Why Don't Apostolic Pentecostals Wear Jewelry?

Summary

Summary prepared by Acts 2:38 Life from the transcript below — the preacher’s words follow in full.

The reading — men and women worshiping in holiness

• The question posed (in the host's frame): the position paper named in the frame — titled holiness, as the title is given — includes a section, with the heading: holiness and jewelry (as the heading is named). And it states the following — I'll read it to you: the scriptures teach us that the wearing of ornamental jewelry, and expensive, showy clothing, is not in harmony with the Christian lifestyle. Paul wrote: 'in like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety — not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array' (the quote stands in the host's words as 'costly rate') — that's obviously 1 Timothy 2:9. So the question I have is: how do we make sense of this verse? Because some of these words — at least from the King James version — are not ones that we use a lot, today. how do we make sense of this, and apply it to modern life? And, as part of your answer, could you address this idea of costly array, that Paul mentions? I'll say: many of our audience members, who are listening to this podcast, they may be familiar with 'preachers and sneakers' (as it is named in the frame). And the person who is responsible for it likes to single out celebrity preachers, and point out how expensive their clothes are. You'll have a picture of the preacher, along with maybe a screenshot, of that particular item that they're wearing, in a catalog. So could you comment on that idea, of costly array, along with this idea about jewelry, that Paul talks about? The answer: yes — this is an important point. And for detailed description, discussion: I have two books. In Search of Holiness, which lays out the biblical teaching — which would include ornamental jewelry, and moderation of dress ('moderation of address', as heard). And then Practical Holiness, which is a follow-up. And it includes answers to objections, a more detailed discussion of certain passages of scripture, and also some interesting information, of church history: that this teaching actually is very common, throughout church history — especially when there were revival groups. So: the early post-apostolic church, as well as the methodists; the, actually, the early Presbyterians as well; the Holiness movement; the Pentecostal movement. So what we're talking about is really very common teaching, among conservative Christians, throughout history, of various backgrounds — although today it's not so common. So let's talk about this. But let me go to — or, you mentioned 1 Timothy — let me read it, in the New King James: 1 Timothy 2:8-10. Now, there's also a related passage, in 1 Peter 3. So I think it's interesting: the two foremost apostles of the New Testament — both Paul, and Peter — inspired by the Holy Spirit, felt specifically to address this, for the New Testament Church. You also have some teaching, from the Old Testament — which was not as comprehensive, because the Old Testament people were not filled with the Spirit; they were not given the same guidelines, of holiness. But we do find examples, that are relevant. I would also say: when you talk about holiness, outward appearance is only one small portion — maybe 10%. So I don't want to get off track, of thinking this is the most important subject. I really do feel: the matters of the heart, your spirit, your attitude, bearing the fruit of the Spirit — that's much more significant. But because this is visible, and countercultural — and, although common in Christian history, now it's uncommon among Christian churches — well then we stand out, as different. And so, of course, this subject gets a lot of attention, because of that. So let's read, from the text. The apostle Paul, inspired by the Spirit, 1 Timothy 2:8: 'I desire therefore, that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation — not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothing — but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.' So he starts off by saying: I want the men to worship God, in holiness — I'm paraphrasing. And then he mentions two potential temptations, or besetting sins, of men. And I think it is true. It's a generalization. It's not true of every individual. But overall: men would be more prone to skepticism, about God and religion. Women seem to respond earlier, in revival movements. And women seem to outnumber men, in churches, because men are slower to have faith. And wrath — violent rage: 90% of partner, or spousal, abuse cases, men against women (his figures, as spoken). So yes: if a woman has a temptation, with wrath and doubting, this would apply to her. But it's a generalization, but very real. Men: I want you to worship God, in holiness. And let's make sure to deal with two besetting temptations, that are very common to men: violent rage, and skepticism. Verse 9 ('verse n', as heard): 'in like manner also' — so, just as I want the men to worship God, in holiness, and to remove besetting sins, or temptations, that could damage, or undermine, their holiness: so I want women to worship God, in holiness, and pay attention to besetting temptations, or sins, that could undermine their holiness. And I would say, the same thing: he talks about women — but, to the extent that men have this issue, then it applies to men, as well. And I would say, in our culture, men do have more issues, here. Throughout history, usually, I would say, the emphasis: men are more visually oriented. And so they put pressure on women, to conform to their expectations, of beauty, and extravagance. And women try to outdo themselves, in various cultures, with makeup, and jewelry, and an extravagant dress — more than men tend to do, because of that disparity. But — and so Paul, in his culture, that was the case. It would be more prone for women to try to attract the male ('maale', as heard), through various forms of jewelry, than vice versa.

Scriptures: 1 Timothy 2:8-10

Adorn — attractiveness guarded: modesty, propriety, moderation

• So he gives some proper things: 'adorn themselves, in modest apparel.' Notice: the scripture is not saying: be ugly; be plain; don't pay attention; be slovenly ('unemp slovenly', as the letters stand); you know, try to look unattractive. No. Actually, adorn means: to make yourself attractive. So it's perfectly fine, for a woman to want to be attractive. But in a proper way: with modest clothing ('modest cloes', as heard) — not clothing that immodestly exposes the body; not clothing that explicitly appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life. And the problem with ornamental jewelry — and I'm quoting there, from First John, chapter 2, the things of the world — the problem with ornamental jewelry, first of all: it appeals to the lust of the flesh. You're trying to entice, with the eyes, in a lustful way. The lust of the flesh: that is, you know, glorifying your own physical flesh. And again, the appeal to the eyes. But the appeal to sensuality, and sexuality. And then pride, ego — you know, exalting self: I'm rich; I'm — look, everybody, look at me; I'm gaudy ('I'm Gody', as heard); etc. So we're trying to guard against these besetting sins, that are mentioned in 1 John 2:15 through 17. Or: these are these avenues of temptation. The three main avenues of temptation are all implicated, here. So — but the positive statement is: yes, you can decorate yourself. So, having different colors, or ribbons, or bows, or various things like that: it's not forbidden. Adorn yourself — but under certain guidelines. Modest apparel. With propriety: what's appropriate, to the occasion. So: what you're wearing in your home, versus in public. Or what you're wearing when you go to sleep. Or, you know, when you take a shower. Or when you're swimming, with same-sex friends. Or working out, with same-sex friends. You know, there are different levels of propriety. So what is appropriate, to the occasion. So we're particularly talking about, in mixed company, in public. And moderation: 'not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothing.' Now, braided hair: I don't think it's meaning the simple arrangement of the hair. If you study the culture, and you study women, in the Mediterranean world, and the Jewish world, of the first century, that Paul would have been directly addressing: they typically all had long hair, as we see in 1 Corinthians 11 (a related-passage pointer — see the note on this record). But some would make quite elaborate hair arrangements. And often they would braid jewelry, into the hair: a string of pearls, or maybe a silk cord, with gold coins strung along it. Elaborate headdresses, or tiaras. So it's — and you look at Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias: you'll see the pictures, and you'll see the discussion. It doesn't seem that Paul, and Peter, are opposing the neat arrangement of the hair, by braiding it. It's the elaborate, extravagant arrangement — particularly with ornaments woven in, or put onto the hair. And then he used the example of gold, or pearls. I think this is an example of precious metal, and a precious jewels. Now, I don't think we should look at this legalistically: well, you can't wear gold jewelry, but only silver jewelry. You can't wear pearl jewelry, but you can wear diamond jewelry. I think he's given an example: while these elements may have valid uses, in other contexts: on your person, you should avoid ornamental jewelry. And while other, you know, what we call jewelry — like watches, or maybe even cufflinks, or maybe — for some people, the wedding ring has great symbolic value. So, as far as the UPCI is concerned, we're not interpreting this to forbid everything that would be called jewelry (the word stands as 'called Joy', in the text): if it has a functional purpose, that is more significant than any ornamental purpose, and it's in moderation, then there is some discretion. I think there's some Christian liberty, for pastors, and for individuals: for pastors to teach, and for individuals to choose, what is appropriate. But the principle, here, of ornamental jewelry, is clearly stated: don't wear this. And costly clothing. But instead, if you want to attract someone: the foremost way is through good works. And I think that is important to emphasize. Because our culture puts so much emphasis on physical appearance, and even explicit sexual temptation, and open sexuality, and, of course, a youth culture. And if — yes, we are attracted to one another, visually, with beauty, or handsomeness, or physical attraction. But if that is the main identification, you're creating problems. Because, first of all: no one can measure up. And second of all: we all change, over time. And if your relationship is more physically oriented, then, over time, you're going to run into trouble. But if it's based on godly character, good works: then, through the changes of life, and the changes of your body, your relationship can be constant, and even grow. And so the scripture is trying to put the emphasis on that.

Scriptures: 1 John 2:15-17

The four principles

• But if you wanted to extract some principles, here — and there are other passages, such as 1 Corinthians 11, and 1 Peter 3, that are relevant — but I see several principles. One: a gender distinction. So he's treating men and women differently. And: 'adorn — the women adorn themselves, in modest apparel.' And he uses the word apparel: indicates clothing of a long, flowing nature, that was used by women, in that time. So, first of all, we see: men and women should dress differently, to represent their unique gender, or sex ('gend or sex', as heard), as created by God. Second: modesty. Which, modesty, I think, means: decently covering the body — the torso, the upper limbs — to avoid lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, open sexual appeal. Focus on an overall attractiveness, not sexuality. And modest also has a secondary connotation, of what's not extravagant. Not, you know — and, but that's stated later. So I think the primary reference, here, to modesty — and it's connected with propriety: the King James says, shamefacedness. Which, that's an old-fashioned word. But it's a sense of shame: not being ashamed of yourself, but being ashamed to be immodest. So yes: we should be ashamed to say, or do, or — some certain things, or look, in certain ways. So: that sense of what is proper, and appropriate. So that's the second principle: modesty. Moderation: that's a third principle. And it connects with costly array. So you can have nice clothing, but not extravagant clothing. And then the fourth principle is: ornamental jewelry. And I also would put makeup, in the same category: it's trying to ornament yourself artificially, to draw attention to the physical appearance, and to sexuality. So I see these four principles: gender distinction; modesty; moderation; and avoiding ornamental jewelry — explicitly stated, in the scripture.

Costly clothing, a pastor's moderation — and care in judging

• Now, let's talk about costly clothing. And let's talk about moderation. I do believe our overall Christian life should be in moderation. So it's not just the clothes we wear. And it's not just certain articles of jewelry. So, let's say: okay, I'm not going to wear a nose ring. But if I wear a $20,000 gold Rolex watch, with jewels all over it: am I primarily using that, to tell time? Would that violate moderation? So obviously, I'm suggesting it would. So we're not looking at legalistically, at categories. We're looking at the overall picture. Now, moderation is subjective. So it's based, to some extent, on culture. What I mean by that is: if you're living in a very poor society, what might seem extravagant would be one thing. Where, if you're living in an affluent society, that might just be considered normal, and average. So I don't think we have to live at the lowest possible level. I think you take into account what is considered normal, and standard, in your culture. And so, for a preacher: I don't think the preacher should live at the very top of the congregation. But what is considered moderate, in your surrounding culture, your city, your country — and what is even considered moderate, in your church. And especially a pastor, who is of a large, successful church: the people don't want him to live at a low level, where he — because that's an embarrassment, in the community. We — we can't even support your pastor. Or, as he meets prominent members of the community, if he is not dressed well, and doesn't live well, and he's inviting people to his home, or he's taking people in his car — and if he's living in very low, beat-up circumstances: well, then he's a poor representative of the church. The church wants him to be a good representative. So I would say: the pastor should not live at the top of what the richest people of the congregation can afford. But he shouldn't live at the bottom, bottom. But probably somewhere in the upper half. It should probably be less than what he can make, in a secular career. That's part of ministry — where you're serving others, and you're deliberately choosing to be more moderate, not extravagant. Because if the pastor's living at the very top, then I think that is drawing undue attention, to himself. And that seems to be saying: well, I'm in ministry, because I can make more money with this, than anything else. Or: I'm in ministry, because of all the perks. And that's not a good example. So that's subjective. But, you know: maybe take the average of the 10 top tithe payers, and maybe you'll see what a reasonable salary might be. I don't know. Or you can compare yourself, to other nonprofits. There are studies, that — of churches across America, nonprofits across America.
• I'll just give a personal example, just to be candid ('just to be candidate', as heard). Okay: so I was trained as a lawyer. I was going to be a lawyer. I graduated from one of the top law schools, in the nation. And at the top 3% of the class, and so forth. So I was headed for a career. And I felt like I would make a lot of money. But I'd be generous, in tithing and offering ('tiing', as heard), to support the church. Instead, I went into the ministry. So I'm making a good salary. So, for someone who's living in a poverty level, they might say I'm rich, and extravagant. But compared to what I could be making, in secular world, I'm making a whole lot less. And even compared to what a pastor could make, I think I'm making a good amount. But I'm not taking advantage. Okay: with my wife and I, started church, in our home, in Austin, Texas. And we grew it to about a thousand people, of constituents. 956 were on the regular attendance roll ('attendance role', as heard). Plus others, of course, coming. And we — 16 daughter works. So probably 2,000 people, in all total, associated with our original effort. Today there are 23 churches, associated with the new life Network — either we started the church, as a daughter work, or we sent a pastor, to take a small group of people, and they started, built up the church. So, you know, if it were a business, I could be making lots of money. But for the first — we did set up a partial salary, because I felt that was right; the church needed that, in its budget. But actually, because of money we'd saved, and I worked to support myself — I wrote books, I worked on ministry jobs — but it was still jobs that I worked on. I was basically holding down two jobs, all my time as a pastor. So, for the first 10 years, we actually gave more money to the church, than what we took from the church. And then, for the next four years, we only took a partial salary, for that size. And it was only the last four years, that we really took a full salary, for that size of a church. Now, I'm not saying this, to bring any glory to myself. We live in a very nice car. We live in a very nice home. But the home was basically built from outside income, not from church income. And we have a nice salary. But we have given, and we still give, generously, to missions, and so forth. So I — I guess I'm just trying — and I'll give a simple example. You know: I have a car, that was given to me, in Austin. Is given to me, by a businessman. So, you know: so when you — if you evaluate a pastor ('AV valuate', as the letters stand): well, he's driving a nice car. Well: maybe it was given to him. Maybe he has a business, on the side. And he's worked double time, to do that. Maybe he's supporting the church. And we know a lot of pastors, that — that, yes, in fact, that — I would say the majority of our pastors are bivocational. And many of them, they support the church. Without them, the church couldn't survive, or be severely hindered. In many cases, they're the biggest contributor, to the church, instead of getting money through the church. So when you try to evaluate situations, you'd better be careful. I would say: all Christians, including pastors, we should live moderate lives. So we shouldn't dress so extravagantly, everybody looks at us, and says: oh, look at them, they're making a fashion statement. But just because they have some nice clothes, or nice cars, or nice accessories, or take a nice vacation, or have a nice home — we, there should be a principle of moderation, in all those things. But we shouldn't demand that they live at the lowest level. And we should be very careful, in judgment. Because, as I've just said, there are so many factors: of people giving to them; of them working sacrificially, to support the church, and support what they're doing; or them actually foregoing a career, where they could have excelled, in that area. So — I do — but having said all that: I do believe every Christian should take a serious look, at your life, clothing, and your overall lifestyle. And we're thankful, for God's blessing. So there's plenty of scripture to say: enjoy the blessings of God. You don't have to live in poverty. You don't have to try to prove that you're humble, or prove that you're aesthetic (ascetic, as heard). But on the other hand: in the eyes of the world, and the eyes of the church people, that you're trying to lead, or be an example to — there is this principle of moderation. So, four principles, I see here: gender distinction, of outward appearance and dress; modesty, of dress; moderation, in dress, and lifestyle, hair, and dress — and avoiding ornamental jewelry. I do believe these are scriptural principles, that are for the church today.

Scripture index: 1 Timothy 2:8-10; 1 John 2:15-17.