Analysis Of The Chapter
This chapter 1 Timothy 2:1-15 is occupied mainly in directions about the mode of conducting public worship. Timothy had been left at Ephesus to complete the plans which the apostle had commenced in reference to the church there, but from completing which he had been unexpectedly prevented (see the Intro.), and it was important to state the views which he entertained on this subject to Timothy. It was important also that general directions on these subjects should be given, which would be useful to the church at large. The directions in this chapter relate to the following subjects:
I. Public prayer; 1 Timothy 2:1-8.
- It was to be offered for all classes of people, without distinction of rank, sect, party, country, or name, especially for all that were in authority; 1 Timothy 2:1-2. The reasons for this were:
- That God desired all people to be saved, and it was acceptable to him that prayer should be offered for all; 1 Timothy 2:3-4.
- There is but one God over all the human race, and all are alike his children; 1 Timothy 2:5.
- There is one and the same Mediator between God and all people; 1 Timothy 2:5.
- The same atonement has been made for all; 1 Timothy 2:6-7.
(2)The way in which prayer should be offered. It should be with holy hands, and without the intermingling of any bad passion; 1 Timothy 2:8.
II. The duties of women; 1 Timothy 2:9-15.
- Modesty in their demeanor and apparel; 1 Timothy 2:9.
(2)Good works - the chief ornament of women professing piety; 1 Timothy 2:10.
(3)The duty of learning from others with a gentle and quiet spirit; 1 Timothy 2:11.
(4)The duty of a proper subordination and submission to man; 1 Timothy 2:12.
(5)The reasons for this subordination and submission are then stated. They are:
- That Adam was first formed; 1 Timothy 2:13.
- That the woman had been deceived, and should be willing to occupy a subordinate place, as she was first in the transgression and was the means of leading him into sin; 1 Timothy 2:14.
(6)Yet, as if to make a kind remark in favor of woman - to show that he did not intend to teach that she was degraded and abandoned of God - the apostle says that she would be under the divine protection, and that in the special sorrow and peril which had been brought upon her for her transgression, God would sustain her if she continued in faith, and evinced the spirit of a Christian in her life; 1 Timothy 2:15.