gengwall

Paul has given us some glimpses prior to 2:14 into why he uses Adam and Eve to complete this section on false teaching. Paul speaks of the grace he received because he was ignorant in his transgressions against the Church (1:12-15). He also shows us the condemnation that comes to those who sin with full knowledge like Hymenaeus and Alexander (1:20). In chapter 2 he talks about how God wants all to be saved (2:1-4), and he speaks of Christ and his birth as the source of salvation (1:15). Throughout, false teaching and deception are primary themes. Finally we get to this woman who is “teaching” in an abusive and sinful way, but, who we will soon find out, was as deceived as Paul when he was equally as ruthless and abusive.

All of these themes, deception, false teaching, condemnation for blatant, “full knowledge” sin, salvation through Christ, with His birth as the initiating event, are played out in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve are the perfect examples not only for verses 11-15 of Chapter 2, but for all of the first two chapters of 1 Timothy. Adam and Eve are the examples, but Paul, Hymenaeus and Alexander, and this Ephesian woman are the contemporary actors whose situations and actions emulate either Adam or Eve.