1 Timothy
Chapter 2
Overview
This chapter offers practical guidance for an early Christian community at prayer. The writer urges believers to pray for everyone, including rulers, because God’s concern reaches beyond familiar circles. He connects that wide hope to Jesus, the one mediator who gave himself for all, and explains his own mission to non-Jewish peoples. The focus then shifts to conduct when the community gathers: men are told to pray without anger, and women to value good deeds over outward display. The chapter closes with firm and difficult instructions about learning, teaching, authority, and childbearing.
1First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, appeals, and thanks be offered for everyone—
2for kings and all others in positions of authority—so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives with complete devotion to God and proper dignity.
3This is good and pleasing to God our Savior.
4He wants all people to be saved and to come to a full knowledge of the truth.
5There is one God, and there is one mediator who brings God and humanity together: the human Jesus, the Messiah—God’s Anointed One.
6He gave himself as the ransom price to set everyone free. This was the evidence given at the proper time.
7I was appointed to announce this message as a public messenger and an authorized representative. I am telling the truth; I am not lying. I was appointed to teach non-Jewish peoples about faith and truth.
8Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, raising hands that are pure before God, without anger or arguing.
9Likewise, I want women to dress in respectable clothing, with modesty and self-control. They should not decorate themselves with braided hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes.
10Instead, they should make themselves attractive through good deeds, as is fitting for women who claim to honor God.
11A woman should learn quietly and with complete submission.
12I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man. She is to remain quiet.
13For Adam was formed first, and then Eve.
14Adam was not deceived, but Eve was thoroughly deceived and fell into disobedience.
15Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith, love, a life devoted to God, and self-control.