1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: 2 for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; 7 to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. 9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; 10 but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. 12 But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.
Analysis Of The Chapter
This chapter 1-Timothy 2:1-15 is occupied mainly in directions about the mode of conducting public worship. Timothy had been left at Ephesus to complete the plans which the apostle had commenced in reference to the church there, but from completing which he had been unexpectedly prevented (see the Intro.), and it was important to state the views which he entertained on this subject to Timothy. It was important also that general directions on these subjects should be given, which would be useful to the church at large. The directions in this chapter relate to the following subjects:
I. Public prayer; 1-Timothy 2:1-8.
(1) It was to be offered for all classes of people, without distinction of rank, sect, party, country, or name, especially for all that were in authority; 1-Timothy 2:1-2. The reasons for this were:
(a) That God desired all people to be saved, and it was acceptable to him that prayer should be offered for all; 1-Timothy 2:3-4.
(b) There is but one God over all the human race, and all are alike his children; 1-Timothy 2:5.
(c) There is one and the same Mediator between God and all people; 1-Timothy 2:5.
(d) The same atonement has been made for all; 1-Timothy 2:6-7.
(2) the way in which prayer should be offered. It should be with holy hands, and without the intermingling of any bad passion; 1-Timothy 2:8.
II. The duties of women; 1-Timothy 2:9-15.
(1) Modesty in their demeanor and apparel; 1-Timothy 2:9.
(2) good works - the chief ornament of women professing piety; 1-Timothy 2:10.
(3) the duty of learning from others with a gentle and quiet spirit; 1-Timothy 2:11.
(4) the duty of a proper subordination and submission to man; 1-Timothy 2:12.
(5) the reasons for this subordination and submission are then stated. They are:
(a) That Adam was first formed; 1-Timothy 2:13.
(b) That the woman had been deceived, and should be willing to occupy a subordinate place, as she was first in the transgression and was the means of leading him into sin; 1-Timothy 2:14.
(6) yet, as if to make a kind remark in favor of woman - to show that he did not intend to teach that she was degraded and abandoned of God - the apostle says that she would be under the divine protection, and that in the special sorrow and peril which had been brought upon her for her transgression, God would sustain her if she continued in faith, and evinced the spirit of a Christian in her life; 1-Timothy 2:15.
Prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, must be made for all men; because God will that all should be saved, 1-Timothy 2:1-4. There is but one God and one Mediator, 1-Timothy 2:5-7. How men should pray, 1-Timothy 2:8. How women should adorn themselves, 1-Timothy 2:9, 1-Timothy 2:10. They are not suffered to teach, nor to nor to usurp authority over men, 1-Timothy 2:11-14. How they may expect to be saved in child-bearing, 1-Timothy 2:15.
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, 1-Timothy 2:1. 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, 1-Timothy 2:3 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, 1-Timothy 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, 1-Timothy 2:9, and that they should be silent learners, and not teachers, and be in subjection to their husbands, 1-Timothy 2:11. The reasons of which subjection are taken from the formation of Adam before Eve, and from Eve's being deceived, and not Adam, 1-Timothy 2:13. 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, 1-Timothy 2:15.
(1-Timothy 2:1-7) Prayer to be made for all persons, since the grace of the gospel makes no difference of ranks or stations.
(1-Timothy 2:8-15) How men and women ought to behave, both in their religious and common life.
SUMMARY.--Prayers for Rulers. The Will of God that All Should Be Saved. How Men Must Pray. Concerning the Dress of Women at Worship. Concerning Women Teaching.
*More commentary available by clicking individual verses.