1 Timothy 2 — Only One Mediator
Introduction: Paul directs Christians to be in subjection to established authority, and to pray for them without regard to whether or not they are Christians. We are to lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. Paul presents to us the man Christ Jesus as the only mediator between God and man, and this unique mediator paid the ransom to reconcile to God those who believe in him.
NOTE: Bible passages are from the World English Bible.
A — Prayers of Request and Thanksgiving for All People
1 Timothy 2 “1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: 2 for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.”
Comments: When Paul wrote this letter the land that had been Israel was under the authority of the Roman Empire, and the city of Ephesus was very much under the influence of pagan gods. Despite this influence in the lives of many who would have civil authority, Paul strongly encouraged Timothy to make prayers of requests, intercession, and thanksgiving for all people including kings and other officials. This peaceful mode was good and acceptable before God our Savior, because God desires all people to be saved and to gain full knowledge of the truth. Therefore Christians should be willing to pray for even those they might otherwise consider undeserving of God’s grace.
B — One Mediator Between God and Man
1 Timothy 2 “5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; 7 to 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.”
Comments: Paul began this section by making a clear statement that there is only one God, firmly established in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Isaiah 45:22). Paul then declared that there is only one mediator between God and all people to bring needed reconciliation. The only acceptable intermediary between God and man is the man Christ Jesus, who has the unique quality of being fully God and fully man. In Galatians Paul further explains that the role of Christ Jesus as mediator does not contradict the law (Galatians 3:18–22). Jesus came in the form of man, born of woman, to satisfy the law by offering himself as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Christ is a mediator for all people, Jew and Gentile, and Paul was appointed to carry this message of faith and truth to the Gentiles.
C — Instruction to Christian Men and Women
1 Timothy 2 “8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. 9 In 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; 10 but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. 12 But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.”
Comments: Since Christ Jesus is the mediator for all people, there should be no anger or doubt in Christians that would prevent prayers for others. Paul directed that women should first be modest in their appearance without undue attention to overly lavish apparel, but should make good works a higher priority (1 Peter 3:3–4). Paul said the proper role for women in the church is to learn in quietness under the authority of men. Paul made reference to the record in Genesis: Adam was first formed, then Eve; and when the LORD confronted them after the fall, Eve confessed that the serpent had deceived her while Adam admitted listening to his wife’s voice (Genesis 3:11–13, 16–19). Even though the LORD had told Eve her pain would be multiplied in bearing children, Paul encourages that the reward would still be available for continuing in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety (1 Peter 3:1–2, 7–9).
Reflections in Prayer
As I reflected on the area of prayers of intercession and thanksgiving especially for those in civil authority, I had to consider making my heart more like yours Lord, as you desire that all people come to a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus. I ask that you forgive me for the times when I judge others by neglecting or refusing to pray for someone that you may have in your design to save through your grace and mercy as you did for me. Give me a heart of discernment to know how to resist attempts by those who want to undermine your work within the church, while living a peaceful life in the outside community, knowing that you may use my lifestyle to soften the hearts of unbelievers. I am thankful that there is only one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. Though godly men can be used of you to spread the gospel message and to teach truth through your word, it is only through faith in the finished work of Christ Jesus that anyone can be reconciled to the only true God. Despite the consequences that followed that first sin throughout all generations, you Lord have made it possible through your grace for believers to have inner peace by living in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety. Amen.
Published 8 May 2013