1 Timothy 2:1-7

¹ “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ⁷ And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.”

Verse 1: Paul urges believers to engage in various forms of prayer, including supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings. Prayer is a powerful way to communicate with God and express our hearts to him. As believers, we are encouraged to pray for all people, recognizing that God desires the salvation and well-being of everyone.

Verse 2: Paul specifically mentions praying for kings and those in high positions. This highlights the importance of praying for those in authority, recognizing that their decisions and actions can impact the lives of many. Through our prayers, we can seek God’s wisdom and guidance for those in leadership, with the ultimate goal of living peaceful, godly, and dignified lives.

Verse 3: Paul affirms that praying for all people, including those in authority, is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. Our prayers align with God’s heart for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth and experience His salvation. It is a way for us to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.

Verse 4: Paul emphasizes that God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This highlights the inclusive nature of God’s grace and His desire for everyone to experience salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Our prayers play a role in aligning our hearts with God’s desire for the salvation of all people.

Verse 5: Paul reminds us that there is only one God and one mediator between God and humanity, and that is Jesus Christ. In the New Covenant, we understand that Jesus is the ultimate mediator who has reconciled us to God through His sacrifice on the cross. Through faith in him, we have direct access to the Father and can approach him with confidence.

Verse 6: Paul emphasizes that Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all. His sacrifice on the cross was not limited to a select few, but it was for the redemption of all humanity. This is the testimony that has been proclaimed throughout history, revealing God’s love and grace for all people.

 Verse 7: Paul confidently affirms his role as a herald, an apostle, and a faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Paul was appointed by God to teach the pure gospel of grace and was therefore to be respected above the false teachers of his day. If any message violated that which Paul proclaimed it was to be discarded. He wants to make it clear that he is not lying or exaggerating about his calling and the authority he has been given. Paul’s ministry was specifically focused on sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the Gentiles, bringing them into the knowledge of God’s grace and salvation.