Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
Summary: If we visualize Adam and Eve as pieces of God’s puzzle picture called “Creation,” we begin to see ourselves as part of something truly beautiful.
Paul’s words in verse thirteen are a “puzzle.” If all the pieces are there, the puzzle makes sense. If not, then Paul’s words don’t make sense, either.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:13 – Puzzle Pieces”
… she must be quiet.
Summary: To understand what Paul intended to say here, it is helpful to engage in a thought experiment that might shed some light on what he is trying to address.
To address this passage, I propose that we indulge in a thought experiment. In this experiment, we are going to visit a large congregation (the denomination doesn’t matter).
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:12b – Science Project”
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man…
Summary: Paul’s instruction here seems both pointed and insensitive. However, viewed through the larger lens of the whole of Scripture, the problem may be more with how Paul says what he says than why he says it.
This is a difficult passage.
To put this into context, Paul’s letter to Timothy is essentially a “How To” manual for managing a church. In the verses that follow, Paul outlines his reasoning for giving this instruction, making it difficult to tackle this passage without considering the larger context.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:12a – An Abstract View”
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
Summary: In this passage, Paul challenges us to examine the authorities in our lives.
I have not been looking forward to this at all.
Over the course of my lifetime, over seventy years now, I have lived in a world that has sought to erase the differences between men and women. This passage is the opposite of what society says, and not just by a little.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:11 – Did Paul Really Say That?”
I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
Summary: As we continue to examine Paul’s words, certain themes start to emerge that draw us back to the Ten Commandments.
In Part I, we examined the possibility that God intended this passage to be in the Bible. If God is perfect, then it is unlikely he made a mistake. Discounting what God tells us would likely be a mistake.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:9-10 – Eve’s Outfit (Part II)”
I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
Summary: Whoo-boy! How do we deal with Paul’s statement about women from two thousand years ago?
Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about this verse in generalities. Nobody likes to be told what to wear, especially if what you wear is important to you. But it gets worse. It almost sounds like Paul is talking down to women. In the next few verses, he digs the hole deeper and even makes the case that Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden is the reason for all of these rules.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:9-10 – Eve’s Outfit (Part I)”
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
Summary: In this meditation, we look at the rest of this verse, focusing on the meaning of “holy hands.”
Before we leave this passage, we need to examine how Paul wants us to pray. He is quite specific, and it is worth taking a few minutes to consider what he is saying.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:8b – Holy Hands”
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
Summary: In this passage, Paul does something very important. He shows us how to show God the respect and honor he deserves.
I am tempted to begin this meditation with the words, “I want.”
“Why?” you ask.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:8 – What Paul Wants”
And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
Summary: Paul’s claim of being a herald, apostle, and teacher requires that we decide whether or not to believe him.
How do we know what Paul is saying is true? He says he is telling the truth! He even tells us, “I am not lying…” Are you convinced?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:7 – Wild Claims”
This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
Summary: While different translators handle this passage in different ways, the key concepts of timing and validation remain clear.
This verse, 1 Timothy 2:6, is one of the passages that translators struggle with. Let’s look at a few of the many variations:
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:6b – In God’s Time”