Mentorship: Paul to Timothy

1 Timothy 2English Standard Version (ESV)

Pray for All People

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

As Christians we are commanded to pray, supplicate, and intercede for everyone, especially people in government, those making our laws. It comforts my heart that God wants all people to have knowledge of Him and be saved. Paul gives the gospel by recounting how Jesus is our mediator. It is good for us to roll this idea over in our minds. It is good for us to tell it to others and give thanks for how God has provided for us. Paul then gives us a very controversial paragraph for our modern day culture. He segways with he hopes the message of gospel inspires men to "pray, lifting holy hands" and then he transitions to how the gospel should inspire women. There are couple thoughts I have formed while agonizing over this passage.... I will not always like what God has to say. It is my job to make sure that I am still honoring what He is saying.... I need to not misread this passage or discount it as no longer relevant. The word of God is still active and can teach us.... 

So that being said I want to give some thoughts about how Paul is discussing women. Women, we are capable of portraying great beauty, should not get distracted or be distracting. Women should profess godliness with good works. This makes sense. I do not like the word submissiveness.... I think this is partial because I have seen people misuse submission to abuse women and because of the cultural context we have given this concept. Another question is to who do women need to be submissive? Their father, their husband, the elders in their church? I have also seen in the inverse where women take control where they should let the men lead. I want to acknowledge this is and will continue to be a struggle, but historically women were not even suppose to be seen. The fact that Paul wanted their good works to be seen and admired in the church is a great thing for that time. I want to lead in my church, but as I read this passage I see Paul showing me the way to do that is with good works which God has given me to do. The last part of this chapter talks about women and childbearing. We know that being pregnant will not bring salvation to any woman. We do know that women play an active role in their children's faith as they mentor, act out their faith, and tell of the good things God has done for them to their children. Men cannot have children, so reminding women of the special role God has give them  honors them. 

Father, help me as I wrestle with these difficult concepts. May the words of my mouth praise You. May I constantly be recounting the many ways You bless me, care for me, and bring me salvation. Give me clear good works to do for you. Give me people to tell of Your salvation. Give me a praying heart. I am so thankful for the people who have mentored me through this passage. I apologize for my unsubmissive and unrepentant heart. I thank You for being my mediator. I thank You for sharing knowledge about Yourself. May I not take it lightly. In Jesus name, Amen.