I Timothy 2:13

For--reason of the precept; the original order of creation. Adam . . . first--before Eve, who was created for him (Co1 11:8-9).

In this chapter Paul treats, I. Of prayer, with many reasons for it (Ti1 2:1-8). II. Of women's apparel (Ti1 2:9, Ti1 2:10). III. Of their subjection, with the reasons of it (Ti1 2:11-14). IV. A promise given for their encouragement in child-bearing (Ti1 2:15).

2:13 The most common understanding of this verse is that Paul believes social roles are attached to the man being created first (Gen 2:7, 22; 1 Cor 11:8-12). Paul’s logic has usually been tied to the leading role of the firstborn son in the Old Testament. However, there are exceptions to the rule of firstborn even in Scripture (see Gen 27–28). And while gender retains its distinctions in the New Testament, there is also an element of equality in Christ (Gal 3:28; see also 1 Cor 11:11-12; 12:13; Eph 5:21; Col 3:11). • It is also possible that the heretics asserted a reversal of gender status in Christ relative to the surrounding culture, giving what would have been viewed as objectionable dominance to women. Paul’s allusion would then function to discredit this assertion and reestablish balance.