Paul once again exhorts Timothy to embrace that all supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks to be made for all men (key words “ALL MEN”). We are to give thanks for all men including those in authority because God has ordained them to keep order. We can honour our governments by being good civilians living peacefully and holy, this is pleasing to God and can bear witness to others. There is only one mediator to God, not the Saints, not higher confidence and neither the study of knowledge but only through King Jesus (John 14:6). He voluntarily offered himself for ransom for Jews and Gentiles alike, this was the message Paul was ordained to preach.
Paul then addresses the women who were disruptive in service. Womens role in the Church was an unlikely concept back in the Ephesus culture as they were not held in high esteem in the hierarchical order. According to macaruthur study notes, what is possible is that these women might have been motivated from the cultural denigration they had suffered and over reacted by seeking dominant positions. However, the message is clear that women are not to have the role of teaching authority within the congregation as well as of the home. Women are to be silent by not teaching, they are to demonstrate submissiveness by not troubling the authority of the pastors or elders as God has ordained men as the head of the authority and responsibility. Paul then reminds them that Adam was created first and was thus given original authority on earth before being provided with his helper Eve. Eve was the first to be deceived and Adam soon followed but she will be saved in childbearing if they live in approval to God. It is important to note here that Paul is not advocating that women do not achieve salvation through children, but that it is women through childbearing who can remove the stigma of being the initial sinner by raising Godly children.
Two things I took away from this:
Paul then addresses the women who were disruptive in service. Womens role in the Church was an unlikely concept back in the Ephesus culture as they were not held in high esteem in the hierarchical order. According to macaruthur study notes, what is possible is that these women might have been motivated from the cultural denigration they had suffered and over reacted by seeking dominant positions. However, the message is clear that women are not to have the role of teaching authority within the congregation as well as of the home. Women are to be silent by not teaching, they are to demonstrate submissiveness by not troubling the authority of the pastors or elders as God has ordained men as the head of the authority and responsibility. Paul then reminds them that Adam was created first and was thus given original authority on earth before being provided with his helper Eve. Eve was the first to be deceived and Adam soon followed but she will be saved in childbearing if they live in approval to God. It is important to note here that Paul is not advocating that women do not achieve salvation through children, but that it is women through childbearing who can remove the stigma of being the initial sinner by raising Godly children.
Two things I took away from this:
1.The Oscars were held yesterday, celebs love to talk crap about Donald Trump just as much as we Australians are vocally distasteful of Scott Morrison. We Christians meme about it, admittedly it is funny. But here Paul urges believers to pray that leaders may repent of their secular living to embrace Jesus. In the context of this chapter the Ephesians should even pray for salvation madman Emperor Nero, a persecutor of the faith. The Ephesians are to literally love Nero, be sorrowful for him, be concerned for him.
2. Men and women are equal, but different. While they aren't to have teaching authority in Church Paul is not prohibiting them from teaching in appropriate conditions and circumstances, Acts 18:26 and Titus 2:2-4. I'm glad we don't have deacons in Cheil yet, we're too young of a congregation and before we start talking about leadership roles we should focus on getting people to love Jesus first.
Prayer/response
- Thank you Lord that I go to a Church in which the female leaders love you and submit under you
- Please instil continual prayer in our congregation for men that will love you over their girlfriends, careers and social status. Also for us to pray and support our married couples
- May we pray and be concerned for the salvation of our world leaders
- Thank you for being good and faithful
2. Men and women are equal, but different. While they aren't to have teaching authority in Church Paul is not prohibiting them from teaching in appropriate conditions and circumstances, Acts 18:26 and Titus 2:2-4. I'm glad we don't have deacons in Cheil yet, we're too young of a congregation and before we start talking about leadership roles we should focus on getting people to love Jesus first.
Prayer/response
- Thank you Lord that I go to a Church in which the female leaders love you and submit under you
- Please instil continual prayer in our congregation for men that will love you over their girlfriends, careers and social status. Also for us to pray and support our married couples
- May we pray and be concerned for the salvation of our world leaders
- Thank you for being good and faithful
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