1 Timothy 2
June Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Read: 1 Timothy 2
The Priority of Prayer (2:1–7)
In chapter 2, Paul begins the discussion with the priority of prayer in the church, corporately and individually. It seems likely that Paul views the believer’s opportunity to pray to the God of all creation through the one mediator Christ Jesus (2:5) as the primary means by which one will avoid the sins of Hymenaeus and Alexander (1:20). Paul advocates praying prayers of supplication for the salvation of all men (2:4) mentioning especially “kings and all who are in authority” (2:2).
Verses 5 and 6 state a theological truth that was likely a repeated saying in the early church. This truth leads Paul to another reiteration of his appointment as a preacher and apostle. Prayer is both a means by which the leader can preserve their faith and entreat the grace of God through supplication for others. God’s desire is that men be saved through the accomplished work of Christ our mediator (2:4–5).
While the act of salvation begins and ends with the Lord, believers and leaders have the mysterious opportunity and obligation to pray for unbelievers. The reason for this supplication urged by Paul is twofold, “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (2:2) and because “this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (2:3).
The Position of Prayer (2:8)
Paul has established a priority of prayer within Timothy’s leadership of the church at Ephesus. Now Paul concludes this thought emphatically, noting how they should pray—inner holiness and outward righteous behavior ("holy . . . without wrath and dissension") of those who lead. Picking up a continued theme in the biblical account is God’s concern with not only the actions of individuals, but also the heart motivation with which they act. Paul wants them to pray, as he does with “men in every place” (2:8), but his concern is that it is done in righteousness.
This is yet another statement against the false teachers met in chapter one. The word used translated “men” (ἀνήρ) is gender specific (i.e. males). This is not the generic term for humankind (ἄνθρωπος) seen elsewhere in the New Testament. Likewise, Paul is about to address women in Timothy’s congregation specifically, but now he is addressing the posture of men in prayer, most likely with an eye toward the dissenting false teachers of chapter one.
Instruction for Women (2:9–15)
After addressing the priority of prayer within the congregation (2:1–7) and with men specifically (2:8), Paul turns his attention to the women of Timothy’s congregation in Ephesus. Paul states that he does not want women to concern themselves with external appearance, except to the extent that their dress reflects modesty (2:9). Instead, like with the posture of prayer for men, Paul is more concerned with the internal position of a woman’s heart in her dress, than her external appearance.
Obviously, this passage contains some language about women to which many people object. Jumpstart doesn’t really offer the space to dissect these difficulties. However, for those who are interested, I’ve linked a video to Dr. Sandra Glahn who has done a great deal of research on this passage. She presented this work to our class when discussing this passage and it was truly incredible. The main thing to understand is that Christ is greater and deserving of our worship from the inside out.
By: Tyler Short
Read: 1 Timothy 2
The Priority of Prayer (2:1–7)
In chapter 2, Paul begins the discussion with the priority of prayer in the church, corporately and individually. It seems likely that Paul views the believer’s opportunity to pray to the God of all creation through the one mediator Christ Jesus (2:5) as the primary means by which one will avoid the sins of Hymenaeus and Alexander (1:20). Paul advocates praying prayers of supplication for the salvation of all men (2:4) mentioning especially “kings and all who are in authority” (2:2).
Verses 5 and 6 state a theological truth that was likely a repeated saying in the early church. This truth leads Paul to another reiteration of his appointment as a preacher and apostle. Prayer is both a means by which the leader can preserve their faith and entreat the grace of God through supplication for others. God’s desire is that men be saved through the accomplished work of Christ our mediator (2:4–5).
While the act of salvation begins and ends with the Lord, believers and leaders have the mysterious opportunity and obligation to pray for unbelievers. The reason for this supplication urged by Paul is twofold, “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (2:2) and because “this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (2:3).
The Position of Prayer (2:8)
Paul has established a priority of prayer within Timothy’s leadership of the church at Ephesus. Now Paul concludes this thought emphatically, noting how they should pray—inner holiness and outward righteous behavior ("holy . . . without wrath and dissension") of those who lead. Picking up a continued theme in the biblical account is God’s concern with not only the actions of individuals, but also the heart motivation with which they act. Paul wants them to pray, as he does with “men in every place” (2:8), but his concern is that it is done in righteousness.
This is yet another statement against the false teachers met in chapter one. The word used translated “men” (ἀνήρ) is gender specific (i.e. males). This is not the generic term for humankind (ἄνθρωπος) seen elsewhere in the New Testament. Likewise, Paul is about to address women in Timothy’s congregation specifically, but now he is addressing the posture of men in prayer, most likely with an eye toward the dissenting false teachers of chapter one.
Instruction for Women (2:9–15)
After addressing the priority of prayer within the congregation (2:1–7) and with men specifically (2:8), Paul turns his attention to the women of Timothy’s congregation in Ephesus. Paul states that he does not want women to concern themselves with external appearance, except to the extent that their dress reflects modesty (2:9). Instead, like with the posture of prayer for men, Paul is more concerned with the internal position of a woman’s heart in her dress, than her external appearance.
Obviously, this passage contains some language about women to which many people object. Jumpstart doesn’t really offer the space to dissect these difficulties. However, for those who are interested, I’ve linked a video to Dr. Sandra Glahn who has done a great deal of research on this passage. She presented this work to our class when discussing this passage and it was truly incredible. The main thing to understand is that Christ is greater and deserving of our worship from the inside out.
By: Tyler Short
5 Comments
V.8, dissension. Pray with dissension. I remember telling God in prayer that I don't feel right about a great many things and that it was really effecting my time with the Lord in a negative way. KJV uses the word doubting in the place of 'dissension' and it becomes a little more clear -- no need to doubt or be reluctant in praying to the Lord for it wouldn't be proper given the loving nature of God. Of course we should be committed to prayer!
Much of this chapter is committed to instructing our prayer time. I'll be praying for the upcoming missions trip friends. Thankful for you Tyler!
Thanks Korbet.
Although I think your point is on solid Biblical footing (e.g. James 1:6), unfortunately your commend drove me to look it up. This instance is one where the KJV gets less clear. The word Paul writes is dialogismos, and refers to the process of reasoning or exchanging of ideas. In this instance, as with many others, it's a heated exchange of ideas---as in arguing, or as the ESV put it, quarreling. Neither dissention, nor doubting, capture this idea imho.
Paul is going for the jugular on the false teachers. Thankfully, at CPC we do see many quarrelsome prayers, but they exist.
That being said, I agree with you fully. God is a good Father, far beyond the shortcomings and failings of every father I know. It is to Him we pray with and for inner holiness and outward righteousness.
Thanks for the commentary Tyler and attached video with Dr. Sandra Glahn. She does a great job providing cultural context and insight on the Greek goddess Artemis. Dr. Glahn’s insight helped me to better understand what Paul was saying in verses 9-15 and the audience to which he was speaking. I encourage Jumpstart readers to take some time later today and listen to the full discussion. Thanks again Tyler for helping us to better understand God’s word.
Thanks Mike, yeah, I heard her discuss Artemis of the Ephesians and how that relates to the phrase, "Women will be saved through childbearing." Her research in this area is incredible. The man who wrote Romans is now not offering a new path of salvation, and her work in the context of the culture spells it out. Paul was writing into a pagan culture and continually slammed the false teaching and teachers in this letter.
Thanks so much Tyler! What an informative link and great resource. I'd love to take a class from Dr. Glahn. This explained very clearly what was going on in Ephesus and what drove Paul's remarks.