1 Timothy 2:8-15 – “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 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; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”

Two main views of the woman’s role in the church: Egalitarianism: Men and women are equals in every area of life Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Two main views of the woman’s role in the church: Complementarianism: Men and women were created equal, but different. Genesis 2:18 – “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

Verse 8: Aner – Only refers to male human beings Paul gives a positive admonition for men to lead in the worship service.

Verse 9: “Likewise” Proper: Dress orderly or well arranged, fits together nicely Modestly: Respectful timidity Discreetly: Is more about attitude than attire, Paying close attention to how you appear

Verse 9: “Braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments” Not to crave costly garments because it is a vain display

Verse 10: Paul is encouraging women to put their focus on good works

Verses 11-12: “Quietly receive” She is to give herself to the learning of instruction in quietness They are not to preach or be ordained as a spiritual authority

Verses 11-12: “Receive instruction” With an attitude of submission With a willingness of the mind

Verses 11-12: “With entire submissiveness” She is not to exercise authority over the man

Verses 11-12: “With entire submissiveness” What submission is not: 1.Submission does not mean women are under submission to men in general 2.Submission does not mean inequality 3.Submission does not mean that wives are to treat their husbands like God 4.Submission does not mean slavery

Verse 13: “For it was Adam who was first created” The leadership role was based on the order of creation The worship service is a public display of God’s order

Verse 14: “And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived” The weakness of the woman was deception The weakness of the man was the woman Genesis 3:16 – “Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and they desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”

Verse 15: Three possible interpretations: 1.Physical: There is a physical salvation for women through the sufferings of childbirth 2.Spiritual: The woman shall be saved through the birth of the Christ child Jesus. 3.Influential: “Women’s contribution” – The woman shall be saved by leading the next generation into godliness