The Bible — World English Bible

1 Timothy 2

In brief

In 1 Timothy 2, Paul gives Timothy his first instructions for the life of the church in Ephesus. He puts prayer for all people first, including those in authority, because God wants all to be saved and there is only one mediator, Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all. Paul then speaks about the attitude of men in prayer, the dress and good works of women, and teaching in the assembly, a passage whose interpretation is debated.

The chapter in 5 parts

  1. v. 1-4Praying for all people, because God wants everyone to be saved
  2. v. 5-7One God, one mediator: Jesus Christ, a ransom for all
  3. v. 8Praying everywhere, with clean hands and without anger
  4. v. 9-10Modesty and good works
  5. v. 11-15Teaching in the assembly: a debated passage

1I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men:

2for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.

3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.

5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

6who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony in its own times,

7to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.

9In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing,

10but with good works, which is appropriate for women professing godliness.

11Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission.

12But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness.

13For Adam was formed first, then Eve.

14Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience;

15but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.

Key verses

Verse 1-2
I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.

Prayer for others comes before everything else. It includes kings and all those in authority, so that the church can live in peace, even under a hostile power.

Verse 4
who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.

God wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. This desire is the foundation for praying for everyone, excluding no one.

Verse 5-6
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony in its own times,

There is only one mediator between God and humanity: Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all. No other go-between is needed.

Verse 12
But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness.

A verse on which churches do not agree: some read it as a permanent rule about teaching in the assembly, others as an instruction tied to the context of Ephesus. It is read with verses 13 to 15 in mind.

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What the sermons say

Praying for Everyone: Three Keys from 1 Timothy 2Mikaël Beynat reads verses 1 to 8 and answers three questions: whom to pray for (everyone, without exception), why pray (a peaceful life and the salvation of all) and how to pray.Read the summary →God Shows No PartialityThe sermon cites verse 4 to recall, after Peter's meeting with Cornelius, that salvation extends to all nations.Read the summary →We're All Missionaries: Sent to Speak, Act, and PrayMireille Boissonnat cites verses 1, 2 and 4 to show that every believer, wherever they are, takes part in God's plan of salvation and prays for the authorities.Read the summary →Does the State Owe Us Solidarity? Biblical Bearings on Church and WelfareIn a conference on the role of the state and solidarity, Daniel Hillion recalls the call to pray for the authorities so that we may live in peace and let the Gospel be proclaimed.Read the summary →A Heart to Serve: Three Dispositions According to PaulMaxime Dehays leans on verses 3 and 4: love for one's neighbor, which wants the salvation of all, must guide our service.Read the summary →

Frequently asked questions about 1 Timothy 2

What does 1 Timothy 2:4 mean?

This verse says that God wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. It explains why Paul asks us to pray for everyone without exception: God's will is turned toward every person. It also calls believers to share that drive toward those around them.

Why does Paul ask us to pray for kings and those in authority?

Paul wants Christians to be able to lead a peaceful and quiet life, in godliness and dignity. He writes this under the Roman Empire, which was not favorable to Christians. Praying for those who govern is therefore an act of trust in God, not an approval of everything they do.

What does “one mediator between God and men” mean?

A mediator is someone who brings two parties together. For Paul, Jesus Christ, both God and man, is the only one who can reconcile people with God, because he gave himself as a ransom for all. No other go-between is needed to draw near to God.

Articles quoting 1 Timothy 2

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World English Bible translation — public domain.