GOD’S WOMAN IN GOD’S HOUSE (2:9-15)
Neal Pollard
Starting in 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul runs through a series of individuals as he highlights the role each is to play in God’s house. He starts with men (2:8), focuses on women (2:9-15), follows with elders (3:1-7), then deacons (3:8-12), preachers (ch. 4), families (ch. 5), and finishes with the rich members of God’s family (ch. 6). As Paul will write in the second letter to Timothy, he uses this illustration: “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Tim. 2:20-21).
So often, our text of consideration is viewed through the lens of prohibition. That is, the only value we seem to derive from these verses is in emphasizing the restriction God has placed on God’s woman in God’s house. While too many have tried to jettison this authoritative precept to accommodate a shift in cultural practice and perception, we sell ourselves and this passage woefully short if that is all we glean. What does Paul tell us about God’s woman in God’s house?
She is a powerful and positive influence (9,15). All of us have women in our lives, and who can deny the indomitable sway they have in our lives. Of course, that can be for good or ill. So, Paul urges Christian women to use their influence for good. Specifically, in this context, bad influence is exerted by the woman who accentuates her body over her spirit. We are helped by Peter’s augmentation to Paul’s words, as he adds in 1 Peter 3:3-4, “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
One way she influences the church and society is through the bearing and rearing of children (15). How many can point to their mother as the wellspring of their faith, love, holiness, and self-control? Timothy could (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15)! A godly woman possessed of modesty and self-control (9) thoroughly leavens her environment.
She is a professor of godliness (10). God wants His woman to be full of “good works.” He will clarify the sphere where she can (and cannot) exert good works in the ensuing verses, but the areas of restriction are overall very narrow. It is ironic that some have fought to include her role in that narrow area rather than encouraging her to do good works in the many areas where she can serve. Those good works include domestic deeds of charity like Tabitha did (Acts 9:36-42), evangelism like Priscilla did (Acts 18:24-28), hosting prayer meetings like John Mark’s mother did (Acts 12:12), practiced hospitality like Lydia did (Acts 16:15), and served the church in multiple ways like Phoebe did (Rom. 16:1-2). Now, think of the untold number and significance of good works displayed by God’s woman in our congregation. Truly, our footprint within God’s house as well as our community would virtually disappear without her efforts!
She is a pupil (11-14). While God’s woman is not to teach or exercise authority over a man in God’s house–and no linguistic gymnastics are sufficient to nullify the clarity of this imperative, including the timelessness and cross-cultural restriction of the command–she is encouraged to be a consummate learner. For many years, Kathy did a series of lessons at Polishing The Pulpit entitled “Serious Bible Study Is Not Just For Men.” Her point is important! Just because Christian women cannot teach or preach to men does not exempt her from rigorous Bible study. She is called to be a learner (11). How Jesus praised the learner, Mary (Luke 10:39-42), and how He lavishes the same on women who are in His word today!
The church could not function without God’s woman. God values her as a person, but also as a contributor to the overall health of His house. In 1,000 lifetimes, she could not do everything that is within her power and right to do for the good and growth of this eternal institution.
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