1 Timothy 2:1-11

1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people;

2 for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct.

3 This is good and it pleases God our Savior,

4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.

5 For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus,

6 who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved,

7 and that is why I was sent as an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles, to proclaim the message of faith and truth. I am not lying; I am telling the truth! ¹

8 In every church service I want the men to pray, men who are dedicated to God and can lift up their hands in prayer without anger or argument.

9 I also want the women to be modest and sensible about their clothes and to dress properly; not with fancy hair styles or with gold ornaments or pearls or expensive dresses, ²

10 but with good deeds, as is proper for women who claim to be religious.

11 Women should learn in silence and all humility.

1 Timothy 2:1-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY 2

In this chapter the apostle exhorts to prayer for all sorts of men, gives rules and directions about the dress of women, and their subjection to their husbands; and concludes with some comfort to them. The apostle exhorts to prayer in the first place, directs to the several parts and branches of prayer, and points to the persons to be prayed for, and what should be prayed for on their account, 1Ti 2:1,2. And next follow the reasons or arguments engaging to it, which are taken from the agreeableness of it in the sight of God; from the will of God, that all men should be saved: from there being but one God of all, and one Mediator between God and men; from Christ's giving himself a ransom price for all; and from the apostle being a preacher of the Gospel to the Gentiles, as well as Jews, 1Ti 2:3-7 wherefore he concludes and determines, according to his apostolical power and authority, that prayer be made in any place, provided there were faith and purity, and wrath and doubting were laid aside, 1Ti 2:8. Also, he exhorts women to appear, especially in public service, in a modest and becoming dress, and to adorn themselves with good works, 1Ti 2:9,10, and that they should be silent learners, and not teachers, and be in subjection to their husbands, 1Ti 2:11,12. The reasons of which subjection are taken from the formation of Adam before Eve, and from Eve's being deceived, and not Adam, 1Ti 2:13,14. However, for the comfort of women, it is observed, that though in sorrow they bring forth children, yet through the birth of a Son, the promised Messiah, they shall be saved, who continue in faith, charity, and holiness, with sobriety, 1Ti 2:15.

Cross References

• 1. 2.72 Timothy 1.11.
• 2. 2.9 1 Peter 3.3.