Unbelievers have given Paul a bad reputation for his comments to and about women. This comes from a lack of understanding of Paul's culture. Paul's words were revolutionary because he treated women as equals, while recognizing the culture in which he was living (Galatians 3:28).
Paul tells Timothy to encourage the women that God demonstrates his love through them as much as he does through men. Their medium of testimony came through modesty, self control and good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Does this mean there is no other way women can minister? No, certainly not. What does scripture say? "“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit" (Joel 2:28-20).
Some of Paul's fellow ministers were women (Romans 16:1-3). Let's not get sidetracked with that argument, but focus on the point of these verses on 1 Timothy.
Live a life of self control. Demonstrate this with modesty and good works.
