1 Timothy 1-4

Pig, or not a pig... that is the question?  At least that is where we often get hung up on some of the difficult passages from Paul's writing as it pertains to women.  Isolated by itself, the following is very difficult within our culture today:  "Let a woman learn in silence with full submission.  I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.  For Adam was formed first, the Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.  Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty."

 First, this is a letter.  We are only hearing one side of the conversation, only half of the conversation.  This helps open a window to what may be going on through the other side of the letter, but we only hear one voice.  Have you ever walked in and caught something controversial said, but only heard one part of the conversation?  It is also important to note that Paul was usually responding to problems within the church. 

Second, we have a cultural divide.  Traditions, dress, mannerisms, and even gender roles even today are different throughout the many cultures in our diverse world.  Lets take this idea, and then go back 1950 years ago when this letter was written.  We need to be sensitive the cultural roles play into this.

Third, we know from many of Paul's other letters that he is radically inclusive with women in leadership roles in the Church.  We know Paul did not forbid women from teaching as we see in the following: Paul often has great praise and worked closely with Priscilla who taught Apollos, the great preacher. (Acts 18:24-26).  Many other women are recognized by Paul with  positions of responsibility. This includes Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis (Romans 16:6, 12), and Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2). In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul writes that women pray and prophecy in church.

All this said, it is most important to look at the greater context of what Paul is saying.  This is in our Holy Scripture.  We can dry to dodge it, or ignore it.  We can also look at the Scholars who may through a detailed analysis support that someone else other than Paul may have said this.  But back to the earlier statement, this is in our Scripture, so we need to look at it with humility and gain a better understanding of what it is saying.

To look specifically at today's reading, chapter 1 opens us to the problem Paul is writing about.  "Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions..." (1 Tim 1: 6-7)

Then, after the tough verses discussed earlier, Paul is talking about leadership in the church.  What we understand going on in Ephesus at this time is there were many false teachers.  Paul is addressing the problems, building the leadership, and in training is saying not to put anyone into leadership that doesn't have the the proper training.  He discussed the importance for elders and deacons, that they have it together, because leadership requires discipline and credibility.  Paul cares so much about building the church and the body of faith, that he really places emphasis on what he says to Timothy in having faith and good conscience.  From this perspective, we gain an understanding from a time where culturally, men were the ones educated.  Women from Ephesus are receiving training, but are not yet in a position to be teaching until they have the knowledge and experience.   

1 Timothy has so much to say to us today.  As we are seeing the diminishing influence of the church today in our culture, Paul provides us a great testament.  He writes to encourage Timothy, "For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.  These are the things you must insit on and teach.  Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift that is in you... pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers."  Paul is providing encouragement in this time surrounded with false teaching. 

As our nominating committee is seeking those called to serve as elders and deacons, we see from Paul the importance of this on nurturing and leadership for within our church home and our community.  We are fortunate to have so many blessings within our congregation in both men and women.  To witness today, the influence of Virgie, and the number of lives she has touched by loving her church.  To see the example of John, caring so deeply for everyone else.  We are blessed, and when we have these kind of examples to compare to Paul's writing, it all makes greater sense.  We are so thankful for all in our church family. 

Blessings, Rob