In the book of 1 Timothy, Paul seeks to encourage Timothy in his work with the church at Ephesus.  Specifically, Paul urges Timothy to utilize the gifts that God has given him.  Paul tells Timothy to use those gifts to preach the word and to guard the church from false teachers who have entered among them (1:18-19).  In chapter one, Paul establishes that even though he was a great blasphemer in the past, God's mercy proved greater.  In chapter two, he urges all men pray and be thankful, praying for kings and so forth.  Paul then moves the discussion to God's plan of salvation for sinful humanity.  He declares who God is and how salvation has been expressed in Christ (verses 5-6).  Paul states his own calling and apostleship, as well as his desire for "the men in every place to pray, lifting holy hands, without wrath and dissension" (verse 8).  He then turns his thoughts to women in verses 9-15,