Blog 5

In, 1 Timothy 2:9 it states that a woman should dress modestly and without fancy clothing or jewelry.  The woman should be humble in her appearance and attitude. I believe Thecla did follow this message. It never mentions whether Thecla dressed in lavish clothing before she heard Paul speak, however, we do know she had planned to marry. In the story of Paul and Thecla it mentions that marriage was about riches and lifestyle, therefore, we can imply that she was not fully living the lifestyle 1 Timothy 2:9 describes for a woman. Although, when she set out to find Paul she dressed in simple clothing as to not attract attention. She did not want to dress in lavish clothing, her only concern was to find Paul and begin spreading the word of God.

 In 1 Timothy 2:11 a woman is encouraged to learn in full submission, which Thecla did when she listened to Paul. Her fiancé and mother were very displeased, because Thecla would not speak to them or move away from the window. She was immersed with what Paul was teaching and wanted to learn. Then, 1 Timothy 2:12 describes how no woman is suppose to teach or have authority over men. Paul actually tells Thecla to go and teach the word of God. He does so without mentioning whether she should teach to just women, just men, or both. I have interpreted that Paul wanted her to teach to both men and women even though that is contradicting with what 1 Timothy 2:12 says. The story of Paul and Thecla does describe Thecla teaching to women, but the story was never clear as to whether or not Thecla taught men too. I believe Thecla did conform to what 1 Timothy 2:1-15 says is right.