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1 Timothy
Chapter Two
1 Timothy 2
The apostle proceeds to give instructions founded on the
great principles which he had established-on grace. The Jewish spirit might
look on Gentile kings as enemies
and on Gentiles in general as unworthy of
divine favour. The persecution of which Christians were the object gave the
flesh occasion to nourish these dispositions and to enter into the spirit of
the law. Grace rises above all these thoughts-all these feelings of the heart.
It teaches us to think of all men with love. We belong to a Saviour-God
who
acts in the gospel towards all men with love. Especially were they to pray for
kings and those who had places in the world
that God would dispose their
hearts to allow us to live in peace and quietness in all honesty. This was
well-pleasing to a Saviour-God
who was willing that all men should be saved
and be brought to know the truth. The subject here is not the counsels of God
but His dealings with men under the gospel. He acts in grace. It is the
acceptable time-the day of salvation. He opens the door through the blood of
Christ
and proclaims peace and a sure reception to all who come. The work is
done; His character fully glorified with regard to sin. lf they refuse to come
that is the will of man. That God will fulfill His counsels after all makes no
change in His dealings
nor in the responsibility of men. We have love to
proclaim to all-in the spirit of love in our ways towards them. The distinction
between Jew and Gentile totally disappears here. There is one God
and one
Mediator between God and men
a Man
Christ Jesus. These are the two great
truths which form the basis of all true religion. Judaism had already been the
revelation and testimony in the world of the first: there was one only God.
This remains eternally true
but did not suffice to bring men into relationship
with God. With regard to men He abode within the veil in the darkness which
shrouded His majesty. Christianity
while fully revealing the one God
presents
the second truth: there is one mediator between God and men. There is one
and
there is but one. It is as true that there is but one Mediator as that there is
but one God. This is the great and distinctive truth of Christianity.
Two things here characterise the Mediator. He is a man; He gave
Himself a ransom for all. The time for this testimony was ordered of God.
Precious truth! We are in weakness
we are guilty
we
could not bring ourselves near to God. We needed a Mediator
who
while
maintaining the glory of God
should put us into such a position that He could
present us to God in righteousness according to that glory. Christ gave Himself
as a ransom. But He must be a man in order to suffer for men
and to represent
men. And this He was. But this is not all. We are weak-here
where we are to
receive the revelation of God; and weak
with regard to the use of our
resources in God and our communion with Him--even when our guilt is blotted
out. And
in our weakness to receive the revelation of God
Christ has revealed
God
and all that He is in His own Person
in all the circumstances wherein man
could have need either in body or in soul. He came down into the lowest depths
in order that there should be none
even of the most wretched
who could not
feel that God in His goodness was near him and was entirely accessible to
him-come down to Him-His love finding its occasion in misery; and that there
was no need to which He was not present
which He could not meet.
It is thus that He made himself known on earth; and
now
that He is on high
He is still the same. Ho does not forget His human
experiences: they are perpetuated by His divine power in the sympathizing
feelings of His humanity
according to the energy of that divine love which was
their source and their motive power. He is still a man in glory
and in divine
perfection. His divinity imparts the strength of its love to His humanity
but
does not set aside the latter. Nothing could resemble such a Mediator as this;
nothing could equal the tenderness
the knowledge of the human heart
the
sympathy
the experience of need. In the measure which divinity could give to
what He did
and in the strength of its love
He came down
took part in all
the sorrows of humanity
and entered into all the circumstances in which the
human heart could be
and was wounded
oppressed
and discouraged
bowing down
under the evil. No tenderness
no power of sympathy
no humanity like His; no
human heart that can so understand
so feel with us
whatever the burden may be
that oppresses the heart of man. It is the Man
the Christ Jesus
who is our
Mediator; none so near
none who has come down so low
and entered with divine
power into the need
and all the need
of man. The conscience is purified by
His work
the heart relieved by that which He was
and which He is for ever.
There is but One: to think of another would be to snatch
from Him His glory and from us our perfect consolation. His coming from on
high
His divine nature
His death
His life as man in heaven
all point Him
out as the one and only Mediator.
But there is another aspect of this truth
and of the fact that He is
a Man. It is
that He is not merely a mediator as a Priest upon His throne
between Israel and the Lord; not simply the Messiah
in order to place Israel
in relationship with their God
but a Man between God and men. It is according
to the eternal nature of God Himself and to the need of men in His presence. It
was of these truths
eternal and of universal bearing
that Paul was the herald
and the apostle.
Possessing a character that belongs to all ages and that
goes beyond them
all these facts had their time to be revealed.
All means dependent on man's use of them had been tried
with men-and in vain
as to recalling him to God; and now the necessary
foundations of their relationship with God had to be set forth
laid by God
Himself
and the Gentiles were to hear the testimony of grace. And such was the
apostle's testimony
"a teacher of the Gentiles in the faith and in the
truth."
Paul has plainly now laid the foundations
and he proceeds
therefore to details. Men were to pray everywhere
lifting up pure hands
without wrath
and without vain human reasonings. Women were to walk in
modesty
adorned with good works
and to learn in silence. A woman was
forbidden to teach or to exercise authority over men; she was to abide in
quietness and silence. The reason given for this is remarkable
and shews how
in our relations with God
everything depends on the original starting-point.
In innocence Adam had the first place; in sin
Eve It was she who
being
deceived
brought in transgression. Adam was not deceived
guilty as he was of
disobeying God. United to his wife
he followed her
not deceived by the enemy
but weak through his affection. Without the weakness
it was this which the
second Adam did in grace; He followed His deceived and guilty bride
but in
order to redeem and deliver her by taking her faults upon Himself. Eve suffered
on earth the penalty of her fault in a way which is a mark of the judgment of
God; but walking in modesty
with faith and love and holiness
she shall be
delivered in the hour of her trial; and that which bears the stamp of judgment
shall be an occasion of the mercy and succour of God.
── John Darby《Synopsis of 1 Timothy》
1 Timothy 2
Chapter Contents
Prayer to be made for all persons
since the grace of the
gospel makes no difference of ranks or stations. (1-7) How men and women ought
to behave
both in their religious and common life. (8-15)
Commentary on 1 Timothy 2:1-7
(Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7)
The disciples of Christ must be praying people; all
without distinction of nation
sect
rank
or party. Our duty as Christians
is
summed up in two words; godliness
that is
the right worshipping of God; and
honesty
that is
good conduct toward all men. These must go together: we are
not truly honest
if we are not godly
and do not render to God his due; and we
are not truly godly
if not honest. What is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour
we should abound in. There is one Mediator
and that Mediator gave himself a
ransom for all. And this appointment has been made for the benefit of the Jews
and the Gentiles of every nation; that all who are willing may come in this
way
to the mercy-seat of a pardoning God
to seek reconciliation with him. Sin
had made a quarrel between us and God; Jesus Christ is the Mediator who makes
peace. He is a ransom that was to be known in due time. In the Old Testament
times
his sufferings
and the glory that should follow
were spoken of as
things to be revealed in the last times. Those who are saved must come to the
knowledge of the truth
for that is God's appointed way to save sinners: if we
do not know the truth
we cannot be ruled by it.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 2:8-15
(Read 1 Timothy 2:8-15)
Under the gospel
prayer is not to be confined to any one
particular house of prayer
but men must pray every where. We must pray in our
closets
pray in our families
pray at our meals
pray when we are on journeys
and pray in the solemn assemblies
whether more public or private. We must pray
in charity; without wrath
or malice
or anger at any person. We must pray in
faith
without doubting
and without disputing. Women who profess the Christian
religion
must be modest in apparel
not affecting gaudiness
gaiety
or
costliness. Good works are the best ornament; these are
in the sight of God
of great price. Modesty and neatness are more to be consulted in garments than
elegance and fashion. And it would be well if the professors of serious
godliness were wholly free from vanity in dress. They should spend more time
and money in relieving the sick and distressed
than in decorating themselves
and their children. To do this in a manner unsuitable to their rank in life
and their profession of godliness
is sinful. These are not trifles
but Divine
commands. The best ornaments for professors of godliness
are good works.
According to St. Paul
women are not allowed to be public teachers in the
church; for teaching is an office of authority. But good women may and ought to
teach their children at home the principles of true religion. Also
women must
not think themselves excused from learning what is necessary to salvation
though they must not usurp authority. As woman was last in the creation
which
is one reason for her subjection
so she was first in the transgression. But
there is a word of comfort; that those who continue in sobriety
shall be saved
in child-bearing
or with child-bearing
by the Messiah
who was born of a
woman. And the especial sorrow to which the female sex is subject
should cause
men to exercise their authority with much gentleness
tenderness
and
affection.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 1 Timothy》
1 Timothy 2
Verse 1
[1] I
exhort therefore
that
first of all
supplications
prayers
intercessions
and giving of thanks
be made for all men;
I exhort therefore —
Seeing God is so gracious. In this chapter he gives directions
1. With regard
to public prayers 2. With regard to doctrine. Supplication is here the
imploring help in time of need: prayer is any kind of offering up our desires
to God. But true prayer is the vehemency of holy zeal
the ardour of divine
love
arising from a calm
undisturbed soul
moved upon by the Spirit of God.
Intercession is prayer for others. We may likewise give thanks for all men
in
the full sense of the word
for that God "willeth all men to be
saved
" and Christ is the Mediator of all.
Verse 2
[2] For kings
and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For all that are in authority — Seeing even the lowest country magistrates frequently do much good or much
harm. God supports the power of magistracy for the sake of his own people
when
in the present state of men
it could not otherwise be kept up in any
nation whatever.
Godliness —
Inward religion; the true worship of God.
Honesty — A
comprehensive word taking in the whole duty we owe to our neighbour.
Verse 3
[3] For
this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
For this —
That we pray for all men. Do you ask
"Why are not more converted?"
We do not pray enough.
Is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour — Who has actually saved us that believe
and willeth all men to be saved.
It is strange that any whom he has actually saved should doubt the universality
of his grace!
Verse 4
[4] Who
will have all men to be saved
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Who willeth seriously all men - Not a part
only
much less the smallest part.
To be saved —
Eternally. This is treated of
1 Timothy 2:5
6. And
in order thereto
to come
- They are not compelled.
To the knowledge of the truth — Which brings salvation. This is treated of
1 Timothy 2:6
7.
Verse 5
[5] For there is one God
and one mediator between God and men
the man Christ
Jesus;
For —
The fourth verse is proved by the fifth; the first
by the fourth.
There is one God —
And they who have not him
through the one Mediator
have no God.
One mediator also — We
could not rejoice that there is a God
were there not a mediator also; one who
stands between God and men
to reconcile man to God
and to transact the whole
affair of our salvation. This excludes all other mediators
as saints and
angels
whom the Papists set up and idolatrously worship as such: just as the
heathens of old set up many mediators
to pacify their superior gods.
The man —
Therefore all men are to apply to this mediator
"who gave himself for
all."
Verse 6
[6] Who
gave himself a ransom for all
to be testified in due time.
Who gave himself a ransom for all — Such a ransom
the word signifies
wherein a like or equal is given; as
an eye for an eye
or life for life: and this ransom
from the dignity of the
person redeeming
was more than equivalent to all mankind.
To be testified of in due season — Literally
in his own seasons; those chosen by his own wisdom.
Verse 8
[8] I
will therefore that men pray every where
lifting up holy hands
without wrath
and doubting.
I will — A
word strongly expressing his apostolical authority.
Therefore —
This particle connects the eighth with the first verse.
That men pray in every place — Public and private. Wherever men are
there prayer should be.
Lifting up holy hands — Pure from all known sin.
Without wrath — In
any kind
against any creature. And every temper or motion of our soul that is
not according to love is wrath. And doubting - Which is contrary to faith. And
wrath
or unholy actions
or want of faith in him we call upon
are the three
grand hinderances of God's hearing our petitions. Christianity consists of
faith and love
embracing truth and grace: therefore the sum of our wishes
should be
to pray
and live
and die
without any wrath or doubt.
Verse 9
[9] In
like manner also
that women adorn themselves in modest apparel
with
shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair
or gold
or pearls
or
costly array;
With sobriety —
Which
in St. Paul's sense
is the virtue which governs our whole life
according to true wisdom.
Not with curled hair
not with gold — Worn by way of ornament.
Not with pearls —
Jewels of any kind: a part is put for the whole.
Not with costly raiment — These four are expressly forbidden by name to all women (here is no
exception) professing godliness
and no art of man can reconcile with the
Christian profession the wilful violation of an express command.
Verse 12
[12] But
I suffer not a woman to teach
nor to usurp authority over the man
but to be
in silence.
To usurp authority over the man — By public teaching.
Verse 13
[13] For
Adam was first formed
then Eve.
First — So
that woman was originally the inferior.
Verse 14
[14] And
Adam was not deceived
but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
And Adam was not deceived — The serpent deceived Eve: Eve did not deceive Adam
but persuaded him.
"Thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife
" Genesis 3:17. The preceding verse showed why a
woman should not "usurp authority over the man." this shows why she
ought not "to teach." She is more easily deceived
and more easily
deceives.
The woman being deceived transgressed — "The serpent deceived" her
Genesis 3:13
and she transgressed.
Verse 15
[15]
Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing
if they continue in faith
and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Yet she —
That is
women in general
who were all involved with Eve in the sentence
pronounced
Genesis 3:16.
Shall be saved in childbearing — Carried safe through the pain and danger which that sentence entails
upon them for the transgression; yea
and finally saved
if they continue in
loving faith and holy wisdom.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 1 Timothy》
Chapter 2. The Importance of
Intercession
All Be Saved
Come to the Truth
I. First to
Pray for
II. What Men
Should Be
III. What Women
Should Be
── Chih-Hsin
Chang《An Outline of
The New Testament》
Chapter Two General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate the importance and place of prayer
especially in the
lives of men
2) To notice God's desire for the salvation of all men
therefore
offering Christ as a ransom for all
not just a select few
3) To understand the proper adornment of women
and their place in the
public teaching of the church
SUMMARY
Having reminded Timothy of his charge to remain in Ephesus and "wage
the good warfare"
Paul now begins instructing Timothy in matters that
involve the church. He starts with a call to prayer
defining for whom
and why we should pray. His desire is that men pray in every place
lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting (1-8).
Just as men are to pray everywhere
so women are to adorn themselves
properly. This involves modest apparel worn with propriety and
moderation
but it also includes good works
as is proper for women
professing godliness. Also proper is women learning in silence
(translated peaceable in verse 2) with all submission. Therefore a
woman is not permitted to teach or have authority over a man. Basing
this restriction on the relationship of Adam
Eve
and the fall
Paul
reminds them they can be saved in their natural role of childbearing if
they continue in faith
love
and holiness
with self-control (9-15).
OUTLINE
I. THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER (1-8)
A. THE SCOPE OF PRAYER (1-7)
1. Supplications
prayers
intercessions
and giving of thanks
are to be made for all (1)
a. For kings and all who are in authority (2a )
b. That we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness
and reverence (2b)
2. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (3)
a. Who desires all men to be saved and know the truth (4)
b. For there is one Mediator between God and men (5a )
1) The Man Christ Jesus
who gave Himself a ransom for all
(5b-6a )
2) To be testified in due time
for which Paul was
appointed a preacher and an apostle (6b-7a )
a) Paul speaks the truth in Christ and is not lying (7b)
b) A teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth (7c )
B. A CALL TO PRAYER (8)
1. For men to pray everywhere (8a )
2. Lifting up holy hands
without wrath and doubting (8b)
II. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOMEN (9-15)
A. THEIR ADORNMENT (9-10)
1. With modest apparel (9a )
a. With propriety and moderation (9b)
b. Not with braided hair
gold
pearls
or costly clothing
(9c )
2. With good works
which is proper for women professing
godliness (10)
B. THEIR SUBMISSION (11-15)
1. To learn in silence with all submission (11)
2. Not permitted to teach or have authority over a man
but to be
in silence (12)
a. For Adam was formed first
then Eve (13)
b. And Adam was not deceived
but the woman being deceived
fell into transgression (14)
3. A woman will be saved in childbearing if they continue in...
a. Faith
b. Love
c. Holiness
-- With self-control (15)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The practice of prayer (1-8)
- Instructions for women (9-15)
2) What four things does Paul exhort be made for all men? (1)
- Supplications
prayers
intercessions
and giving of thanks
3) Who else are we to pray for? Why? (2)
- Kings and all who are in authority
- That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
reverence
4) What does God desire for all men? (4)
- That they be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth
5) Who is the one mediator between God and men? (5)
- The Man Christ Jesus
6) For whom did Jesus give Himself as a ransom? (6)
- For all
7) What did Paul desire that men do? (8)
- Pray everywhere
lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting
8) How are women to adorn themselves? (9-10)
- In modest apparel
with propriety and moderation
- Not with braided hair
gold
pearls
or costly clothing
- With good works
as is proper for women professing godliness
9) How were the women to learn? (11)
- In silence (peaceable
cf. 2:3)
with all submission
10) What did Paul not permit a woman to do? (12)
- To teach or have authority over a man
11) What two reasons does Paul give for these limitations on women?
(13-14)
- Adam was formed first
then Eve
- Adam was not deceived
but the woman being deceived fell into
transgression
12) What are the women encouraged to continue in? (15)
- Faith
love
holiness
with self-control
Praying For Those In Authority (2:1-8)
INTRODUCTION
1. Paul's purpose for writing to Timothy is expressed in 1 Ti 3:14-15...
2. An important part of our conduct in the family of God concerns our
prayers - 1 Ti 2:1-8
a. Such prayers are to be offered "for all men"
b. Yet Paul does go on to specify "for kings and all who are in
authority"
[Therefore I think it appropriate to focus our attention on "Praying For
Those In Authority" especially whenever the "winds of war" are
blowing...]
I. WHAT KIND OF PRAYERS?
A. SUPPLICATIONS...
1. These are petitions for certain definite needs
2. Humble requests which one makes in the light of this or that
concrete situation which God
alone can furnish help - Hendriksen
3. E.g.
when leaders are faced with a crisis
B. PRAYERS...
1. Perhaps used here to refer to requests for the fulfillment of
needs always present
2. In contrast with 'supplications' in specific situations
- Hendriksen
3. E.g.
when leaders are faced with routine duties of governing
C. INTERCESSIONS...
1. "pleading in the interest of others" - Hendriksen
2. Just as Christ does for us - cf. He 7:25
3. E.g.
praying on behalf a leader
D. GIVING OF THANKS...
1. Expressing gratitude for blessings received
2. Thus completing the 'circle' begun when requests were first
made
3. E.g.
when leaders have led their country to prosperity
or out
of a crisis
[Such are the prayers we are to offer for those in positions of
authority. Have we said such prayers lately...?]
II. WHY PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY?
A. SO WE CAN LIVE A CERTAIN WAY...
1. With lives that are 'quiet' and 'peaceable' - 1 Ti 2:2
a. I.e.
tranquil and calm
b. Especially in our relationship with men - cf. 1 Th 4:11-12
2. With lives lived in all 'godliness' and 'reverence' - 1 Ti 1:2
a. I.e.
piety and gravity
b. Especially in our relationship with God - cf. Ti 2:11-14
3. What does praying have to do with producing peace?
a. God is in ultimate control - cf. Dan 2:20-21; 4:25; Ro 13:
1-2; Re 1:5
b. God can influence those in authority to do His will - cf.
Pro 21:1; Isa 10;5-7
12
15
c. We can influence God through prayer! - cf. Lk 18:7-8
-- Truly the 'prayer closet' is more likely to succeed than the
'voting booth' or the 'terrorist's bomb'!
B. BECAUSE THIS IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE...
1. For God desires all men to be saved - 1 Ti 2:3-7
a. He sent Jesus to be the ransom
and now mediator
b. He appointed men like Paul to go and proclaim the truth
among the nations
2. The spread of truth is facilitated when peace exists among the
nations
a. In Paul's day
the Pax Romana made the spread of the gospel
easier
b. Today
peaceful relations between countries opens doors for
the gospel
c. Whereas wars often stifle communication and transportation
between countries
-- So let's pray that peace may prevail
though we understand that
sometimes war has a place in God's providence - cf. Ecc 3:1-8
[Now let's consider...]
III. WHERE AND HOW SHOULD WE PRAY?
A. WHERE? EVERYWHERE...
1. In light of 1 Ti 3:14-15
some think Paul refers to assemblies
in every place - 1 Ti 2:8
2. I.e.
not just in one country
but in all countries
a. Pray for all who are in authority
b. Pray for good leaders and bad leaders
3. Of course
we can pray in other places besides the assemblies
- Mt 6:6
B. HOW? LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS...
1. The Bible describes various 'praying postures'
a. Standing - 1 Sam 1:26; Mk 11:25; Lk 18:13
b. Hands spread out and/or lifted heavenward - 1 Kin 8:22; Neh
8:6
c. Bowing the head - Neh 8:6
d. Lifting heavenward of the eyes - Jn 17:1
e. Kneeling - Ac 20:36
f. Falling down with the face upon the ground - Mt 26:39
g. Bowing the head
with face between the knees - 1 Kin 18:42
h. Bowing the head
while striking the breast - Lk 18:13
i. Not recorded in Scripture and unknown to the early church is
the custom of closing the eyes while folding the hands!
2. Evidently a particular posture is not what is important
a. It is the inner attitude of the soul
b. Certainly our posture should reflect our inner posture (what
does 'slouching' suggest?)
3. Paul must be emphasizing 'holy' hands
a. I.e.
hands (and lives) unpolluted by sin
b. Prayers of confession and contrition should be offered
before making requests for blessings!
C. HOW? WITHOUT WRATH AND DOUBTING...
1. Without wrath
a. I.e.
'settled indignation'
a. Such an attitude toward another makes our prayers
unacceptable to God - Mt 6:14-15; Ja 1:19-20
b. No room here for angry praying against our leaders!
2. Without doubting
a. Just as prayers for wisdom must be offered in faith
so
prayers for peace!
b. Read Ja 1:5-8 and substitute 'peace' for 'wisdom'
CONCLUSION
1. Remember that as the people of God we are "the salt of the earth"
- Mt 5:14
2. One of the best things we can do to make the earth a more pleasant
place is to fulfill our duty to pray for those in authority!
3. Are you able to lift prayers with 'holy' hands? Or are your prayers
actually an abomination to the Lord? - cf. Pro 28:9
If you desire a quiet and peaceable a life
then let the blood of Jesus
cleans your hands and your heart so your prayers will be heard!
Remember
God desires all men to be saved... - 1 Ti 2:4
Instructions To Women (2:9-15)
INTRODUCTION
1. The purpose of 1st Timothy is found in 1 Ti 3:14-15...
a. That we might know how to conduct ourselves in God's family
the
church
b. E.g.
Paul's instruction to men regarding prayer - 1 Ti 2:1-8
2. In 1 Ti 2:9-15
Paul addresses the women
and gives instructions
concerning...
a. Their adornment - 1 Ti 2:9-10
b. Their submission - 1 Ti 2:11-15
[His instructions may seem antiquated
but women seeking to please God
will do well to give earnest heed. Consider
then
what is written
about...]
I. THE ADORNMENT OF WOMEN
A. "IN LIKE MANNER..."
1. Just as men are to pray 'everywhere'
'without wrath and
doubting' - 1 Ti 2:8
2. So these instructions to women apply 'everywhere'
'without
wrath and doubting'
3. "The apostle had stated particularly the duty of men in public
worship (1 Ti 2:8)
and he now proceeds to state the duty of
women. All the directions here evidently refer to the proper
manner of conducting public worship
and not to private duties;
and the object here is to state the way in which he would have
the different sexes appear." - Barnes
a. "He had said that he would have prayers offered for all
people (1Ti 2:1ff)
and that in offering such petitions he
would have the men on whom devolved the duty of conducting
public devotion
do it with holy hands
and without any
intermingling of passion
and with entire freedom from the
spirit of contention." - ibid.
b. "In reference to the duty of females in attendance on public
worship
he says that he would have them appear in apparel
suitable to the place and the occasion - adorned not after
the manner of the world
but with the zeal and love in the
cause of the Redeemer which became Christians." - ibid.
B. "ADORN THEMSELVES IN MODEST APPAREL..."
1. Lit.
"adorn themselves in adorning attire"; the word modest
means:
a. "orderly
well-arranged
decent" - Vine
b. "well-arranged
becoming' - RWP
c. The NASB uses the word 'proper'
2. "It does not
properly
mean modest in the sense of being
opposed to that which is immodest
or which tends to excite
improper passions and desires
but that which is becoming or
appropriate." - Barnes
3. What constitutes 'proper' apparel is further defined by Paul as
he continues...
C. "WITH PROPRIETY AND MODERATION..."
1. Propriety means "a sense of shame
a shrinking from trespassing
the boundaries of propriety
proper reserve" - Hendriksen
2. Moderation (translated 'sobriety'
KJV) means "sanity; then
sober-mindedness
moderation of the desires and passions. It is
opposed to all that is frivolous
and to all undue excitement
of the passions. The idea is
that in their apparel and
deportment they should not entrench on the strictest decorum.
Doddridge." - Barnes
3. The point is to avoid extremes: "Be not the first by whom the
new is tried
nor yet the last to lay the old aside." - Pope
D. "NOT WITH BRAIDED HAIR
GOLD
PEARLS OR COSTLY CLOTHING..."
1. Note that Paul is not dealing with brevity of clothing per se
a. Rather
clothing and hairstyles designed to draw the
attention of others
b. Of course
drawing attention through brevity of clothing
would violate the spirit of the letter
as well as the word
translated before as "propriety" or "shamefacedness" (KJV)
2. Is Paul condemning all adorning of the hair or wearing of
jewelry?
a. Compare what Peter wrote in 1 Pe 3:3-4
1) Both appear to be a use of the comparative 'not'...
a) Where 'not' is not used as a literal prohibition
b) But to compare one thing to another (not this..but
this)
2) For example
look at Jn 6:27
a) Did Jesus condemn working for food?
b) No
He was emphasizing what is most important
b. Sarah evidently adorned herself such that her beauty could
not be hidden (cf. Gen 12:14-15)
but her true beauty was
adornment of a meek and quiet spirit - 1 Pe 3:5-6
3. "It cannot be supposed that the mere braiding of the hair is
forbidden
but only that careful attention to the manner of
doing it
and to the ornaments usually worn in it
which
characterized worldly females. It is not to be supposed that
all use of gold or pearls as articles of dress is here
forbidden; but the idea is
that the Christian female is not to
seek these as the adorning which she desires
or is not to
imitate the world in these personal decorations." - Barnes
E. "BUT
WHICH IS PROPER FOR WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS
WITH
GOOD WORKS..."
1. Here is where the emphasis is to be
not on outward apparel!
2. As per 1 Pe 3:3-4: "Do not let your adornment be [merely]
outward - arranging the hair
wearing gold
or putting on
[fine] apparel - rather [let it be] the hidden person of the
heart
with the incorruptible [beauty] of a gentle and quiet
spirit
which is very precious in the sight of God." (NKJV)
3. Good works befits women professing godliness (godly piety)
- e.g.
Dorcas
Ac 9:36
39
[Sisters in Christ
what do men notice most about you? Attention to
physical adornment
or your godly conduct? Be careful not to let the
physical take precedent and block out the spiritual! Now consider
Paul's instructions regarding...]
II. THE SUBMISSION OF WOMEN
A. "LEARN IN SILENCE WITH ALL SUBMISSION...TO BE IN SILENCE"
1. The word "silence" (NKJV
ASV
NRSV) - 1 Ti 2:11-12
a. Translated "quietness" (KJV)
"quietly" (NASB)
b. Found here and in Ac 22:2 ("all the more silent") and 2 Th
3:12 ("work in quietness")
c. Related to the word used in 1 Ti 2:2 ("peaceable life")
2. "The apostle goes on to give some other instructions to women
how they should behave themselves in public worship
in the
church of God;" - Gill
a. "he would have them be learners and not teachers
sit and
hear
and learn more of Christ
and of the truth of the
Gospel
and to maintain good works;" - ibid.
b. "and he would have them learn in silence
and not offer to
rise and speak
under a pretense of having a word from the
Lord
or of being under an impulse of the Spirit of the
Lord
as some frantic women have done;" - ibid.
c. "and if they should meet with anything
under the ministry
of the word
they did not understand
or they had an
objection to
they were not to speak in public
but ask
their own husbands at home; see 1 Co 14:34." - ibid.
d. "And thus
they were to behave with all subjection; both to
the ministers of the word
and to their own husbands; - ibid.
3. Thus women should "listen attentively to instruction
without
attempting to teach in public" - Barnes
B. "DO NOT PERMIT A WOMEN TO TEACH OR TO HAVE AUTHORITY..."
1. Note that this pertains to "over a man"
a. Compare his comments with those in 1 Co 14:34-37
b. Women may certainly teach other women
children - cf. Ti 2:
3-4
2. Both 1 Ti 2:11-12 and 1 Co 14:34-37 appear to deal with the
conduct of women in the public assemblies and worship of the
church
C. REASONS AND REASSURANCES FOR SUCH CONDUCT...
1. Reasons for the submission of women in the church - 1 Ti 2:
13-14
a. Adam was formed first
then Eve
1) "Man was made as the lord of this lower creation and
placed in the garden
and then the woman was made of a
rib taken from his side
and given to him
not as a lord
but as a companion." - Barnes (cf. Gen 2:7-23)
2) "All the circumstances combine to show the subordinate
nature of her rank
and to prove that she was not
designed to exert authority over the man; compare notes
on 1 Co 11:8-9." - ibid.
b. Adam was not deceived; Eve being deceived
fell into
transgression
1) Neither the serpent nor Eve deceived Adam; he allowed
himself to be persuaded by Eve after she ate - cf. Gen
3:17
2) Eve was deceived by the serpent
which she readily
acknowledged - Gen 3:13
3) The woman's susceptibility to deception is thus offered
as a reason why women are not to have a leadership role
over men in the church
2. Reassurances for women who learn in submission - 1 Ti 2:15
a. "She will be saved in childbearing" (NKJV)
1) "To be understood not of a temporal salvation
or being
saved through childbearing
through the perilous time
and be delivered out of it..." - Gill
2) "...for though this is generally the case
yet not
always
nor always the case of good women. Rachel died in
child bed." - ibid.
b. But though subject to man
with no leadership role in the
church
and susceptible to bearing children in pain and
sorrow (cf. Gen 3:16)
a woman can be saved as well as a man
- cf. Ga 3:28
c. She can be saved even in this function (childbearing)
not
by means of it - RWP
1) Paul is not saying women must bear children to be saved
for he teaches elsewhere the value of the single life
- cf. 1 Co 7:32-35
2) Yet generally speaking
this is God's creative purpose
for women (motherhood)
d. "Provided they continue in faith and love and holiness
with
modesty (self-restraint)"
1) Faith
love
holiness - virtues necessary for salvation
2) Modesty (self-restraint) - virtue necessary for submission
CONCLUSION
1. In a world obsessed with fashion and equality
it is not easy to be a
'daughter of Sarah' today
2. But for women 'making a claim to godliness'...
a. Their adornment will be modest and discreet
accompanied with good
works
b. Their service will be faith
love
and holiness
accompanied by
submission and self-restraint
In the words of Peter
such conduct is "...very precious in the sight of
God. For in this manner
in former times
the holy women who trusted in
God also adorned themselves..." - 1 Pe 3:4-5
--《Executable
Outlines》
The importance of intercession
All be
saved
Come to
the truth
I.
First to pray for
1.
Kings and those in authority
2.
Godliness and peacefulness
3.
Please God our savior
II.What men should be
1.
Without anger
2.
Without disputing
3.
Pray everywhere
III.
What women should be
1.
Dress modestly
2.
Learn in quietness
3.
Keep holiness with propriety
-- Chih-Hsin
Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》