Catholic Commentary on 1 Timothy 2

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

A Call to Prayer

Paul urges that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, so that they may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. The universality of salvation's offer grounds the universality of the Church's prayer: because God desires all to be saved, the Church prays for all without exception, including rulers whose policies may be hostile to her. The Catechism presents intercession for civil authorities as a fundamental obligation of Christian prayer, not contingent on their virtue or favourability toward the faith (CCC 2240).

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all. The Catechism calls this the definitive statement of Christ's unique mediation: all other mediations, including the intercession of the saints and the priesthood of the Church, participate in and depend on the one mediation of Christ (CCC 618). There is no rival to the one mediator; there is only participation in what he alone accomplishes.

Instructions for Worship

Paul wants the men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. The instruction about women in verses 11-15 is among the most debated in the NT. The Catechism upholds the Church's tradition that certain roles of leadership and governance are reserved to ordained men, while affirming the equal dignity of women and their indispensable role in the life of the Church (CCC 1577). The full depth of this question continues to be explored in the Church's ongoing theological reflection.

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. All people. The scope of divine desire is infinite. Let it expand your prayer life: pray for leaders you did not vote for, for nations that oppose the Gospel, for people who have wronged you. God desires their salvation. Align your prayer with his desire.

Prayer

Lord God, you desire all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. There is one mediator, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all. Expand our hearts to pray for all people, for kings and all in authority, that your desire for their salvation may be fulfilled. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

2
A Call to Prayer
1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
 
5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.
 
7 For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere * 2:8 Or in every place (of worship) to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.
Instructions to Women
 
9 Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.
 
11 A woman † 2:11 Or wife; also in verse 12 must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man;‡ 2:12 Or over her husband she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression. 15 Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

*2:8 2:8 Or in every place (of worship)

†2:11 2:11 Or wife; also in verse 12

‡2:12 2:12 Or over her husband

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