Fathers

1 Timothy 2

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I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

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What the Fathers say

1 Timothy 2:11

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Great modesty and great propriety does the blessed Paul require of women, and that not only with respect to their dress and appearance: he proceeds even to regulate their speech. And what says he? "Let the woman learn in silence"; that is, let her not speak at all in the church; which rule he has also given in his Epistle to the Corinthians, where he says, "It is a shame for women to speak in the church"; and the reason is, that the law has made them subject to men. …

Homily on 1 Timothy 9 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

A woman must maintain propriety not only in her appearance and clothing, but also in her voice. According to him, she must not speak even about spiritual matters, but should only learn. It will be better for her if she keeps silence.

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

Let a woman learn in silence with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. Not only does he require women to be modest, but also silent and submissive; for through silence, they signify submission. I do not permit a woman to teach. He removed every opportunity for a woman to speak. …

Commentary On 1 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

I think the prohibition in the law against a man wearing female garments refers not so much to clothing as to manners and to our habits and actions, since one act is becoming to a man, another to a woman. Therefore, the apostle, as the interpreter of the law, says, "Let your women keep silence in the churches, for it is not permitted them to speak, but to be submissive, as the law says. …

Letter 69: To Irenaeus ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Above, the Apostle instructed women in regard to prayer; here he instructs them in regard to doctrine: first, he lays down his own law regarding their teaching; second, he gives the reason for this law, at for Adam was first formed; third, he answers a tacit question, at yet she shall be saved. In regard to the first he does two things: first, he shows what is suitable for women; second, what is not, at but I do not suffer a woman to teach. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗