1 Timothy is a letter that explains how the Household of God is to operate, see 1 Timothy 3:15.
This passage deals with the role of women in the church.
As Paul often does, he begins with a positive statement, and then defends it with a negative prohibition.
In verse 11, Paul commands women to learn. This command is often overlooked because of the prohibition that follows in the next verse. But, by skipping this verse, the prohibition is removed from the context.
It is no little thing that women are commanded to learn. Paul even expressed the correct attitude for how women are to learn. The only way we discover the great grace of God is when we come quietly and submissively.
In order to protect women's role as a disciple of grace, Paul establishes two fences. 1) Women are not to teach men, and 2) women are not to have authority over men.
The two fences are all inclusive when it comes to the household of God. Paul's reason for these fences (verses 13-14) are found in Genesis 2-3, where God established His household-even before the fall.
Paul Concludes this section by returning to the topic he began addressing in the first place. Women are to clothe themselves with faith, love, holiness and self-control, as evidence of their profession of Godliness. |