Die voorskrifte in 1 Timoteus 2:8-15 soos geïnterpreteer vanuit die breër tekstuele konteks van 1 Timoteus

Abstract

The instructions in 1 Timothy 2:8-15 interpreted within a broader contextual perspective of 1 Timothy Breed (2006a:247-263 and 2006b:453-463) has shown in two articles on 1 Timothy 2:8-15 that Paul does not give any indication in 1 Timothy 2 of whether his instructions to men and women are meant for public worship, ordinary life or marriage. Because Paul comments on the relations between men and women – an issue that is currently universally debated – in this article the broader textual context of 1 Timothy 2:8-15 is investigated to see whether it illuminates Paul’s instructions to men and women. The study focuses on the false teachings that Paul opposed, and on the aim of this letter. The structure of thought of 1 Timothy is analysed closely to determine whether there are references to marriage in 1 Timothy and to explore the possibility that in 1 Timothy 2:8-15 Paul actually states the true teaching concerning marriage in opposition to false teachings. This study concludes that there are strong indications that in 1 Timothy 2:8-12 Paul is considering the conduct between men and women in marriage, rather than conduct during public worship or in ordinary life.