1 Timothy 2 the Apostle Paul tackles specific problems in the church in Ephesus. He gives Pastor Timothy instructions for how to handle certain challenges caused by various false teachings. He begins where we should all begin – with a call to hold regular congregational prayer meetings.

First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our savior (2:1-3). Corporate prayer sets the tone for how a congregation worships and comes together in unity. Prayer for civic leaders and the city will open the door for God to work and bring about greater peace and stability, which is good for the gospel and the church.

Second, Paul addresses men in the congregation who have been influenced by corrupt teachings. He commands them to not be angry and full of quarreling (2:8), which was likely driven by all the myths, speculations, vain discussions, and ignorant confident assertions that were mentioned in the previous chapter and were causing division (1:3-7). Instead, Paul calls them to be prayer warriors noting that in every place men should pray, lifting holy hands.  

Third, Paul addresses women in the congregation who have treated worship gatherings as a fashion show and an opportunity to flaunt their wealth and influence. Likewise, women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works (2:9-10). In the Ephesian church there was a big income gap between the wealthy and slaves, and it was inappropriate for women to be strutting about showing off their outfits like it was the Kentucky Derby or Miami swim week.

Finally, Paul tackles the topic of women in the congregation who have been influenced by corrupt teaching and are causing a disturbance of some kind. Paul writes, “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, rather she is to remain quiet.”(2:11-12) Scholars are divided on what exactly Paul meant by this statement – because in other New Testament letters he clearly indicated that women had Spirit-given abilities to lead and teach, and some women were discipling others and leading churches.

We should note that Paul encouraged women to learn, which was unusual in that era. There are basically two options for understanding this text: (a) Women should never ever lead or teach men in any time, place, or culture; or (b) These particular women in Ephesus should not lead or teach because they are uneducated, have been deceived, and are being disruptive. Given the context we can certainly say that (b) is true – but I would argue that these instructions for a particular situation were never meant to bar women from ever teaching or leading for all of eternity.

I love how Dr. Ben Witherington of Asbury Theological Seminary explains women in ministry (video here): We only ask three questions: (1) Is she gifted by the Holy Spirit to lead and teach? (2) Is she called to this type of ministry? (3) What kind of education has she had? These are the same questions we would ask of any male who desired to be in ministry as well! Tomorrow we will look at the character qualities of those who desire to lead!