Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”
… who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
Summary: Understanding biblical concepts can be a challenge. We don’t often pay a ransom, but we do occasionally pawn something, and the two are very similar.
If the Gospel is so simple, why does it always sound complicated?
Paul has just finished saying that we should pray to God because it pleases him. Then he adds that God wants all people to be saved and know the truth. After that, Paul adds that in addition to God, there is a mediator, Christ Jesus, “who gave himself as a ransom for all people.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:6a – Pawn Shop”
… and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
Summary: In this passage, Paul describes Jesus as a “mediator.” The word suggests a relationship between God and mankind that is more than we deserve.
Why would God need a mediator? Isn’t he God? Is there anything he can’t do?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:5b – We Call Him Jesus”
For there is one God …
Summary: As Paul begins his description of God’s salvation for mankind, he starts with the most difficult truth of all: There is only one God.
Paul has just said that God wants all people to be saved and know the truth. Now he begins to tell us what that truth is.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:5a – Only One”