In our study of 1 Timothy chapter two, we compare the Old Testament worship at the temple to the freedom that we have in Christ to be the temple.
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I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Paul refers back to chapter 1 and the fact that some had rejected the authority that had been granted to Timothy by God. Paul urges us to pray for everyone especially those that have been put in places of authority. That is even more appropriate to us today in that it seems that there is a general lack of respect for our spiritual and political leaders. We often forget that they would not be in their positions if God did not want them there. Christians spend so much time arguing about politics and even bashing some leaders but it is very rare that we see a call to prayer for those same leaders.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.
It pleases God when, by faith, we do not argue over the leadership but instead take them to God in prayer. We must remember that God's goal is for everyone to be saved through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Arguments, name calling, and such things will not accomplish this goal but a peaceful attitude of prayer can make a big impact.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men - the testimony given in its proper time.
Even though we may not like some people or their actions, we must remember that Jesus died for them as well as for us. The same Jesus that speaks to the Father on our behalf also speaks for them. This understanding will help us to live peaceful as Paul described.
And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle - I am telling the truth, I am not lying - and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
Paul, speaks here of the freedom that is given not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. Although it was hard for the Jews of that time to accept, God wants all men to be saved. The "true faith" that he talks about was that we are all saved by grace and not by works.
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Paul speaks, now, of men being focused on prayer during worship. The reference to "holy hands" speaks of the fact that these men are to be continually set apart for God's use and not just "playing church" on a Sunday. This prayer is not only a bringing a list of wants and needs to the Lord but also a listening to the leadership of God through the Holy Spirit. They are to come with peace in their hearts towards their fellow man so that their hearts will be prepared to meet with the Lord.
I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
This passage is widely misunderstood as many pastors will say that, if a woman wears makeup or does not wear a dress to worship, she is going to hell. This is just modern legalism and a denial of the grace of God. Paul tells thisto Timothy and makes it clear that it is not some commandment but it is what he considers to be proper for worship. The simple fact of the matter is that all people should pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit even in the way we dress.
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.
This passage has been widely misunderstood and used to keep women from becoming more active in the body of Christ. Paul says "I do not permit" which clearly lets us see that it is not an instruction from God but a rule of man. Our meditation on Women In Christian Leadership will give more insight on this topic.
For Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
Paul explains that the reason that he has this rule is the fact that Satan deceived the woman (see Genesis 3). We have to also remember that, at this time, women led in the pagan sex religions.
But women will be saved through childbearing - if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Restoration (salvation) came through the birth of a child (Jesus) and this is for women as well as for men.