1 Timothy 2:1-7

Instructions on Prayer

1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,

2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,

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

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus,

6 who gave Himself-a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth;^[a] I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

1 Timothy 2:1-7 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other mss add in Christ