Analysis Of 1 Timothy 2: 15

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Article written and used with permission by Seth J. Michael (my husband)

During my personal study, I was shocked to discover something in the Greek text regarding 1 Timothy 2:15. Before we discuss this, let’s briefly consider what Paul, writing by inspiration, says about men and women in the church.
Yes, in every place God has called the men to lead in worship—1 Timothy 2:8. I am certain there are women, within the body of Christ, who would be excellent pulpit preachers, song leaders, and prayer leaders. However, talent or excellence is not our authority in the church. God’s word is our authority.

By reading Timothy, you can learn how Christians ought to behave in God’s house (1 Timothy 3:14-15). When the Bible speaks about the different functions of men and women in the house of God, it does not …show more content…

Does “she” refer to Eve (vv 13-14) or the godly woman (vv 9-12)? What about “they” in the latter portion of verse 15?

I understand Paul’s argument to be this: Eve, the first woman, was created to be a helper to Adam; therefore, when a woman exercises or usurps authority over a man during worship to God, she is contradicting the Creator’s will. Even though it was Eve who sinned first, it would be through Eve that salvation would come—the Messiah. “The childbirth” is an allusion to the protoevangelium found in Genesis 3:15.

Given the context of 1 Timothy 2:15, I believe the ambiguity of “she” is purposeful. All women, including our first mother, can have salvation because Jesus became flesh (Matthew 1:21; Philippians 2:5ff). “They” in the latter portion of verse 15 would apply to women in general, and by way of extension all Christians. All those who have obeyed the gospel shall be saved if they “…will remain in faith, and love, and holiness, with

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