Notes on The Role of Women in the Church

Women must dress modestly. In 1 Timothy 2:9 - 15 Paul speaks of braided hair and gold and pearls. Rather then suggest that they be currently forbidden I suggest that we look at this in a cultural context. If in our culture braided hair is considered modest then it is allowed. But if it is culturally inappropriate or considered immodest then it is forbidden. We can see this in Genesis 2:25 Adam and Eve were naked and they felt no shame. At that time and in that place it was acceptable to be naked. Later when they sinned and knew shame they needed clothes. Since we are not in the Garden of Eden then we must not be naked in Church but neither are we in ancient Palestine so women are bound to be modest by our cultural standards not by Paul's.

Ephesus was a wealthy and very cosmopolitan area. Paul also sent a similar letter to Titus where he did not mention a dress code. In Titus 2:3 - 5 Woman are cautioned to be kind, pure, busy at home, etc... but hair braiding, gold, and pearls, are not mentioned showing that standards of modesty are situational and societal. It seems very possible that the dress code was a problem caused by the extreme wealth of the Christians of Ephesus.

I attend a church with a mixed congregation with descendents of northern European ancestory as well recent African refugees, the styles of modest dress can differ drastically between the two groups. They both, however, share modestly in their diversity and this is how it should be.

Genesis Chapter 2 - Full Text

1 Timothy Chapter 2 - Full Text

Titus Chapter 2 - Full Text

References in Scripture

25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

1 Timothy 2:9 - 15

9 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;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Titus 2:3 - 5

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

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