1 Timothy 2 - Paul's Call to Prayer and the One Mediator

Paul urges prayer for all people and points to Christ as the one mediator between God and man.

In 1 Timothy overview, Paul continues instructing Timothy on church order, opening this chapter with an exhortation to pray for all people, including kings and those in authority, so believers may live peaceful, godly lives. He grounds this call in God's desire that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.


I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men:

for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;

who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times;

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.

I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.

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;

but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.

Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection.

But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness.

For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience;

but she will be saved through her child-bearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.

The chapter's turning point comes in <a href="/bible/web/1-timothy/chapter-2/5">1 Timothy 2:5</a>, where Paul names Christ Jesus as the one mediator between God and men who gave himself a ransom for all. Its closing verses on Adam, Eve, and women's conduct set up the qualifications for church leaders detailed in <a href="/bible/web/1-timothy/chapter-3">1 Timothy 3</a>.