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The Gospel Observer
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them
to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:19,20).
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February 3, 2013
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Contents:
1) 1 Timothy 2:9-14 (Tom Edwards)
2) News & Notes
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-1-
1 Timothy 2:9-14
by Tom Edwards
After giving instruction for the males with regard to prayer in 1
Timothy 2:8, Paul then sets forth this following exhortation for the
women: "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper
clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or
pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is
proper for women making a claim to godliness" (v. 9). The KJV
renders "proper clothing" as "modest apparel"; and, as shown in the
NASB, the proper clothing is that which can be worn "modestly and
discreetly." Here the KJV renders "modestly" as "with
shamefacedness." In better understanding the meaning of that,
Bob Buchanon writes, "Some versions say 'shamefast.' A bedfast
person is one confined to the bed, unable to leave the bed. A
shamefast person is unable (not free) to go into public places
half-dressed. Their 'shame' or feeling of shame holds them
fast." So from that definition, it is easy to see the
relationship between being shamefast and modest. The third
definition of "modest" is "having or showing regard for the
decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent." And note,
too, that modest, when it comes to dress, is not only being properly
covered; but also being "free from ostentation or showy
extravagance," as the passage also indicates with the gold, pearls,
and costly garments. In commenting on that, E.M. Zerr points
out that the "Immodest braided their hair as a means of holding more
of their showy jewels here enumerated, in order to excite the
attention of the opposite sex. They likewise depended on the
costliness of their clothing to attract the men."
Rather than concentrating on the allurements of gold, pearls, and
costly garments, Paul shows what the women should truly be concerned
about -- and that is "good works." But is Paul condemning the
braiding of hair or wearing gold or pearls to any extent? We
can compare this to what Peter instructs the wives in 1 Peter 3:1-6:
"In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so
that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be
won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe
your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not
be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or
putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart,
with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is
precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times
the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves,
being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed
Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you
do what is right without being frightened by any fear."
The word "merely" in this passage (in the NASB) is in Italics,
meaning that it wasn't in the original Greek text; but it has been
supplied by the translators for a better understanding. The
KJV renders this as "...let it not be the outward adorning...of
putting on apparel." But, surely, it is not that the women are
being commanded to not clothe themselves; rather, this passage is
putting the emphasis on the inner person -- instead of the outer
one. This can also be compared to the other "not-but" passages
in the New Testament. For instance, in John 6:27, Jesus
states, "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food
which endures to eternal life...." The Lord is not forbidding
a person from having a secular job; but, rather, He is putting the
emphasis on the most important work of all; and that is in living
for God. So no matter what our occupation, our chief concern
should always be in keeping God first in our lives and conducting
ourselves as He would have us to in all that we do -- including our
careers. For even secular jobs can be done unto the Lord (cf.
Eph. 6:5-8). Then, of course, there are those things that
might not pertain to our secular jobs; but our very important works
for the Christian to carry out, such as in praying for others,
helping to win lost souls to Jesus, helping to build Christians up
in the faith, striving to do good unto all, etc. Therefore,
these spiritual works are much more important than the secular
and, because of that, they do need to be emphasized. So while
women are to be concerned with proper clothing, even more so should
they be toward developing that "hidden person of the heart."
And, in doing so, would it not be that through their desire to
please the Lord in all things and conform their inner person to
godliness, that it would also result in the manifestation of proper
dress on the outer person?
Improper clothing can make a statement -- even when not realized nor
intended. It, therefore, can make a difference in what one
wears. In Proverbs 7:10, for example, Solomon speaks of the
woman who is "Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart." What
if a woman who wasn't a harlot were dressed the same way? What
impression would she have given to others of that time? And
what impression are many giving today who don't seem to realize
anything as being immodest? Could they be giving signals not
intended? Mary Quant, the well-known fashion designer and
mother of the mini-skirt, once said that "Mini-clothes are symbolic
of those girls who want to seduce a man...." I wouldn't think
that to be true in every case. But even when not, would that
justify the wearing of anything immodest?
Paul then also gives additional instruction for the women in 1
Timothy 2:11,12: "A woman must quietly receive instruction with
entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or
exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet."
Some people have taken this passage to be referring to only the
assembly, as when the women are to be silent. But looking at
this passage and its context, it is obvious that it pertains to a
general application -- and not just when assembled with the
brethren. For dressing modestly and continuing in faith, love,
and sanctity, as verses 9 and 15 speak of, pertain to more than just
when the brethren meet together.
Others have taken this passage to assert that women are never to
teach, but that also is not what the Bible shows. I once heard
of a church that found fault with the female members going out in
groups to invite people to a gospel meeting they were having.
Some of the males of that congregation believed that women should
not be doing such things, or even asking a question in a Bible
class.
The KJV renders "quietly receive instruction" as "learn in
silence." But this particular Greek word for "silence" does
not always mean complete silence. E.W. Bullinger defines it as
"quiet, tranquility, stillness." That would certainly indicate
a good temperament for learning. As Robert Turner writes, "The
word translated 'silence' in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 K.J.V. is 'quietness'
in A.R.V., and is indicative of spirit or disposition." Thayer
goes on to say of the word that it is a "description of the life of
one who stays at home doing his own work, and does not officiously
meddle with the affairs of others." This is also the same
Greek word that Paul uses in 2 Thessalonians 3:12, but let us
include verse 11 to better see the contrast: "For we hear that some
among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all,
but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and
exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat
their own bread." So rather than living an undisciplined
life, and being like a "busybody," these individuals were to "work
in quiet fashion," which, therefore, indicates a tranquil and
well-controlled life.
Notice, too, 1 Timothy 2:2, where Paul instructs the Christian to
pray "for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may
lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
Does "quiet life" mean we are never to talk? The same Greek
word for "quiet" in 1 Timothy 2:2 is also seen in 1 Peter 3:3,4,
where Peter instructs the woman to not let her adornment be merely
external, with braiding the hair and wearing gold jewelry and
dresses, "but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the
imperishable quality of a gentle and QUIET spirit, which is precious
in the sight of God." Again, does "quiet spirit" mean that the
woman would never speak? Or does it indicate her tranquil and
submissive nature? The same Greek word for "quietly" in 1
Timothy 2:10 is also used in 1 Timothy 2:12, where Paul says that
the woman is "to remain quiet." But in this verse, it is
emphasizing that she is not to "teach or exercise authority over a
man," so she must be silent when it comes to that. But this
certainly doesn't mean that she must be silent always and never
teach God's truth in any capacity. For consider what the Bible
has to say about this, in the following verses: "And the things that
thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to
faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim.
2:2). In this verse, "men" is from the Greek word "anthropos,"
which refers to mankind -- males and females. In the early church
some women even had the gift of prophecy: For instance,
consider one of Joel's prophecies: "'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST
DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL
MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR
YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR
FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy'" (Acts 2:17,18).
And here is an example of that: "On the next day we left and came to
Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was
one of the seven, we stayed with him. Now this man had four
virgin daughters who were prophetesses" (Acts 21:8,9).
Also, Acts 18:24-26 gives the example of Aquila and Pricilla, a
husband and wife, who, together, taught Apollos the truth on
baptism. In addition, older women are instructed to teach the
younger women in Titus 2:3-5. And just who was Peter
addressing when He declared, "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your
hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks
you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with
gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the
thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good
behavior in Christ will be put to shame" (1 Pet. 3:15,16)? He
was writing to brethren that had been scattered throughout Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Pet. 1:1). So would
this not also apply to every Christian? Therefore, a woman can
-- and is -- to teach, but the only restriction is that she does not
usurp authority over the man in doing so.
That, by the way, is why a woman could not be a gospel
preacher. For, according to Titus 2:15, the preacher is to use
all authority in his work. The verse states, "These things
speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise
thee." We, therefore, see that the restriction to not teach is only
in the light of usurping authority over the man; and not that she is
to never teach -- period.
This can be paralleled with what we read in Acts 4:18, concerning
the apostles. The passage says, "And they called them, and
commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of
Jesus." Were these authorities telling the apostles that they
were not to "speak at all" -- period? That they could never
say anything? Or that they were to never speak about
Jesus and the gospel?
For the woman to usurp authority over the man, she would no longer
be in a submissive role toward him; and that would be wrong.
Notice again Titus 2:5: Women were to be "subject to their own
husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."
We can also point out that even in the assembly, the woman is not
totally silent; for she is also to sing out when spiritual songs are
sung. And in so doing, she is also "teaching and admonishing,"
as Colossians 3:16 shows.
Paul then even gives a reason why the woman needs to be in
subjection to the man, rather than usurping authority over him, in 1
Timothy 2:13,14: "For it was Adam who was first created, and then
Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being
deceived, fell into transgression."
David Lipscomb refers to what Adam had as a "priority in
creation." For he was "the original human being," and
"Eve was from him and subordinate to him...." This is what
Paul is referring to in 1 Corinthians 11:8,9, where he states, "For
man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; for indeed
man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's
sake." Lipscomb then says that "This teaching of Paul
respecting the public position of woman as regards man, in which he
shows that she is to hold a subordinate place, is based upon no
arbitrary human speculation, but upon God's original order in
creation -- that divine order which first created man and after
man's creation formed woman as his helpmeet." This is seen in
Genesis 2:18 where the Lord gives an explanation for why Eve was
made. He states, "...'It is not good for the man to be alone;
I will make him a helper suitable for him.'" And to the woman,
the Lord declares that "your desire will be for you husband, and he
will rule over you" (Gen. 3:16). Paul also wrote about this
order in 1 Corinthians 11:3, where he refers to the man as being
"the head of a woman," just as "God is the head of Christ," and
"Christ is the head of every man." So this order is to be
respected.
Unfortunately, in the world today, we often see man wanting to be
the head of Christ -- rather than submitting to the Lord's
ways. And, just as wrong, is for the woman to strive to
be the head of man -- and to give up her God-given role, in the
process.
Here in verse 14, we also have a short commentary on the nature of
Adam and Eve's sin, back in the garden: Adam was not
deceived. He sinned willfully. Eve, however, was
deceived. Her sin was a sin of ignorance. She even
acknowledged this deception in Genesis 3:13: "Then the Lord God said
to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' And the woman said, 'The
serpent deceived me, and I ate.'" And the fact that Eve was
deceived and Adam was not is another reason that is given, here in 1
Timothy 2:14, for why the woman is to be in the submissive role,
rather than usurping authority over the man. In addition, we
learn from Adam and Eve that in both cases, whether a sin of
ignorance or a willful sin, it is still sin. Adam and Eve were
both guilty of transgression. And what else do we also see in
this? We see that Adam knew better. He was supposed to
be the leader, the head of his family; but, instead, he allowed Eve
to lead him into that which he knew to be wrong. This is not
to say that a wife cannot suggest things in which a husband can
comply; but if Adam had been the head of the family he should have
been, this sin would have not occurred. For he knew better.
So women need to take heed to Paul's specific instruction to them in
1 Timothy 2:9-15. And, in closing, when it comes to modesty
and focusing on good works, that is not exclusively for the women;
but for every child of God to be concerned about as
well. May we, therefore, each live in such a way that we
will bring glory to God in heaven; and so that He will one day be
able to bring us to that glorious realm in which to dwell and enjoy
forever more!
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News & Notes
Let those of us who are Christians be remembering the following
people in prayer and their families:
* Barbara Teer (Denise Guillot's mother) has been in the
hospital for the last several days, due to high levels of calcium;
but through treatment that is now improving. Her daughter
writes, "...if she is as much improved
tomorrow as she is today that we will be in good shape he [the
doctor] thinks. She is opening her eyes, hearing us, is
swallowing, and reaching her hand for Daddy. Since she can swallow
again, we've just now been able to give her a bit of water &
sherbet." Barbara has been dealing with cancer for
about 10 years. A bone marrow transplant, near the beginning
of that time, brought her into remission.
* Remember, too: Bill Barfield (Linda Blevins'
uncle) who is now at a rehab center in Slidell, Louisiana; Cheryl
Crews who has chronic ailments; Shirley Young who
suffers from fibromyalgia; and Jean Calloway who has health
problems.
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation
1) Hear the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom.
10:17; John 20:30,31).
2) Believe in the deity of Christ (John 8:24; John
3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts
8:36-38).
5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins
(Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet.
3:21).
6) Continue in the faith; for, if not, salvation can
be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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Park Forest
CHURCH OF CHRIST
9923 Sunny Cline Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Sunday services: 9:00 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 6 PM (worship)
Tuesday: 7 PM (Bible class)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/go
(Gospel Observer website)
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html
(audio sermons)