1 Timothy 2

V 1-7

In his continued address of Timothy, Paul begins by instructing him to pray for his fellow believers

this request is not a mere extension of a portion of prayer, but should be an incorporated part of our regular rhythm of prayer

In that same thought and spirit, we are to pray for those in power

But notice what Paul and is not saying in this passage

He is not communicating a need for prayers of special blessing or for the forcing of Christianity upon the nation

He is in prayer that they would leave the church to function by itself

In Paul’s time, the church was under heavy persecution. There was a growing belief that they were attempting to topple the government

Paul is encouraging Timothy to pray for a stay of involvement from the government as both parties are necessary

What is the truth that Paul is desiring for all people to come to knowledge of? Even governing authorities?

Verse 5-6

V 8-10

Paul here gives an exhortation to Timothy and encourages him with how to run the church by addressing 2 problems present

Men should Pray without anger and doubt

Their prayers, especially those in front of others, should not reflect anger or lack of faith

These prayers can come across as vindictive

Women should dress modestly

While there can be application to how women should dress within the church setting (and outside of it), there were women who were being distracting from their congregation by what they wore

They were taking attention away from what was happening in the church of the day

clothed in lavish and expensive goods that took the attention off of the message and worship to put it on themselves

These commands don’t exclusively stand with just men and women, but rather they are expressed to address particular issues that are plaguing each individual gender

V 11-14

Very heavily debated topic. 2nd/3rd tier issue depending on who you ask

Comes down to this question: is Paul’s letter prescriptive or descriptive?

Is this passage about how the church ought to be run? (Complimentarian)

Slide with complimentarian passages

1 Tim 2:12

1 Cor 14:34

Or is it about how this church is run? (Egalitarian)

Slide with Egalitarian passages

Galatians 3:28

Acts 2:17

Romans 16:1-4

ACC as a church would hold to the complimentarian view

We believe that church can and should have active teachers of the word who are women (i.e. Sharon, Tina, etc.)

However, the responsibility of shepherding the entire congregation falls to the spiritual headship of male pastors and male leaders

Does not mean women are less than men

Rather they possess a different role to play in God’s economy

Here is what is important to take away regardless of position:

Men and Women have different roles (Husband and wives). That doesn’t make one inferior to the other, but rather gives them equal yet distinct roles in the church

Paul clearly values multiple sisters in Christ who are doing good work for the sake of the gospel.

Saved through child-bearing:

No unified agreement for interpretation

Some believe that this emphasizes the woman’s role in the home and the church

Men are the spiritual heads, the woman bring and sustain life

This view often associates this exhortation from Paul to be a “softening” of the blow previously given. Women are to keep silent in the church, but they have a distinct role to still be played

Some believe this is a promise to women of the faith that if they are faithful and God-fearing women, they will survive childbirth

Some believe that “Child bearer”