Paul in speaking to women, is not banning all interest in outward beauty, but rather encourages them to concentrate on the inward beauty which God cares more about (v9-10).

The Bible teaches clearly that men and women are equal before God, equally made in God’s image, equally sinners and equally redeemed by Christ. The Bible also teaches clearly that men and women have different roles in the home and in the church. Paul is teaching that the leadership role is for men and women, to be godly, need to accept this. (v11-12).

The reason for submission Paul teaches was not cultural for his day but goes back to the order of creation when Adam was made first and then Eve was made as a helper for him (v13). When Adam and Eve went against the created order and Eve took the leadership role the fall took place (v14).

In accepting this Biblical teaching, we need to ask do we trust the Creator’s wisdom or do we know better?

Verse 15 has two possible interpretations. Either Paul is speaking about the great dignity that there is in motherhood, or this verse is speaking of the motherhood of Mary which would see the Saviour coming into the world.