First Timothy - Chapter 2
THEME: PRAYER REQUESTED AND WOMEN IN CHURCH
2:1-2
Paul commands prayer for all public officials. He shows no exceptions in this command and therefore prayers are to be made for even those who are corrupt and whose governing does not meet with our approval. He made no exception even for Nero, who ruled in the days of Paul and was likely the most brutal and despised of all Roman officials. He simply commands it for all who are in authority. By doing so, Paul teaches that we can live a quiet life peaceably and in doing so we indicate godliness and honesty. Not only does he command prayer but also thanksgiving.
2:3-4
Paul says this command when met is good and acceptable in the sight of God. He says God would like all men saved and come into the knowledge of gospel truth. We are to pray for all leaders regardless of who they are and our concern should be for their salvation.
2:5-6
Paul reminds Timothy that there is only one God and also only one mediator between God and man, with that mediator being Christ Jesus. In OT times there were many priests who stood as mediators between those who worship and God. Now we are to no longer go to any man to intercede for us because the Son of God has been made manifest to us for this purpose. Acts 4:12 teaches that there is no other name under which we may be saved. Hebrews 1:3 teaches that it is God’s will to no longer speak by any other except His Son.
This new mediator gave Himself as a ransom for all, meaning He paid the price of redemption for all sinners who come to the Lord through His gospel.
2:7
Paul has been ordained both a preacher and apostle and because of his appointment by Christ he had been made a teacher of the Gentiles in both faith and truth. He did not write this fact to the churches but reserved this fact for communication to his son of faith, Timothy.
2:8
Now specific instruction begins by advising how men are to pray. He shows early church tradition of the lifting up of hands to reveal dedication in prayer. We note that he specifically mentions “holy hands” meaning hands dedicated to God’s service. He further instructs that prayer should be without wrath and doubting. Without wrath indicates that prayer is to be made with sincere confession and the heart should be found in true faith while praying, not doubting God in any way.
2:9-10
After instructing men, Paul now instructs women on prayer. This passage touches also on women’s dress and appearance in worship and prayer. We are well aware of God using women in a powerful way in the OT to extend His will. We remember Deborah, Queen Esther, Ruth, and others, all who well served God and brought His will to fruit. In Ephesus where Timothy was the church leader, women held strong positions in the religion of Diana. We also recall Anna the older prophetess in the Temple of God.
Paul commands women to dress in modest apparel, be serious, and have no braided hair or wearing gold, pearls, or other costly array. Paul says their good works will be their adornment.
2:11-12
Here Paul grants a command that is much discussed in Christian churches today. He says women are to learn in silence with all subjection. Women are not to teach or have authority over a man in worship, but to remain in silence. In 1st Cor 14:34 Paul also forbids women to speak in tongues.
Here might be an issue that brings interest as our own church dedicates itself in strict obedience to the commands of verses 11 & 12 while ignoring verses 9 & 10. Is selective obedience considered full obedience?
2:13-15
Paul places his reasons for these commands directly in front of believers. He said Adam was first formed and that Adam was not deceived but the woman was deceived and made the transgression in the fall of the garden. Because of that factor, all those born of woman receive and carry her sin. Women are however to grow in love and come to salvation exactly as every man does, by a heart changed and then dedicated to the Lord.
