“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 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, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control” (1 Timothy 2:8-15; all Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version).

Saint Paul’s comments in this passage have inspired much controversy in recent years. Does this passage teach that women are spiritually inferior to men? Some readers claim that this passage proves that Paul was a male chauvinist. However, it seems to conflict with other parts of the New Testament. Paul did not always object to women in ministry: He commended female ministers such as Phoebe, Prisca (also known as Priscilla), Mary, and Junia in Romans 16:1-7. He visited with Philip the evangelist (one of the first seven deacons) who had “four unmarried daughters, who prophesied” (Acts 21:8-9); there is no indication that Paul objected to this arrangement.

The statement— “I do no permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man”—is not “politically correct” in 2026. The conflict between the apparent meaning of this statement, modern egalitarian norms, and even some other Bible passages would require a very extensive discussion, which I do not intend to present at this time. However, there are some key truths we can learn from this passage, and their importance will become more apparent as we continue through the 1 Timothy.

As I studied this passage, I read several attempts by authors from diverse church traditions who tried to address it. Most agree that it makes the most sense when read in the context of the entire letter.

First, Paul is emphasizing—for both men and women—the need for true godliness over hyperspirituality. Timothy would confront a growing false teaching in Ephesus, which urged legalistic views about food and abstaining from sex, even within marriage (1 Timothy 4:3-5). This worldview would develop into a full-blown heresy known as Gnosticism in the second century, but its roots were already present in Paul’s day. (Some of its elements continue to spring up from time to time: There is a small sect known as the Shakers who, among other things, believed that sex is inherently sinful, so they would not have relations even within marriage. They would build their families by adopting orphans. Only a small handful still exist.) Paul is denying this idea. Marriage is God’s idea. Childbearing is one of the unique ways women can help build the kingdom of God. It is not dirty.

However, an overemphasis and abuse of the material things of this world is troublesome. Paul urged women in the church to adorn themselves “not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.” Most Christians in the first century were poor—often slaves—so someone wearing gold and pearls would have stood out in church. Perhaps Paul was thinking of one or two women who, unlike the rest of the congregation, had money. They might have flaunted it, trying to look important. “Listen to me! Don’t you know who I am! I’m rich! That makes me important!” Inner purity—not external extravagance—is what matters, though.

The Christian’s outward appearance should reflect the presence of the Spirit of God within them. We need to avoid extremes that draw excessive attention to ourselves and away from Christ.

Likewise, inward devotion should be expressed outwardly. “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (1 Timothy 2:8). Prayer must flow from a heart that is devoted to God. Jesus told us to love God and our neighbors, and this must guide our prayers. And those prayers should reflect in our outward expression. Inward devotion demands outward expression.

Finally, inner purity should produce outward fruit. Paul said that “women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works” (emphasis added). Holiness is revealed by a lifestyle that manifests the love of God, not one that manifests our financial well-being, physical attractiveness, or other skills and qualities that draw attention to ourselves.

We will dig further into these details throughout this series. Often, Paul will shift his focus—from men to women, old to young, pastors to laypeople, etc. However, as we will see in the weeks to come, true men and women of God have many of the same privileges, gifts, and obligations.

Part 1 of this series.

Previous article in this series.

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