In Part 1, we set the stage by exploring Paul’s purpose in writing to Timothy and the broader mission of the early church. Now, we turn to the cultural world surrounding the Ephesian believers, a world dominated by a powerful goddess whose influence shaped everything from politics to fashion.

This is our invitation to take a closer look at the gods that were worshiped during Paul’s ministry, the gods surrounding the early Churches, and even more specifically, the goddess of ancient Ephesus. There is one that would have been worshiped like a modern-day celebrity or politician. Artemis is mentioned(Acts 19) as Paul and his companions are pioneering the Church in Ephesus.

Acts 19 details the history of how the Church in Ephesus came to be when Paul was in Ephesus for two years teaching. His time was followed by radical numbers of people coming to know the Lord and a breaking out of signs and miracles. In Acts 19:23 the narrative shifts as a riot ensues as people begin to turn from the Ephesian Goddess, Artemis, to the Lord Jesus Christ. This riot climaxes with a crowd of people gathering within the goddess Artemis’ temple shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.”

Acts 19:35-37, reveals that Artemis had a grip on Ephesus and the deity had come to influence the social, economic, and political aspects of the city. Artemis’ temple was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and considered the largest building in the Greek world due to its massive infrastructure, even today you can find countless artifacts and well preserved viewing on Artemis in Izmir, Turkey (Ephesus) and throughout the Greco Roman world. Artemis’ worship had significantly infiltrated the culture, beliefs, and practices while also attempting to infiltrate the early Church. Artemis was the Greek goddess of hunting, wild nature, and chastity. Daughter of Zeus and sister of Apollo, Artemis was a patron of girls and young women and a protectress during childbirth. She was widely worshipped and prayers that were often lifted to her was seeking eternal virginity, wealth and provisions. It is known that the feministic mindset of women in this age greatly clung to the life and presumed powers of Artemis, creating in the women of this era a craving for independence apart from man, avoiding childbirth as well as marriage, but for those who were betrothed they still sought to seek the Artemis in their prayers for protection in bearing children.

1 Timothy 2:8 begins with Paul giving instructions on church worship. Verse 8 is specifically referencing men, he calls for them to lift up their hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. He gives a call for proper worship within the Church which means there should be no disputing or anger. This sets up the context for v. 9 as we begin looking at 1 Timothy 2:9-15, Paul uses the word “likewise,” referencing just like the men needed correction, so did the women need correction regarding the way they had been presenting themselves in worship.

Worship defined in this era of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all flesh is known to not be confined to a specific place, but anywhere; therefore, as men and women are now the new temples of the Holy Spirit, likewise they are in a constant state of worship, constantly offering their bodies unto the Lord as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable (Rom. 12:1-2). Paul initially begins this passage by addressing how the women were dressed. Just like our modern-day dilemma, the way the women were dressing could have been causing divisions based on social class.

This is to be highly considered, especially since Paul was directly addressing kings and high officials in their conduct (2:2; wealthy citizens). It is also to be considered that the dress code Paul inserts here is in direct response to the women wearing the same outfits that was culturally known to worship Artemis to the church gatherings. During this time period it was common for women in Ephesus to dress up and dress like Artemis when dedicating themselves to her. This was common practice within her temple and this practice was likely being carried into the fellowship and worship of believers.

It would be like a professing believer dressing in traditional clothing that is specifically tied to the religious worship in Islam, Buddhism, Mormonism, Hinduism, etc., to Church, not as a fashion statement, but revealing the polytheistic practices happening within that individual. Which could be experienced if someone coming from a family or cultural background that was predominately of that religion. I do want to note, that some Christians in muslim predominant countries wear hijabs due to the law or persecuted church. This I would note, is a real life example of the cost of following Christ even down to your attire, something to ponder and consider in light of these passages. Potentially related or not directly related to the early church experience.

With this cultural background in mind, Paul’s words to the women in the Ephesian church begin to make more sense. In Part 3, we’ll unpack the language of 1 Timothy 2:9–15 itself — and discover a message far more liberating than it might seem at first glance.