1 Timothy 2:11 - Printer Friendly

Context is crucial for understanding any passage of Scripture. This is especially true when the verse, taken out of its context, is easily misunderstood. This verse is especially prone to misinterpretation and controversy, so it needs to be carefully understood and carefully interpreted.

This provocative statement actually begins with an assumption about women which was foreign to ancient culture: encouraging the teaching of women. This idea ran in direct contrast to most cultural and religious traditions of the time. In traditional Judaism, women were not allowed to study the Law. Paul's words here, then, start by following the pattern of Jesus, who taught women as part of His ministry (John 4:27–30; 11:28–30; 19:25).

The truly controversial part of the verse has served as the basis for much debate among Christians. From the context of the Greek language, Paul's prior comments, and the culture of the time, it is clear that Paul does not mean that women are to remain "silent," meaning soundless, as in some older translations. The same root Greek word, hesuchios, is used in several places where total silence is clearly not implied (1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 Peter 3:4). Rather, the term implies a peacefulness, or stillness, or calmness. In that time, religious expressions could be loud, showy, and hysterical. This is exactly what Paul wishes to avoid.

Perhaps the most important context to understand is that of verses 9 and 10, where Paul encouraged women not to dress in flashy, showy ways. Instead, they were to dress modestly. This verse presents the same basic principle, as applied to actions, rather than to clothes. The goal is peacefulness and self-control.

The idea of submissiveness, as used here, is also easily misunderstood. In Ephesians 5:21–33, Paul used the analogy of Christ and the church along with husband and wife in marriage. Mutual submission, or service to one another, was encouraged. Paul emphasized a woman's submissiveness in 1 Timothy 2:11 but also teaches men to do the same toward their wives elsewhere.

The following verse, likewise, has generated significant controversy, and also needs to be understood carefully.

First Timothy 2:9–15 is one of the more hotly-debated passages of the New Testament. This section provides instruction on the role of women in the context of Christian worship. Despite some phrases which are unclear, the core message is fairly well-defined. Women are not to focus on dramatic appearance or behavior, but to put their efforts into godliness and good works. Women are also not to override the spiritual leadership of men. Understanding the cultural and scriptural context resolves most objections to the text, but this passage remains a source of contention in the modern church.

In this passage, Paul encourages Timothy to lead his church in prayer, including prayers for government and worldly leaders. This flows naturally from the Christian view of humanity, which sees all men as loved by God and in need of the same salvation from sin. A large portion of the chapter is taken by Paul's comments on the role of women in worship services. Rather than focusing on flashy clothes and dramatic behavior, women are to be modest and godly. In addition, women should not take on specific spiritual leadership roles reserved for men.

In chapter 1, Paul charged Timothy to hold fast against false teaching. In chapter 2, Paul begins to lay out the practical steps a church needs to take in order to prevent false doctrine from taking over. This begins with prayer, including prayers for leaders outside the church, so Christians can be left in peace. Paul also explains the separation between the roles of men and women in worship services, which should be read in the context of his comments in chapter 3.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.