Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Timothy 2:13

"For Adam was first formed, then Eve;" — 1 Timothy 2:13 (ASV)

For Adam was first formed, then Eve (1 Timothy 2:13). The apostle in this verse and the following gives reasons why a woman should occupy a subordinate situation and not usurp authority.

The first reason is that she was second in the act of creation, or was made subsequent to man. This reason cannot be understood merely as priority of existence—for then it would give every older person authority over a younger one. Instead, it must refer to the circumstances detailed in the history of creation (Genesis 1–2).

Man was made as the Lord of this lower creation and placed in the garden. Then the woman was made from a rib taken from his side and given to him, not as a lord, but as a companion.

All the circumstances combine to show the subordinate nature of her rank and to prove that she was not designed to exert authority over the man. See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 11:8–9.