1 Timothy 2 - Printer Friendly

In 1 Timothy chapter 2, Paul transitions from his personal focus on Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18–20) and a general reference to sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3–20) to information regarding worship practices in the church. Two major areas are developed in this chapter. These include prayer in the church (1 Timothy 2:1–8) and the role of women in spiritual leadership (1 Timothy 2:9–15).

Verses 1 through 8 urge prayers be offered by the entire church for "all people." Paul specifically says that this should include governing authorities (1 Timothy 2:2), because this pleases God (1 Timothy 2:3). Even when kings, rulers, and politicians seem hostile and evil, Paul reminds Timothy that God wants all people to be saved through Christ (1 Timothy 2:4–5). This is why Christians are called on to pray even for those who persecute them: the goal is to see souls saved, not revenge. Reaching those who were hostile to Christ was Paul's goal as an apostle (1 Timothy 2:7). Men are specifically commanded to lead in prayer with a spirit of cooperation and love (1 Timothy 2:8).

Verses 9 through 15 shift to an explanation of the role of women in the church. During church gatherings, women are to dress respectfully (1 Timothy 2:9–10). In addition, Paul indicates that women should be taught—a concept not often accepted in that time period. However, just as their clothing ought to be modest, the behavior of women in church ought to be self-controlled and "quiet," not flashy or dramatic. Some scholars believe Paul might have included this comment specifically to correct certain women who were causing problems during worship gatherings (1 Timothy 2:11).

Paul also teaches that women are not to overtake male authority in the context of church gatherings. This guideline is supported through the example of Adam and Eve (1 Timothy 2:12–14). While Adam is blamed for the fall of man elsewhere (Romans 5:12), Eve was first deceived by Satan.

Paul concludes with a reference to childbearing and godliness, one which is frequently debated by interpreters (1 Timothy 2:15). Most likely, this is meant to encourage a focus on the need for married women to receive salvation and to live out their important role as godly mothers.

First Timothy 2:1–8 provides a perspective on prayer. Christians are not only supposed to pray, but to pray for all people. This even includes kings, rulers, and government officials. The basis for this is that God wants to see such people saved; His love for them is as great as it is for anyone else. The earthly hope of a believer, then, is the ability to live in peace. Preaching one message was Paul's primary service to God: that all men are saved in the same way, which is by faith in Christ. The men of a church, then, should lead prayer with an attitude of cooperation and love.

First Timothy 2:9–15 is one of the more hotly-debated passages of the New Testament. This section provides instruction on the role of women in the context of Christian worship. Despite some phrases which are unclear, the core message is fairly well-defined. Women are not to focus on dramatic appearance or behavior, but to put their efforts into godliness and good works. Women are also not to override the spiritual leadership of men. Understanding the cultural and scriptural context resolves most objections to the text, but this passage remains a source of contention in the modern church.

In this passage, Paul encourages Timothy to lead his church in prayer, including prayers for government and worldly leaders. This flows naturally from the Christian view of humanity, which sees all men as loved by God and in need of the same salvation from sin. A large portion of the chapter is taken by Paul's comments on the role of women in worship services. Rather than focusing on flashy clothes and dramatic behavior, women are to be modest and godly. In addition, women should not take on specific spiritual leadership roles reserved for men.

In chapter 1, Paul charged Timothy to hold fast against false teaching. In chapter 2, Paul begins to lay out the practical steps a church needs to take in order to prevent false doctrine from taking over. This begins with prayer, including prayers for leaders outside the church, so Christians can be left in peace. Paul also explains the separation between the roles of men and women in worship services, which should be read in the context of his comments in chapter 3.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.