9 “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9–10 (ESV)
Today’s text must not be separated from its immediate context. I Timothy 1:8 provides insight to what the Apostle Paul wrote concerning women in the church. He stated, “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;” (1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV).
Having instructed the men in the church, Paul then gave instructions regarding the behavior of the women. This is evidenced by his segue using the word likewise (ὡσαύτως; hosautos) meaning similarly or in like manner. Paul used this transition several times in this epistle (I Tim. 3:8, 11). See also Mark 12:21 and I Cor. 11 1:25.
“The word similarly shows that Paul is continuing his remarks about conduct in connection with public worship. Just as the men must make the necessary preparations, so that with prepared hearts and without previous disposition to evil they “come to church,” able to lift up holy hands, so also the women must give evidence of the same spirit of holiness, and must show this while they are still at home, getting ready to attend the service,” states Dr. William Hendriksen. [1]
Again, what the apostle wrote to believing women is in the same manner the truth and spirit in which he wrote to believing men. This is evidenced by the phrase likewise also that women (γυναῖκας; gynaikas). This is the plural form of the noun γυνή (gyna). The English word gynecology is from this Greek word.
In the biblical context, the woman, or women, refers to a female person of marriageable age. Therefore, the Scriptures view women as persons, individuals, and human beings of inherent value in the sight of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Biblically, they hold equal value with men. How did the ancient world consisting of Jews, Greeks and Romans view a woman’s value?
In the ancient Jewish culture, women were not given opportunities to learn or become educated. While they were not forbidden to come to the synagogue, they were not encouraged to do so either. Many rabbis refused to greet women in public and believed teaching them was a waste of time. Perhaps the perspective of ancient Jewish males towards women, and other people groups, is summarized by this daily prayer; “Blessed are you, LORD our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has not made me a woman, or a Gentile and a slave.”
The ancient Greek culture’s view of women was not much different from the Jews. Women were on the same social level as slaves. They were under the authority and control of their husbands; both by custom and written law.
While the Greek philosopher Plato viewed men and women as equals, his perspective was the exception rather than the norm. In contrast, Aristotle viewed women as inferior to men and this was inherent in the female sex.
Ancient Greece viewed physical intimacy in marriage as solely for the procreation of children. In ancient Sparta, women were used to procreate children in order to produce sons who would become soldiers and warriors. Marriage could be dissolved by the husband without any legality or reason.
In ancient Athens, the State was all important. Women lived secluded lives. Their position in society was only of a mother, Otherwise, she was nothing more than a domestic servant. However, women were in full charge of domestic issues. She was the absolute ruler in the home, which served as a place of honor.
The Hetairai were a separate class of women. They could not marry a Greek citizen. They were the companions, intellectually and sexually, of Athenian men. They were to bear children and be managers of a man’s home.
In Macedonia at the time of Alexander the Great, women had a greater level of freedom. Even, so freedom was not automatic but rather to be grasped and manipulated.
Ancient Rome did have some distinctives regarding the role of women. Freeborn women were citizens (cives), but could not vote or hold a government position. However, while Roman women did not have political power and position, women from wealthy or powerful families could and did exert influence by private meetings and negotiations.
In the Roman Republic, a high emphasis was placed on a woman’s virginity. The focus on a woman’s purity and on her role as a faithful wife and dutiful mother in the family increased during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – AD 14). Later during the Roman Empire, Roman women could own land, write their own wills, and appear in court. Roman marriage was one of mutual loyalty, where husbands and wives shared interests, activities, and property. Roman women were involved in business as much as men. Money was their first care.
Within this melting pot of cultures, the Apostle Paul gave instructions to Timothy of how women should conduct themselves in the church. This would include their appearance and behavior. Rather than begin derogatory to women, the church community was to be a blessing to women, unlike the secular culture.
More to come. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 105.
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