Who are the Women in I Timothy 2:1-15? (Part I) -- By: A. Berkeley Mickelsen

Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 02:1 (Winter 1988)
Article: Who are the Women in I Timothy 2:1-15? (Part I)
Author: A. Berkeley Mickelsen


Who are the Women in I Timothy 2:1-15? (Part I)

Berkeley Mickelsen

Berkeley Mickelsen, professor emeritus of New Testament, Bethel Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota

This passage in I Timothy has caused much confusion about what women can or cannot do in church services or in teaching. In the oft-heated discussions, a verse or two, or even a single phrase is sometimes selected and the rest of the passage ignored.

I recently began to notice the presence of the Greek article (“the” in English) in several places in this passage, and I wondered what the significance was. I also notice some indirect commands and imperatives. My study led to some fascinating discoveries that may throw light on a passage that needs as much illumination as possible.

Careful Mixture of Theology and Exhortation in I Timothy

I Tim. 2:1-15 is like the rest of the letter in that good theology and exhortation are mingled. By theology we mean truths taught in Scripture about such subjects as God, people created by God, sin, salvation, and God’s plan for the restoration of his creation. By exhortation we mean instructions as to how believers should live and think. Some who have failed to observe the theology and the exhortation have tried to turn this important letter into a modem manual for church government. Careful study shows that Paul never intended the letter to be forced into such a role. In this letter, Paul warned Timothy about false teachers and false teaching. He says nothing about church membership, the Lord’s supper, who should be ordained and how the laying on of hands is involved in ordination. He says nothing about services that pertain to marriages or funerals. This is no church manual but rather a guide for Timothy in his ministry in Ephesus. Paul’s exhortations rest upon explicit theological teachings that he clearly states. To understand I Timothy 2:1-15 we must recognize the main themes covered in this letter.

Main Themes Covered in I Timothy

Salutation 1:1-2

1. Alertness in the face of false teaching 1:1 -20

2. Christians should be concerned for all people 2:1-15

3. Characteristics and conduct of leaders in God’s church 3:1-15

4. Further warning about false teaching and false doctrines 4:11-16

5. How Timothy should deal with various groups of people ...

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