1 Timothy 2:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

NIV: This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

NASB: This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

CSB: This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,

NLT: This is good and pleases God our Savior,

KJV: For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

NKJV: For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

The idea Paul is calling "good" here is the concept of prayer from verse 2. Paul has called for prayers for all people (1 Timothy 2:1), including kings and governing leaders (1 Timothy 2:2). This is a beneficial act which Paul wants to see Timothy include in church worship gatherings. The word translated "good" can also be understood as "noble," giving distinction and dignity to corporate prayer for governing leaders.

This kind of prayer is also "pleasing" to God. The Greek word apodekton refers to something acceptable, agreeable, or welcoming. It is not merely pleasing to Paul, but also in "the sight of God our Savior." Paul also uses the phrase "God our Savior" in 1 Timothy 1:1, and three times in his letter to Titus (Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4). The phrase is usually associated with a command and highlights the authority of Paul's instruction regarding prayer in this context. All four of Paul's other mentions of this phrase for God include reference to a command, doctrine, or God's kindness.

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.

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.

Accessed 4/28/2024 9:35:00 PM