In like manner also, that women. — The Apostle continues his official injunctions in reference to public prayer. “Likewise,” he goes on to say, “I desire that women, when they pray” — women also in the congregation had their duties as well as the men — while the latter were directed to conduct and lead the public prayer, the women who worshipped with them were enjoined, as their part of the solemn service, to be present, adorned with neatness of apparel and modesty of demeanour, and the holy reputation of kind deeds.
Adorn themselves in modest apparel. — This direction to Christian women was not intended to apply to their ordinary dress in the world, but simply explained to the sisters of the Ephesian flock that their place in public worship was one of quiet attention — that their reverence and adoration must be shown not by thrusting themselves forward with a view to public teaching or public praying, but by being present and taking part silently — avoiding especially in these services anything like a conspicuous dress or showy ornaments — anything, in fact, which would be likely to arouse attention, or distract the thoughts of others.
With shamefacedness and sobriety. — These expressions denote the inward feelings with which the Apostle desires the devout Christian women to come to divine service; the first signifies “the innate shrinking from anything unbecoming.” The second, sobriety, includes the idea of self-restraint — the conquest over all wanton thought and desire.
Not with broided hair. — Comp. 1 Peter 3:3; Isaiah 3:24. “Broided:” the modern form is “braided.” Some modern editions give “broidered,” apparently by mistake.
Or gold. — Probably, the “gold” is supposed to be twined among the plaits of the hair. These elaborate adornments, so likely to catch the eye at divine worship, were quite inconsistent with Christian simplicity, besides being calculated to distract the attention of their fellow worshippers, male as well as female. On this question of seemly, quiet apparel, in an assembly gathered for divine worship, see the difficult verse, 1 Corinthians 11:10, where another and a still graver reason for modest demeanour and apparel of women is alleged — “because of the angels.”
Pearls, or costly array. — Ear-rings, necklaces, bracelets, are included here; these costly ornaments were worn by the ladies of the luxurious age in which St. Paul lived, in great profusion.