I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
I know it when I see it. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said that in 1964 because of his inability to definitively qualify what was obscene. In other words, it was subjective. Paul used a lot of subjective terms to Timothy about what was happening at the church in Ephesus and how women should dress. Respectable, modesty, proper; all these have been moving targets since he wrote them in about 61 AD. Perhaps this is one of the things the men quarreled about angrily. It is still an issue today.
It is similar to what Paul said about eating meat sacrificed to idols. It means nothing unless it causes someone to lose their faith. Then it is very meaningful. The rule of thumb seemed to be, “Whatever leads others to Christ”. In this case, if a woman’s apparel causes someone to lose their faith, it is disrespectful, immodest, and improper. May we all think of how our actions look to those who are weak in the faith or who have no faith. And may we pray, lifting holy hands.
Dear Lord, may we be seen to be a follower of yours and held in esteem as the church was in Acts 2. May we not be a distraction from the gospel but rather attract people to it with our appearance and actions. Let us desire what you desire. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church