Do you think this passage is meant to be applied in all times and places, or was Paul dealing with a special problem at Ephesus (see 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:6-7)? What reasons support your answer?
What change/s do women (and men too) in the church today need to make to follow Paul’s emphasis on inner qualities of submission to and respect for Christ, rather than on exterior behaviour and dress? And you?
Knowing that it pleases God (cf. 1 Timothy 2:3-4), how can we share with those around us the uniqueness of Jesus as the only “way…, truth and… life” (v6)? What are some of the ways which we can do it with respect and sensitivity, and even with creativity, in a pluralistic society like ours?
Comparing this with Acts 5:27-32, what principles can you learn for helping you deal with authority? What would Paul advise people who face injustice or living in countries which ban Christianity?
What about Jesus’ priesthood is most encouraging to us (vv14-15 cf. 2:7-9; 3:1)? What do we find at God’s “throne of grace” that will help us to approach Him with confidence (v16)?
For whom are “requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving” requested (vv1,4,6,7)? How does this relate to Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:43-48 to “pray for those who persecute you”?
How do we view the importance of sound doctrine in us individually and in the church (vv10,11)? What change/s in our daily practices and habits should we make to reflect this?
