Praying for rulers
1 So I am advocating above all that serious requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks are done for all people, 2 especially for kings and those in positions of influence so that we can conduct tranquil and respectable lives, with the utmost devotion and dignity. 3 This is best and welcome in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who intends for all people to be saved and to come to know the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and people: the person Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as the ransom payment for all, and as a testimony at the right time. 7 And I tell you in all sincerity that I was appointed to this as an announcer and apostle, a true and faithful teacher of the other nations.
Addressing problems in Ephesus
8 It would be nice if the men in every place could manage to pray with clean lives and without argument. 9 The same goes for the women, too. I’d like them to dress themselves tastefully and decently, with modesty and good sense; not with fancy hair or expensive jewelry and clothing, 10 but as is fitting for women who are doing the good work of professors for converts to Judaism.10
A new believer must not teach
11 That woman must learn, and she must do so in a respectful and supportive manner. 12 At this time I am not even conferring teaching privileges on the woman, much less allowing her to treat the man abusively; she must be still. 12 13 For Adam was formed first and Eve afterward, 14 and Adam was not deceived. But this woman, being completely fooled, has sinned. 14 15 Even so, she will be restored by the mentoring, as long as they remain in faith and love and holiness, with good sense.
- 10 “Professors for converts to Judaism” is the proper meaning in the Greek; ref. Jews and Godfearers at Aphrodisias, J. Reynolds and R. Tannenbaum, Cambridge Philological Society Supp. Vol. 12, 1987, p. 50.
- 12 The term “treat abusively” was chosen for the rare Greek word in the context of the Artemis fertility cult, wherein a priestess would teach men and then impart divine wisdom to them through intercourse; ref. Ancient Heresies by Catherine C. Kroeger.
- 14 The Greek grammar indicates that this woman was still sinning at the time of Paul’s writing. This is a vital key to understanding the passage.