1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV) - I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

1 Timothy 2:9-10 (ESV) - 9likewise 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, 10but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

1 Timothy 2:11-12 (ESV) - Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.

“Quiet/quietly” - various Greek words translated
- Lathra; Matthew 1:19 – secretly/hidden
- Katastello; Acts 19:35 – to bring under firm control; restrain
- Heysuchia; 1 Timothy 2:2, 11-12 and 1 Peter 3:4 - calm and well-ordered

Why else does “remain quiet” not mean women sit on the sidelines in silence:
1. Multiple biblical examples of women active in ministry

a. Luke 2:36-38 – Anna the prophetess present/active at the dedication of Jesus

b. Acts 1:14-15 – the upper room waiting

c. 1 Corinthians 11:5 – women praying and prophesying in public settings

d. Acts 18:26 and Romans 16:3-5 - husband/wife duo of Aquila and Priscilla

e. Romans 16:1-2 – Phoebe the deaconess

f. Luke 8:1-3 – the ministry of Jesus supported by women of means

g. OT examples of influential women - Deborah, Esther, and Ruth to name a few.

2. Every believer is given at least one spiritual gift to build up the body of Christ - the gift of teaching is not limited to men (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4)

3. Titus 2:3-5 - Clear call for older women to teach the younger

Two things not permitted…
1. Women teaching men.

2. Women having authority over men.

1 Timothy 2:13 (ESV) - 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve;

Paul appeals to the order of creation.

1 Timothy 2:14 (ESV) 14and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Paul appeals to the deception of Eve

Genesis 3:6–7 (ESV) - So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

1 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) - 15Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Discussion Questions:
1. Why is 1 Timothy 3:14-15 important to keep in mind as we study this letter?

2. Read James 1:19-20. How does this help us understand the point Paul makes to men in 1 Timothy 2:8?

3. Discuss “what is proper for women who profess godliness” according to Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 2:9-10.

4. What does it mean for a woman to “learn quietly” according to 1 Timothy 2:11-12? What does the greater context of Scripture teach about faithful women in God’s Kingdom work and how does that help us properly understand Paul’s teaching here (Luke 2:36-38; Acts 1:14-15; 1 Corinthians 11:5; Acts 18:26 and Romans 16:3-5; Luke 8:1-3; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Corinthians 14:33-35)?

5. What about Paul’s reasoning in verses 13-14 helps determine that the role of women and men in the church is universal and not limited to only certain cultures?

6. When is the Church, the Church? Should the principles of this passage be applied to parachurch organizations like mission agencies, Christian adoption agencies, prison ministries, evangelism organizations, medical organizations, etc.? Why or why not?