8 It is my desire, then, that in every place men may give themselves to prayer, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or argument.
9 And that women may be dressed in simple clothing, with a quiet and serious air; not with twisted hair and gold or jewels or robes of great price; 10 But clothed with good works, as is right for women who are living in the fear of God. 11 Let a woman quietly take the place of a learner and be under authority. 12 In my opinion it is right for a woman not to be a teacher, or to have rule over a man, but to be quiet. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve; 14 And Adam was not taken by deceit, but the woman, being tricked, became a wrongdoer. 15 But if they go on in faith and love and holy self-control, she will be kept safe at the time of childbirth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Commentary on 1 Timothy 2:8-15
(Read 1 Timothy 2:8-15)
Under the gospel, prayer is not to be confined to any one particular house of prayer, but men must pray every where. We must pray in our closets, pray in our families, pray at our meals, pray when we are on journeys, and pray in the solemn assemblies, whether more public or private. We must pray in charity; without wrath, or malice, or anger at any person. We must pray in faith, without doubting, and without disputing. Women who profess the Christian religion, must be modest in apparel, not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness. Good works are the best ornament; these are, in the sight of God, of great price. Modesty and neatness are more to be consulted in garments than elegance and fashion. And it would be well if the professors of serious godliness were wholly free from vanity in dress. They should spend more time and money in relieving the sick and distressed, than in decorating themselves and their children. To do this in a manner unsuitable to their rank in life, and their profession of godliness, is sinful. These are not trifles, but Divine commands. The best ornaments for professors of godliness, are good works. According to St. Paul, women are not allowed to be public teachers in the church; for teaching is an office of authority. But good women may and ought to teach their children at home the principles of true religion. Also, women must not think themselves excused from learning what is necessary to salvation, though they must not usurp authority. As woman was last in the creation, which is one reason for her subjection, so she was first in the transgression. But there is a word of comfort; that those who continue in sobriety, shall be saved in child-bearing, or with child-bearing, by the Messiah, who was born of a woman. And the especial sorrow to which the female sex is subject, should cause men to exercise their authority with much gentleness, tenderness, and affection.