Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (I Timothy 2:1-2)
Paul continues this letter to Timothy regarding how to treat those in authority. He would cover these same issues in several of his letters to other churches. He started out talking about those in governmental leadership positions. We are to respect all those who are in authority and pray for them, regardless of how we may feel about their performance in their position. He explained it this way to the church in Rome: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Romans 13:1)
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:2-7)
Why is this so important? For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (I Timothy 2:3-7) For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (Romans 14:18-19)
There's one more area of authority that Paul addresses. This topic can be very sensitive, the authority of husbands in the marriage. Unfortunately, the English translations used the word "women" for the original Greek word instead of wives, so it has been inserted: I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women [wives] adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women [wives] professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman [wife] learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman [wife] to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. [Genesis 3] Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. (I Timothy 2:8-15)
Because Eve believed the lies of the devil ...and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6) Therefore, the Lord God declared, “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16) That's why women, please be very careful in the man you choose to marry. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,... So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:22-33)
Can women teach in the church? Yes, of course! Many women helped teach with the apostles and disciples when the church began, especially among the Gentiles. But wives shouldn't do everything that single women and widows do, especially if they want to have a successful marriage. Paul explained it this way to the church in Corinth: He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. (I Corinthians 7:32-35)
Whether married or unmarried, all of us are to bring honor and glory to God, and not seek to bring honor and glory to ourselves. That's why Paul also addressed wives regarding their appearance. Braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing are not bad in and of themselves, but if a wife is using these things to draw attention to herself outside of the home, best is she adorn herself in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, which is proper for women [wives] professing godliness, with good works. How wives dress in the privacy of their own home to keep their husbands attention is fine and good. (Songs of Solomon) But she should not be seeking that kind of attention outside of the home.
For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,... (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 5:9) And we know how He dealt with Israel's "adultery" with other nations throughout their history. Wives should not want to stir up jealously in their husbands. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. (I Peter 3:3-4) We must do everything we do with sincerity and respect all in authority, because it is written, “Be holy, for I [the Lord your God] am holy.” (I Peter 1:16)
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