Prayer for all
1 Timothy 2:1–7FocusSalvation and the one mediator
Connection to the wholePaul connects prayer for all kinds of people, including rulers, with God's saving purpose and the mediation of the man Christ Jesus.
interpretation 1 Timothy 2:10
KJVBut (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Read it in context
Instructions for Public Worship and Roles of Men and Women
Start reading at 1 Timothy 2:1 (1 Timothy 2:1 to 1 Timothy 2:15).
The discourse unit begins at the start of the chapter and continues through verse 15, covering instructions for prayer and the conduct of men and women in the church.
- 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
- 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
- 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
- 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
- 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
- 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
- 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
- 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
- 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
- 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
- 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
- 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
- 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
- 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
- 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 1:1–3:16): Paul addresses Timothy, urged to remain at Ephesus, about false teaching, prayer, conduct, and the qualifications of overseers and deacons. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this passage is instructions concerning prayer, public worship, and the proper conduct and roles of men and women in the church, emphasizing godliness and good works over outward display for women.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His will for orderly conduct in the church, the importance of prayer for all men, His desire for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, and that there is one God and one mediator, Christ Jesus. Specifically for women, He reveals that their adornment should be with good works, becoming those who profess godliness.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is that of a pastoral epistle, providing direct instruction and exhortation regarding church order and personal conduct.
When
- When was it written? This epistle was written approximately A.D. 62 to 64. book background
- When does the event take place? The instructions given are for the ongoing life and conduct within the church during Timothy's ministry in Ephesus, after Paul's first Roman imprisonment.
Where
- Where did it happen? The instructions are directed to Timothy in Ephesus, concerning the conduct within the church there. book background
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Macedonia when he wrote this epistle. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Instructions for Public Worship and Roles of Men and Women (1 Timothy 2:1 to 1 Timothy 2:15). Start reading at 1 Timothy 2:1. The discourse unit begins at the start of the chapter and continues through verse 15, covering instructions for prayer and the conduct of men and women in the church.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of Paul's comprehensive instructions to Timothy regarding the proper order and conduct within the church at Ephesus. It follows general exhortations for prayer and sets the stage for specific instructions concerning the roles and behavior of men and women in public worship and church life. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by placing the call for women to adorn themselves with good works within the broader context of God's desire for all men to be saved through the one mediator, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all. The 'good works' are a natural outflow and demonstration of a life transformed by faith in Christ and a profession of godliness. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, this passage encourages women who profess godliness to prioritize good works and inner character as their primary adornment, rather than focusing on outward displays of wealth or elaborate fashion. It emphasizes that a life of service and righteous living is the most fitting expression of faith. interpretation
Cited: 1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 2:3, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 2:6, 1 Timothy 2:7, 1 Timothy 2:8, 1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Timothy 2:10, 1 Timothy 2:11, 1 Timothy 2:12, 1 Timothy 2:13, 1 Timothy 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:15
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedMany critical scholars treat the three Pastoral Epistles as later, based on vocabulary and church structure.
Related passages
- women 1 Pet 3:3-5 2 Pet 3:11
- with 1 Tim 5:6-10 Prov 31:31 Acts 9:36,39 Eph 2:10 Titus 2:14 Titus 3:8 1 Pet 2:12 2 Pet 1:6-8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 2
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
FocusPrayer, modesty, and learning
Connection to the wholePaul gives directions concerning men and women in the community's worship and conduct, grounding his instruction in the scriptural account he cites.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
The charge and the gospel
1 Timothy 1:1–20FocusSound teaching and Paul's mercy
Connection to the wholePaul identifies the problem of contrary teaching and grounds Timothy's charge in the gospel and the mercy shown to Paul.
interpretation FocusOrder in God's house
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
interpretation False teaching and faithful ministry
1 Timothy 4:1–16FocusDoctrine joined to example
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
interpretation Care and responsibility
1 Timothy 5:1–6:2FocusAge groups, widows, elders, and servants
Connection to the wholePractical directions apply the church's calling to material support, honour, correction, and daily relationships.
interpretation The final charge
1 Timothy 6:3–21FocusGodliness, wealth, and keeping the trust
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.