Fathers

1 Timothy 2

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I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony in its own times, to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing, but with good works, which is appropriate for women professing godliness. Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission. But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification 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 ↗