1 Timothy Part 6 (2:1-7)

1 Timothy 2:1-7

Prayer should be a large part of any worship. The problem is that our prayers can become limited. We can lose track of God's priorities in the salvation of others. This was a problem in the Ephesian Church. Evidently, the errorists were limiting the scope of God's forgiveness. Paul countered this with urging prayer for everyone's salvation because God desires the salvation of everyone.

Paul starts this section with the admonition that prayer should be given for everyone. Before we get to that, let's look at how Paul urged Timothy in this matter. He used four different words for prayer. The first was supplications. This has the idea of asking God to fill something lacking. Next he used the word prayers. This is the general, catch-all term for prayer. Third he used the word intercessions. This is to pray on behalf of someone else. Finally Paul used thanksgiving which is pretty self explanatory. These words have much overlap with one another, especially the first three. While there are differences, Paul is describing the kind of prayer that must be offered especially for the great need for salvation.

For whom then must the church pray? She should pray for everyone. Paul singles out those in leadership for prayer. Usually, it was not common for the Jews of that time to pray for the secular leadership in their Synagogue meetings and evidently there were those in Ephesus who were limiting the scope for whom they would pray.

The result is that life would be different for the church. It would lead to a peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified atmosphere for the church. How can this be? The church would be praying for the good of their country. They would also be living in such a way that they would not bring dishonor upon the church or try and raise tensions with others in the city. This peace then would bring about the opportunity to share their faith with others. Offense will come, but it should be because of the gospel and not the sinful life of the believer. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 speaks to this issue.

Next, Paul lays down the theological framework for praying to everyone. To pray for the salvation of everyone is according to the will of God. God's desire is that everyone be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. This does not teach universalism since there are many places in the Bible where it is made clear that not everyone will enter heaven. This is a general attitude of God. He does not take pleasure in punishing the wicked, even though He does receive glory by being the righteous Judge. Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 33:11 speak to this truth of God's attitude towards punishment.

Paul makes clear that there is only one way to please God. This truth is explicit in both Judaism and Christianity. There is only one God and Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and men. Jesus Christ is the perfect Mediator because He is both 100% God and 100% man. As the God-Man, He is able to represent our needs. He knows our needs since He lived a human life and was even tempted like we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Paul calls Jesus Christ the ransom for mankind. The word for ransom here is a strengthened form. Instead of "lutron" it is "antilutron." Not only did Jesus give Himself on behalf of all as a payment, He gave Himself in the place of all. Jesus death was sufficient for all but is only effective for those who believe. (1 Tim. 4:10; John 3:16)

Paul refers to this as the testimony given at the proper time. This phrase is difficult to interpret. It would seem that Paul is referring to the same principle in Gal. 4:4-5. Jesus died at just the right time and gave a witness to God's great desire to save sinners.

Paul was appointed to proclaim this truth to the gentiles. Paul was especially commissioned for this task. (Acts 9) Paul emphasizes that he is not lying but telling the truth. Paul is going to those whom were not part of God's people in the Old Testament. God was doing a great thing among the Gentiles.

Paul emphasized that the gospel was for all people. He even told them to pray for their leaders. The Emperor of Rome at that time was the evil Nero. Paul urged them to pray even for Nero. No one is beyond the pale of salvation. God can save even the most sinful person. Christ's death is enough to pay for the sins of all men. Be sure to pray for others, even those you deem "hopeless."

Until next time. . .