1 Timothy 2:13

1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 Timothy 2:13 For introduces the biblical basis for the prohibition stated in v. 1 Timothy 2:12: the order of creation (Adam was formed first) and the deception of Eve (v. 1 Timothy 2:14). Gender roles in the church are not simply the result of the fall. They are rooted in creation and apply to all cultures at all times. Some interpreters argue that the prohibition of v. 1 Timothy 2:12 does not apply today because: (1) the reason for Paul’s command was that women were teaching false doctrine in Ephesus; or (2) Paul said this because women in that culture were not educated enough to teach. But the only false teachers named in connection with Ephesus are men (1 Timothy 1:19; 2 Timothy 2:17; compare Acts 20:30). Moreover, other ancient sources give evidence of a number of well-educated women in that area of Asia Minor at that time (compare also Luke 8:1; Luke 10:38; John 11:21; Acts 18:2, Acts 18:11, Acts 18:18, Acts 18:26; 2 Timothy 4:19). In addition, some have claimed that this passage only prohibits a “wife” from teaching or exercising authority over her “husband.” (The words translated “woman” and “man” in 1 Timothy 2:12 can also mean “wife” and “husband” in certain contexts.) Given the immediate context of vv. 1 Timothy 2:8, however, the most likely meaning in vv. 1 Timothy 2:11 would seem to be “woman” and “man.”