1 Timothy 2:8 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

The Behaviour of Women. Public prayer, characterised by the right spirit, must be offered only by men. Women's part is to dress modestly, finding their chief adornment in good works. They may neither teach in public nor rule. Their's is the inferior position (a) because woman was created later than man; (b) because, while his first sin was deliberate, hers was due to the ease with which she was deceived a proof of her unfitness to guide others. Nevertheless, exhibiting the Christian virtues in her natural sphere and functions, woman shall thereby work out her salvation. Cf. p. 650.

1 Timothy 2:8. lifting, etc.: this attitude, pagan as well as Jewish and Christian, denoted expectation of blessing.

1 Timothy 2:9. Cf. 1 Peter 3:3 ff. shamefastness: the modesty of womanly reserve.

1 Timothy 2:11. Cf. 1 Corinthians 14:34 f.

1 Timothy 2:12. to teach: i.e. publicly; cf. Titus 2:3.

1 Timothy 2:13. Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18 f.

1 Timothy 2:13 f. Such arguments belong to Paul's day rather than our own (cf. Deissmann, Paul, pp. 103 ff.).

1 Timothy 2:15. the childbearing: cf. Genesis 3:16, and (for man's case) Genesis 3:17. The interpretation through the Childbearing, i.e. the Messiah's birth, is less suited to the argument.

1 Timothy 2:8-15

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.