[Greek] κόσμιος (kosmios), [Latin] compositus: well ordered, modest, of good behavior, orderly, respectable, decent, moderate, well arranged; 1Tim.2:9, 1Tim.3:2
St. Ignatius of Antioch Condemned by Trajan: a fresco at Church of St. Clement, Rome
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means one who disciplines himself, genuinely moral and respectable, controlled, measured, balanced, well mannered, and honorable. Plato’s Republic 500c states “But he fixes his gaze upon the things of the eternal and unchanging order, and seeing that they neither wrong nor are wronged by another, but will endeavor to imitate them.” Plato’s Phaedrus 256b states “They live a life of happiness and harmony here on earth, self controlled and orderly, holding in subjugation that which causes evil in the soul and giving freedom, to that which makes for virtue.” Lysias’ On the Scrutiny of Evandros 26.3 states “He will tell that he is an orderly person and is not seen as acting as other of our people venture to act, but he prefers to mind his own business.”
Greek world view: Beauty, harmony, and order were highly held Greek values. The Greek sought to attain these values. The universe (kosmos) was a highly ordered and inter-connected system (earth, world, man and heavens). The Greek verb kosmeo means to beautify. The Greek adjective kosmetikos means skilled in adornment. Adornment pertains both to beauty, arrangement and structure. Athenian woman, living in a patriarchal society, usually lived in seclusion (living a well-ordered life). These women only left the house to attend religious ceremonies or festivals.
Old Testament: This term means to make straight, to set in order, and to arrange in order. Philo, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, states that the priesthood must have the qualities of justice, purity, and qualities above reproach. What is crooked cannot be straightened and what is lacking cannot be counted (Eccl.1:15). Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent? (Eccl.7:13). In addition to being a wise man, the preacher also taught the people knowledge, and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs (Eccl.12:9).
New Testament: This term, used both as an adjective and an adverb, means modest, well ordered, proper and respectable. 1Tim.3:2 pertains to the necessary personal qualities needed for an effective bishop. Such qualities include hospitality, decency, temperance, self-control, and teaching abilities. 1Tim.2:9 pertains to how woman should adorn themselves. Women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, modesty and self-control. One must wear clothing appropriate to the occasion.
Scripture:
“Similarly, (too), women should adorn themselves with the proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyle and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes.” 1Tim.2:9
Paul must have been aware of a serious problem (issue) where woman had inappropriately dressed. Paul, also influenced by Hellenism, was familiar with the Greek ideal of modesty and proper conduct.
“Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach.” 1Tim.3:2
Paul was essentially stating the necessary qualities for a good bishop.
Conclusion:
Cosmos, cosmetic, cosmic, composite, composition, composed
It was a highly held Greek value to seek harmony, order, and beauty. This order in creation extended to human behavior advocating a morally ordered life. Adornment extends to order and beauty which are inter-related. Plato makes an important observation of one seeking and finding the divine. This seems to be an early secular precursor to the idea of man seeking the way of God.
In the Old Testament, seeking to keep straight and keeping in order pertain to one’s relationship with God. Even later in the New Testament, John the Baptist makes references of preparing the way of the Lord and making straight His paths (Mt.3:3).
Ancient Greek Female Athletes
In the New Testament, Paul provides a timeless commentary on the necessary qualities that a bishop must have to in order to be faithful in his ministry. This takes on greater importance in light of the social and moral failings of many bishops (and priests) in the current sexual abuse crisis in the Church. It is rather curious as to why Paul makes such an issue about what woman should wear. Evidently, there must have been a serious issue (crisis) that Paul had to respond to. Aside from that, I think it goes without saying both men and woman should dress with modesty. This is both a Greek and Christian value. Paul is essentially saying that one must dress appropriately for the occasion. In other words, do not dress as if for a fashion show if one is going to a religious assembly. Interestingly, in ancient Greece, woman often dressed in bikinis (or sports bras) — yes, that is right– in athletic competitions. (They dressed for this purpose).
St. Ignatius of Antioch provides a wonderful example for bishops in upholding one’s moral conduct and teachings. He even died for what he stood up for . St. Ignatius was adorned (composed) with moral courage and fortitude. That is very attractive to any one!