“FIRST OF ALL”: First, that is before anything else is done. “In the first place, above all, especially” _(Arndt p. 726). _“My first request (first in importance)” _(Robertson p. 567). _ PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PRAYER? Even though much of the teachings in this section would apply to both public prayers... [ Continue Reading ]
“FOR KINGS”: This term was used for Roman Emperors; it was also used for the highest governors in some of the provinces, such as King Herod. The Roman Emperor at the time of this letter was Nero. Both Jeremiah (1 Timothy 19:7) and Ezra had commanded the Jewish people to pray for their conquering hea... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 2:3 “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior”: God views such prayers as being attractive and winsome. There is one God, the Creator of all men, thus He wants prayers to be made for all. The person who believed in many gods could not do this, for the god to whom he praye... [ Continue Reading ]
“WHO DESIRES ALL MEN TO BE SAVED”: Another reason we are to pray for all men and pray that they would see the wisdom in Christianity, is that God desires that all men accept His salvation in Jesus Christ. This verse infers that God has not predestined specifically which individuals will be lost and... [ Continue Reading ]
“FOR THERE IS ONE GOD”: This is the reason why prayers are to be directed to all men and the reason why there is only one body of truth. Compare with 1 Timothy 1:17. If there is one God then naturally all men would be of interest to Him. “There is not one God for this nation, one for another, one Go... [ Continue Reading ]
“WHO GAVE HIMSELF”: This is another reason why Jesus is the perfect and sole mediator between men and God, Jesus died for all men, He voluntarily gave Himself so that all could be saved. The term “gave” speaks of the voluntarily act of self-giving, indicating His love and concern for the human race.... [ Continue Reading ]
“FOR THIS”: It was exactly for the purpose of proclaiming the above message that Paul was selected by Jesus. 1 TIMOTHY 2:7 “I WAS APPOINTED. PREACHER”: Paul has already noted that Jesus placed him into service (1 Timothy 1:12). The term “preacher” means “a herald”. “In the ancient world. herald was... [ Continue Reading ]
“THEREFORE”: Having established the point that God wants His people to offer prayers for all men, Paul now proceeds to give some instructions to both men and women about their lifestyles if they expect their prayers to be acceptable to God. 1 TIMOTHY 2:8 “I WANT THE MEN”: The term “men” here does no... [ Continue Reading ]
“LIKEWISE”: That is, in the same way, similarly, this word links this paragraph with the preceding discussion, showing that public worship is still the overall context. “It is hard to believe that here in verses. and 10 the topic has temporarily changed to something not related to worship. Just as m... [ Continue Reading ]
“BUT”: In contrast to the temptation to place all the emphasis on the outward man. 1 TIMOTHY 2:10 “BY MEANS OF GOOD WORKS”: “Rather than depending on what she herself simply puts on the outside, the ultimate adornment is. life of good works (loving service) which she puts on” _(Reese p. 66)._ Examp... [ Continue Reading ]
“LET. WOMAN QUIETLY RECEIVE INSTRUCTION”: From the context we are still dealing with public worship. “From. consideration of the woman's adornment for attendance at public worship, Paul passes to. consideration of her position in the worship service” _(Hiebert p. 59)._ Carefully note that Christiani... [ Continue Reading ]
“BUT. DO NOT ALLOW”: Seeing that Paul spoke by inspiration (1 Corinthians 14:37), this is something that God does not allow as well. 1 TIMOTHY 2:12 “A WOMAN TO TEACH OR EXERCISE AUTHORITY OVER. MAN”: 1. The term “man” in the above verse means. male adult in distinction from. woman. 2. We know tha... [ Continue Reading ]
“FOR”: Paul will proceed to give two reasons for the above prohibition. Please note that the reasons for the above instruction are not silly or flimsy, and neither are they cultural. 1 TIMOTHY 2:13 “IT WAS ADAM WHO WAS FIRST CREATED, AND THEN EVE”: This is exactly the same order that is found in Gen... [ Continue Reading ]
“AND”: Here is the second reason. 1 TIMOTHY 2:14 “IT WAS NOT ADAM WHO WAS DECEIVED”: While Adam sinned (Romans 5:12), Adam was not deceived by what the serpent said. When Adam sinned, he did it deliberately, knowing full well what he was doing. 1 TIMOTHY 2:14 “BUT THE WOMAN BEING QUITE DECEIVED”: T... [ Continue Reading ]
“BUT”: Even after transgression God provides hope and. way of escape. 1 TIMOTHY 2:15 “WOMEN SHALL BE PRESERVED THROUGH BEARING OF CHILDREN”: The term “preserved” can refer either to temporary deliverance, eternal salvation, or both. The term “through” denotes the attendant circumstances, and “child... [ Continue Reading ]