FocusSalvation and the one mediator
Connection to the wholePaul connects prayer for all kinds of people, including rulers, with God's saving purpose and the mediation of the man Christ Jesus.
interpretation 1 Timothy 2:4
KJVWho will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Read it in context
Prayer for all
Start reading at 1 Timothy 2:1 (1 Timothy 2:1 to 1 Timothy 2:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul connects prayer for all kinds of people, including rulers, with God's saving purpose and the mediation of the man Christ Jesus.
- 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
- 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
- 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
- 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
- 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
- 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
- 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 1:1–3:16): Paul addresses Timothy, urged to remain at Ephesus, about false teaching, prayer, conduct, and the qualifications of overseers and deacons. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Prayer for all. Read 1 Timothy 2:1 through 1 Timothy 2:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul connects prayer for all kinds of people, including rulers, with God's saving purpose and the mediation of the man Christ Jesus. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter recalls Paul's departure into Macedonia and Timothy's charge at Ephesus. It does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Timothy's assignment is associated with Ephesus. Some instructions concern assemblies and households rather than a single scene. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Prayer for all (1 Timothy 2:1 to 1 Timothy 2:7). Start reading at 1 Timothy 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's saving work and, in the KJV, confesses God manifested in the flesh. Read the household and ministry instructions in relation to the truth the church is charged to uphold. See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Guard sound teaching, practice godliness, and care responsibly for the congregation and vulnerable people. Keep the addressed situations visible when applying instructions about leaders and households. interpretation
Cited: 1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 2:7, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedMany critical scholars treat the three Pastoral Epistles as later, based on vocabulary and church structure.
Related passages
- will Isa 45:22 Isa 49:6 Isa 55:1 Ezek 18:23,32 Ezek 33:11 Luke 14:23 John 3:15-17 John 6:37
- and Matt 28:19 Mark 16:15 Luke 24:47 Rom 10:12-15 Rev 14:6
- the knowledge Isa 53:11 Hab 2:14 Luke 1:77 John 14:6 John 17:17 2 Tim 2:25 2 Tim 3:7 Heb 10:26
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 2
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
Conduct in worship
1 Timothy 2:8–15FocusPrayer, modesty, and learning
Connection to the wholePaul gives directions concerning men and women in the community's worship and conduct, grounding his instruction in the scriptural account he cites.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
The charge and the gospel
1 Timothy 1:1–20FocusSound teaching and Paul's mercy
Connection to the wholePaul identifies the problem of contrary teaching and grounds Timothy's charge in the gospel and the mercy shown to Paul.
interpretation FocusOrder in God's house
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
interpretation False teaching and faithful ministry
1 Timothy 4:1–16FocusDoctrine joined to example
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
interpretation Care and responsibility
1 Timothy 5:1–6:2FocusAge groups, widows, elders, and servants
Connection to the wholePractical directions apply the church's calling to material support, honour, correction, and daily relationships.
interpretation The final charge
1 Timothy 6:3–21FocusGodliness, wealth, and keeping the trust
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.