1 Timothy 2

Paul tells Timothy to pray for “kings and all people in authority. That way maybe we’ll be able to live in peace” (1 Timothy 2:2). That didn’t work for Paul. Nero was the emperor at the time. He was not an endearing soul. A few years after Paul wrote this letter, Nero executed Paul along with Peter, if early Christian writers of the next generation got their history right. So, what value is there in praying for boneheads, jerks, and dictators in authority? And how are we supposed to pray for them, other than to ask God to please let them fall in love with a peasant and run off to live deep in the woods, never to be heard from again?

“God wants everyone in on the truth because he wants everyone saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). Really? How do you think that tracks with what Paul sometimes says about God picking some folks for salvation, but rejecting others? For example: “Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened” (Romans 11:7, New Living Translation).

Does it bother you that Paul calls Jesus a human? “There’s just one God. And there’s only one go-between for God and humans. That mediator is a human: Jesus the Messiah” (1 Timothy 2:5).

Given what Paul says about women in 1 Timothy 1:9-15, some would say it’s no wonder he never found a woman willing to put up with him. Of the commands in that list, what do you think Christian women today would find most objectionable?

• “Dress modestly,” nothing “expensive” or “fancy” (1 Timothy 2:9).
• “Keep quiet and listen” (1 Timothy 2:11, 12).
• “Don’t teach others” (1 Timothy 2:12).
• Don’t take assignments that put you in charge of men (1 Timothy 2:12).
• You’ll “find salvation in having children” (1 Timothy 2:15).

What do you think Paul meant by saying “Women will find salvation in having children” (1 Timothy 2:15)? It’s anyone’s guess. No one knows for certain. For a sampling of guesses, read the footnote associated with the phrase.

What do you think of Paul’s rationale for why men should have authority over women? He says, “After all, God created Adam first. Eve came later. Adam wasn’t the one who got tricked into sinning. It was the woman” (1 Timothy 2:14-15).

LIFE APPLICATION. Paul tells Timothy to “get in the habit of praying. Pray for everybody. . . . Then pass along the people’s gratitude to God for the help he gives them” (1 Timothy 2:1). Do you think Christians really spend much time thanking God for anything? If you were to thank God for the 10 things most important to you, what would make the list.