✶Gnosis
← Contents
Theme
1121 / 1189

Listen

Dhammapada · narration sample

A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.

The Bible · 1121 of 1189

1 Timothy 2

1.I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7. Where unto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Asked of Guide

Why does Paul say women must learn in silence and not teach men (verses 11–12)?

Paul grounds his instruction in the church’s order and in his reading of beginnings: he points to Genesis — “Adam was first formed, then Eve” — and to the fact that Eve was deceived, as the rationale for women to “learn in silence with all subjection.” He links classroom posture and public authority to the congregation’s stability, so his command addresses who teaches and who exercises authority during assembly.

Paul’s emphasis sits beside his other concerns: prayer for leaders (verses 1–2), the uniqueness of Christ as mediator (verse 5), and proper adornment and good works (verses 9–10). For a contrasting pastoral argument about women’s role in ministry, compare Galatians 3:28, where Paul affirms equality “in Christ,” which later interpreters like Augustine and modern scholars debate when reconciling with 1 Timothy.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.