Scripture Guide

1 Timothy 2

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THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE:

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”— 1 Timothy 2:1-15 (NIV)

As Paul continues writing to Timothy, he addresses many specific issues amongst the believers at Ephesus. To gain more context on the situation in Ephesus, read Acts 19 and observe the intensity of the division within and outside the church. In view of this tension and the influence of false teachers, Paul begins his list of specific instructions surrounding worship, character, and behavior. Here’s a synopsis of it:

  • Pray for all people, including kings and those in authority, so they can live peacefully, for God desires all to be saved and to know the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-7).
  • The men should pray with integrity, free from anger or controversy (1 Timothy 2:8).
  • The women should avoid drawing attention to themselves with distracting or upscale clothing, which also takes the focus away from genuine prayer and worship (2 Timothy 2:9-10).
  • Women should learn undisturbed and respectfully, which wasn’t allowed at this time and in this culture, and would’ve been a revolutionary idea (2 Timothy 2:11).

The final verses of this chapter are some of the most complex to translate and interpret in Greek. Here are two important factors to remember when reading these verses:

  1. The Greek word used for “assume authority” is αὐθεντέω (authenteō), and it’s only used once in the entire Bible. Other translations of authority typically translate the word ἐξουσία (exousia), which occurs 102 times in the Bible. After researching how the word authenteō is used in other Greek texts around the same time, scholars agree that it more closely means “to domineer” or to exercise one’s authority in an aggressive, abusive, and disrespectful way. 
  2. Ephesus was home to the Greek goddess Artemis, known as the protector of the city, the deliverer of women in childbirth, and the perfect image from heaven. Her temple was one of the seven wonders in the ancient world and was run entirely by female officials. Artemis symbolized female superiority, yet the biblical creation account exposes this false narrative by depicting the fall as a result of Eve’s deception and Adam’s ignorance.
  3. 1 Timothy 2:15 uses a singular Greek verb for the word “saved” and a plural Greek verb for the word “continue.” This means the verse most likely reads as the ESV (emphasis added) translates it: “Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” (The NIV includes this in a subscript note.). Because punctuation wasn’t used in the original Greek, this verse has been confusing to translate for years. Considering Paul’s reference to the story of the fall, this verse seems to echo Genesis 3:15, which says that the woman’s offspring will crush the serpent’s head. This was the first glimpse of God’s gospel plan, foreshadowing Jesus as the seed who will come from a woman to defeat Satan. In light of this, Paul’s statement here that “she will be saved” through childbearing seems to refer to the promise given to Eve at the beginning, which then extends to all of “they [who] continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” This would’ve been an enormous source of hope for women at the time who were turning from Artemis to follow Jesus and could’ve been fearing or mourning the “benefits” of following her. 

In summary, Paul’s saying that following Jesus is better, for Jesus stands for everyone, both men and women, giving them both complete access to a relationship with Him and acting as their Mighty Deliverer! Paul wants Timothy to instruct the believers in Ephesus on proper, respectful, and God-honoring worship and behavior. The way they carry themselves and treat each other matters because it will either be obedient to God’s Word and reflect Jesus well, or it will be the opposite. The church should be primarily focused on pointing others to King Jesus, walking with integrity, serving each other, and treating others with the same love and honor that Jesus did!

Sources to explore: 

StepBible: 1 Timothy 2
BibleStudyTools: Authenteo
Great is Artemis of the Ephesians: NT Wright Online
Got Questions: Who is Artemis?
Bible Project: 1 Timothy

Read this week’s Scripture in addition to these supporting Scriptures:
1 Timothy 1; Acts 19; Genesis 3; Titus 2-3:7

Study Questions:

  • How do the false teachings described in 1 Timothy 1 and the spiritual climate of Ephesus in Acts 19 help explain why Paul emphasizes prayer, peace, and order in 1 Timothy 2?
  • Why does Paul begin his instructions with an encouraging prayer for all people, including rulers, and how does this reflect God’s desire for salvation in Titus 3:1–7?
  • Why does Paul address appropriate public worship and reputation for believers? Why are these things important?
  • Why does Paul refer back to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, and how does that story help explain his concerns about deception and responsibility in the Ephesian church?
  • How should the hope found in Jesus—especially the promise of salvation in 1 Timothy 2:15—shape the way you live, worship, and treat others?

Meditate on this week’s passage and ask yourself these questions.

  • What stuck out to me through this passage? 
  • What’s God showing me?
  • What truth can I take with me into today?

God’s Word invites transformation. Today’s about putting what you’ve learned into practice.

  • Based on what I just learned about God, what habits, attitudes, or changes do I need to make?
  • What can I take away from this passage and apply to my life?
  • How can I reflect the kind of ordered, prayerful, Christ-centered worship Paul describes for the church?
  • What might “quiet and peaceful lives” look like in a modern context without silencing your voice completely from sharing the good news?

Application Challenge: 

Take note of the type of character Paul describes in all these instructions and in the counsel to Timothy. Take that list and write down some ideas about how you can cultivate that character in yourself.

Scripture to Pray: Psalm 85:8-9

“I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
but let them not turn to folly.
Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.”

Guided Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace. Thank You for the access You’ve given us to walk in a redeemed, intimate relationship with You. You’re faithful, trustworthy, and true. I pray for Your promised peace and nearness to rest in my heart and mind today. Show me where I’ve trusted myself or the surrounding culture more than trusting You. Your story and Your way are always better, so help me surrender to You each day.

Looking back on this week’s Scripture, remember how prayer and worship should be submitted to God, trusting Him over any other person or false teaching.

  • What’s one way I can enjoy God’s presence through rest, relationship, or serving others? 
  • What blessings can I thank God for as I reflect on this week? 

This weekend, set aside intentional time to go to church, do something you love with Jesus, and connect with others.

Group Discussion Guide:

Pick your favorites to discuss with your group, family, or friends.

  • What stands out to you most about Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 2. Why do you think they were essential for the church in Ephesus?
  • How does knowing the background of Acts 19 and the worship of Artemis change the way you understand Paul’s call for prayer, peace, and order?
  • Why do you think Paul emphasizes prayer for all people, including leaders, even when they may be unjust or ungodly? How is that challenging today?
  • When Paul refers back to Adam and Eve, what do you think he’s trying to teach about responsibility, deception, and God’s design for men and women?
  • How does the hope found in Jesus—especially the promise of salvation in 1 Timothy 2:15—shape the way we live, worship, and treat one another today?