1 Timothy by Conrad Hilario (2022)

The traditional interpretation of this difficult passage has some major hermeneutical obstacles that require one take a fresh look at the true meaning of this passage. The presence of early Gnostic heresy that taught Eve came before Adam and gave him life was evident in Ephesus at this time. Paul was countering this heresy by forbidding women from teaching this particular false doctrine. He was not forbidding women to lead or teach men because clearly the Bible has many examples of women leaders and teachers.

Paul instructs Timothy, the young, and somewhat fearful leader of the church at Ephesus, to keep the central truths of the Bible, central. He calls him to warn people to not teach false doctrines, nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These things promote controversy rather than God's work. Instead, the goal of his instruction is love.

It is a common misunderstanding of the Old Testament Law to believe it was a set of rules to live by in order to have the right to enter heaven upon one's death. The truth is it defines what is morally right and wrong for the purpose of demonstrating no one is moral or right enough to enter heaven based on their keeping the Law. God gave us the Law to lead us to Christ so that we could have the opportunity to receive His unmerited acceptance.

Raising up qualified leaders is less about gifting and more about character. Rather than church leaders appointing people to leadership, new leaders should be recognized for already having mature spiritual character and doing the work of a leader. God raises up leaders, the church just recognizes them. If leadership is about influencing people, then you are leading people whether you realize it or not.

When Paul gives Timothy a list of characteristics of a leader, he does not base it on gifting or natural talent, but on character qualities anyone can attain if they are willing. This list is not meant to discourage you but to give you a vision. God can change you if you are willing, though it might take some time. God just might call you to play a significant role. Are you willing?

God is calling you to a life filled with true meaning and purpose. It is not a mistake that God has put you where you are. If God calls you to serve in challenging circumstances, focus on the things you do have control over. Don't be surprised when some people abandon the faith. Keep the central message at the center of what you do. Lead by example. Stand on the authority and power of God's written Word. Remember that God has called, equipped, and commissioned you to carry out your task. People should not only observe what we are, but also what we are becoming.