Women Who Profess Godliness 1 Timothy 2:10

As Paul the apostle began to teach Timothy specifically concerning some issues within the church in Ephesus, he began by instructing him to be a man of prayer. Timothy was to pray for “all men” and particularly those who were “kings and all who are in authority”. Paul went on to address the adornment of women within the church who rather than dress in ostentatious ways were to dress modestly and with “shamefacedness and sobriety”. Paul continued his discussion concerning women in chapter two and verse ten of his letter to Timothy where he wrote:

But (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.

The verse begins, “But (which becomes women professing godliness)...” Paul employed the word “but” which is a disassociation conjunction meaning that what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was previously said. Paul was on the verge of relating his exception when he parenthetically wrote “which becomes” or “stands out, is conspicuous, eminent, becoming, seemly and fit” “women professing” which means “women who announce and promise” “godliness” which refers to “reverence towards God's goodness”. Rather than bringing attention to themselves by their outerwear, the women were to continually live their lives pointing to God.

The verse continues, “with good works.” Paul continued his disassociation conjunction “with” which means “through, by means of and by reason of” “good” or “useful, salutary, good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable” “works” or “any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind, an act, deed or thing done”. Paul's idea was for women to adorn themselves with “good works” for others rather than the showy outward appearance that generally leads only to worship and adoration of one's self.

As we think through Paul's words, let us remember once again that Ephesus was a church where women were attempting to outdo one another with their fashions. Rather than being a place of worship, the church became a runway for the latest trends. Paul assured Timothy this should not be so. The church was to be filled with women who adorned themselves in godliness by accomplishing joyful, excellent and happy works for others. For Paul there was no greater adornment for women than they endeavor to act on behalf of others rather than themselves.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how women are to learn, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.