The Context of 1 and 2 Timothy in Ephesus

To understand what Paul is saying in 1 Timothy 2:12 it’s important to understand the context. The problem in Ephesus that Paul is addressing in 1-2 Timothy is “strange doctrines” (1 Tim 1:3; 6:3, 20; 2 Tim 4:3) and “myths and endless genealogies” (1 Tim 1:4, 7; 2 Tim 4:4).

 

The result is purposeless “speculation and discussion” (1 Tim 1:4, 6; 4:7; 6:4, 20; 2 Tim 2:16, 23), various immoralities (1 Tim 1:9f.; 3:2f., 8-12; 5:6, 20; 2 Tim 3:3-5), and rejection of the faith (1 Tim 1:19f; 4:1; 5:15). Side note: the problem stems from the rich (1 Tim 5:13; 6:9-11, 17-19; 2 Tim 3:2).

 

These “strange doctrines” are not proto-gnosticism per se, but a mixture of Artemis-worship (1 Tim 2:15; 5:13 [see periergos here and in Acts 19:19]) syncretized with the Faith and with particular aspects of Jewish legalism (1 Tim 1:7; 4:3f.).

 

Artemis-worship was central in Ephesus (Acts 19), a source of significant wealth creation, with an important temple. She was a protector of young women, fertility, and child birth. Perhaps also female empowerment through virginity and singleness.

 

In the Ephesian church, men and women were going from household to household teaching this Artemis-syncretism (1 Tim 5:13; 2 Tim 3:6), deceiving many (1 Tim 2:14; Tim 3:13). Paul compares them to the pagan priests opposing Moses in the apocrypha (2 Tim 3:8f.).

 

One particular woman (who has been deceived) is bullying her husband with the teachings of Artemis (1 Tim 2:12) probably due to her fear of childbirth. Paul counters this with the Edenic story, assuring the couple that they will be saved by God.

 

Paul is concerned the angry, inward reasoning of these doctrines will lead to behavior in men which threatens to bring persecution by gentile authorities and poor witness (1 Tim 2:1-8; 3:7; 6:4-5). Paul understood the threat from Ephesian authorities (Acts 19).

 

Similarly, with regards to women, Paul, sees the “strange doctrines” leading to immodesty (1 Tim 2:9), possibly still because of threats of persecution and poor witness.