1 Timothy 2:1-15 highlights a set of standards for
the way in which people are to show devotion to the Lord, Jesus Christ. This
chapter is especially particular with regard to the way women should live. A
woman, as prescribed in Timothy’s text, state that woman should give up worldly
possession, like jewelry and fancy clothing, and live so that she may “learn in
silence with full submission,” (1Tim 2:11). Women were seen as inferior to men
for her responsibility in deceiving Adam as 1 Timothy 2:14 states. Modesty on
part of the woman was most revered.
Thecla, in the Acts of Paul, is interesting because
she seems to maintain her holiness through her modest lifestyle while at the
same time denouncing the standards of full submission and silence as compared
to Timothy’s teachings. Theca is a betrothed young girl who falls in love with
the preaching’s of Paul. The way in which she denies the authority of her
mother and husband to be represent an autonomy and disobedience that would be
detestable to the teachings of Timothy (Acts of Thecla 13). However, we also
see Thecla characterized by devotion to a life of celibacy and her captivation
for the virgin life Paul preaches about (Acts of Thecla 7). It seems that
Thecla embodies the modest life style set forth in Timothy while at the same
time expressively challenging the women’s role as submissive and silent to a
man’s authority.
Even with this disparity, I would say Thecla does
not conform to Timothy’s understanding of women because although she is
submissive in relation to Paul, she goes on to spread the teachings of Paul as
he exclaims “go and teach the word of God,” and she does as such (Acts of
Thecla 41). In the teachings of timothy no woman would be awarded such
opportunities of teaching the oracles of God for a woman is to have no
authority over man and “to keep silent.” Not only should a woman not be
teaching but she should be the one learning “with full submission.” (1 Timothy
2:11-12) The power she has in leaving her husband and her ability to spread the
word of God is evidence, in my opinion, that Thecla challenges Timothy’s
understanding of women.
I definitely agree with your understanding of Thecla in terms of 1 Tim 2. She certainly seems to challenge almost every precept set forth by the author of Timothy. I especially liked your last paragraph, because it works well to sum up your argument and your own assessment. The only thing I might suggest is to go back after you've written your paper and make additions/changes to the introductory paragraph that might give your readers a better idea of what you intend to discuss. For example, you might mention Thecla in your introduction since she is the cornerstone in your discussion of 1 Tim. Otherwise, great job on your paper!
ReplyDeleteI liked your essay and do agree with you. I thought it was interesting that you said that Thecla was "in love" with Paul's teachings. I never saw it as love but simply captivated. I like that you used the word love though, it lets the reader see that she was not In love with Paul, but what he had to saw. You did a good job of using quotes and referencing the readings.
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