Are women really saved by childbearing?

[Roy Kling]

My Henry Morris Study Bible, (KJV) gives a long paragraph on I Timothy 2:15 which boiled down pretty much agrees with (a) Salvation by the birth of Jesus: ‘She will be saved by the bearing (of the Messiah by Mary).’ ...

Other than that, I am at a loss also.

 

[Deacon]

One commentary went so far as to suggest that the passage is a 'gloss' (an added note by a scribe).

Scarlett, I liked your answer so much I included it in my study notes!
A nice way to end my outline of the chapter.


Rob

 

[Reynolds]

ESV Study Bible [Link]
2:15 This is a notoriously difficult-to-understand verse. Paul clearly does not believe people can be saved in the sense of earning justification through childbearing or any other means (e.g., Eph. 2:8–9). But the NT can also use the term “saved” (Gk. sōzō) in the sense of progressively coming to experience all the aspects of salvation. In that sense, “salvation” is ongoing (see note on Phil. 2:12–13). A similar view is that “saved” can be understood as referring especially to the endurance and perseverance in faith that is necessary for eternal salvation (cf. Matt. 10:22; 24:13; etc.). People are saved as they persevere (continue) in the faith to carry out the Lord’s calling in their life, one example being the unique role of women in childbearing. (The change from singular she to plural they is a literal rendering of the Gk. text.)
Crossway Bibles. 2008. The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
~~~~~~~~~

Still pondering... I'm not satisfied with the answer.
If this is the answer it would apply to both men and women! >>> Why point the saving/sanctification towards only women?

I'll move on in my studies and leave the interpretation of this passage open for further evaluation.
The inability to understand the context and meaning lend to move me closer to a problem that Paul was addressing that was contemporary to his time... and that we not longer have access to knowing.

Rob

I made the first mistake of my life. (Lol). My software is by default Macarthur commentary. I had switched it to ESV study Bible and forgot. What I attributed to Mac, he did not say. It indeed came from ESV study Bible. Macarthur is still very little help.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

I'm studying through 1 Timothy and having some problems integrating 1 Timothy 2:15 with its context (2:8-15).

1 Timothy 2:15 (ESV 2016)
Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Are women really saved through childbearing?

Rob

If that were true, what of the single women praised by Paul in 1 Cor. 7:34?
No. I think the clue is that there is a Definite Article before 'childbearing.' dia tes teknogonias: 'On account of the childbearing.' It is, I believe, a reminder that Timothy might give to the men who perhaps were feeling superior to women, that Christ was born of a woman, and hence salvation came, in a sense, from a woman.
I have to say that I have not read this in any commentary on 1 Timothy except one, which is by someone I would not recommend. However, it does seem to me to be the most sensible explanation.

 

[Deacon]

... by someone I would not recommend.

Written in German?

 

[37818]

The text " . . . Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, . . .". The context, verses 13-15, explicitly refers to Eve, not women. Think. And that bad interpretation would morally exclude all single women.

 

[Reynolds]

The text " . . . Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, . . .". The context, verses 13-15, explicitly refers to Eve, not women. Think. And that bad interpretation would morally exclude all single women.

Not according to MacArthur. He does not say much about this verse, but he does say "2:15 women. That Paul does not have Eve in mind here is clear because the verb translated “will be saved” is future, and he also uses the plural pronoun “they.” He is talking about women after Eve. will be saved.".

 

[37818]

Not according to MacArthur. He does not say much about this verse, but he does say "2:15 women. That Paul does not have Eve in mind here is clear because the verb translated “will be saved” is future, and he also uses the plural pronoun “they.” He is talking about women after Eve. will be saved.".

The she refers to Eve in the verses 13-15 context.
The "they" is who "continue" as a result. The "if" better translated "If so be that." There being a Savior by which there is salvation. Could mean everyone not just women. As in verses 9-10.

 

[percho]

IMHO it states the very same thing Gen 3:15 states.

Gal 3:22,25 speaks of before the coming of and after the coming of, "the faith".

Faith came, when Jesus who was born of woman, gave his sinless life for our sins and was thus raised out of the dead by God the Father.

Jesus born of woman became the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Eternal Life

Childbearing, to faith of Christ.

who in the days of his flesh both prayers and supplications unto Him who was able to save him from [out of] death -- with strong crying and tears -- having offered up, and having been heard in respect to that which he feared, through being a Son, did learn by the things which he suffered -- the obedience, and having been made perfect, he did become to all those obeying him a cause of salvation age-during, Heb 5:7-9

Jesus learned, the obedience of faith, IMHO.

 

[timf]

In 1 Timothy chapter two Paul starts with instructions for the church in regard to prayer. He then diverts briefly to the will of God, the sacrifice of Christ, and his apostleship before returning to instructions such as wishing men to raise holy hands. This seems to trigger the subject of women in the church, The first item that comes to mind is that of women's apparel and adornment. However, he then begins to address to conduct of women in the assembly.

Perhaps a useful lens to look at these verses is the role of women in general. It might be seen as similar to the danger the angles had in "leaving their first estate" (Jude 1:6). "Childbearing" here might simply be illustrative of the general role of women It may be that they are "saved" from the responsibility of teaching, instructing, and directing that men will be judged for.

 

[Judith]

I'm studying through 1 Timothy and having some problems integrating 1 Timothy 2:15 with its context (2:8-15).

1 Timothy 2:15 (ESV 2016)
Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Are women really saved through childbearing?

Rob

Yes but not unto salvation. The "saved" is referring to not being useless. The fact that she bears children gives her the opportunity rear a godly heritage. But what about women that have no children? I believe that they are under the umbrella of those women who do bear children.