1 Timothy 2:9-15

Therefore (v1), since Paul wants the church to be praying, he does not leave it to chance but calls on men (males, Grk. andros) everywhere (in all the churches) to take the lead.  Women are not forbidden to pray, but we should note that Paul is speaking about conduct in the church and particularly in the worship services of the local church.  From the beginning the local churches met for this and other purposes (Acts 2:41-47) and men were called on to lead in prayer.

The men were to be men of character.  We do not believe the position of prayer is the critical issue (other positions are common in scripture).  What is important is that the one praying be holy, especially not praying in anger (perhaps at the authorities for whom they were praying) or doubting.  Your translation may say dissension.  Either is a proper translation of the Greek dialogos which can refer to dialogue between people (thus dissension) or internal dialogue (thus doubt).

The reason men are called to lead probably becomes clear as we continue in the passage.  Paul calls on women to learn in silence with all submission and does not permit them to take authority, especially authority of the ministry of the Word.  The need for this instruction makes sense.  Men and women were created equal (Gen. 1, both in God’s image) and equally blessed in the church (there is no male nor female, Gal. 3:28).  But this is not an issue of equality; it is the result of Gen. 2 when God established order in the relationships.  Paul looks to creation (v13) and the entrance of sin (v14).  Women who were saved felt a great respect and freedom in the Church which they did not experience in Roman society.  But Paul was cautioning that this not become a basis for disrespect of men or challenging God’s established order.  And by the way, silence in 2:11 is the same term used in 2:2 which refers to a quietness or calmness in society.  The woman is known more for her modesty (not calling attention to herself) and good works (such as those referred to in 1 Tim. 5:10) than for her words.

The hope expressed in 1 Tim. 2:15 is interesting and difficult to understand.  What does it mean that she will be saved in childbearing?  Some see the salvation as temporal rather than eternal, but the reference to continuing in faith, love and holiness seems to go against this.  Some say childbearing women are in a better position to be saved, but that suggests ascribing efficacy to her works.  Others say she will be saved even though she must bear children, connecting it with the curse in Gen. 3:16.  Some refer it to the birth of the Messiah, the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15) born of Mary.  In the end a woman is saved by faith (the continuing is evidence of that faith) however we understand this.

The local church is a family.  It is not a surprise that the order in the home would carry over into the church as well.  As we will see in the coming passage, leaders manage the church best who manage their families well (1 Tim. 3:4-5).  Let us be in our churches, by God’s grace, the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15).