A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Timothy 2
A.T. Robertson Commentary
1 Timothy 2
A.T. Robertson Commentary
1 Timothy 2
"I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men;" — 1 Timothy 2:1 (ASV)
First of all (πρωτον παντων). Take with παρακαλω. My first request (first in importance).
Intercessions (εντευξεις). Late word (Polybius, Plutarch, etc.), only here in N.T. and 4:5, though the verb εντυγχανω in Ro 8:27,34; 11:2,25. The other three words for prayer are common .
For all men (υπερ παντων ανθρωπων). The scope of prayer is universal including all kinds of sinners (and saints).
"for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." — 1 Timothy 2:2 (ASV)
For kings (υπερ βασιλεων). And this included Nero who had already set fire to Rome and laid it on the Christians whom he was also persecuting.
And all them that are in high place (κα παντων των εν υπεροχη οντων). Hυπεροχη is old word (from υπεροχος and this from υπερ and εχω), but in N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 2:1.
That we may lead (ινα διαγωμεν). Purpose clause with present active subjunctive of διαγω, an old and common verb, but in N.T. only here and Tit 3:3.
Tranquil (ηρεμον). Late adjective from the old adverb ηρεμα (stilly, quietly). Here only in N.T.
Quiet (ησυχιον). Old adjective, once in LXX (Isaiah 66:2), in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 3:4.
Life (βιον). Old word for course of life (not ζωη). So Lu 8:14.
Gravity (σεμνοτητ). Old word from σεμνος , in N.T. only here, 3:4; Titus 2:7.
"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" — 1 Timothy 2:3 (ASV)
Acceptable (αποδεκτον). Late verbal adjective from αποδεχομα. In inscriptions and papyri. In N.T. only here and 5:4.
"who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth." — 1 Timothy 2:4 (ASV)
Willeth (θελε). God's wish and will in so far as he can influence men.
That all men should be saved (παντας ανθρωπους σωθηνα). First aorist passive infinitive of σωζω with accusative of general reference. See 1 Corinthians 10:33; 2 Corinthians 5:18f.
To the knowledge (εις επιγνωσιν). "The full knowledge" as in Col 1:6; Ephesians 4:13 (ten times in Paul). See 2 Timothy 3:7 for the whole phrase "full knowledge of the truth" (αληθεια 14 times in the Pastorals). Paul is anxious as in Colossians and Ephesians that the Gnostics may not lead the people astray. They need the full intellectual apprehension of Christianity.
"For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus," — 1 Timothy 2:5 (ASV)
One God (εις θεος). Regular Pauline argument for a universal gospel (Galatians 3:20; Romans 3:30; Ephesians 4:6).
One mediator (εις μεσιτης). Late word (Polybius, Philo) from μεσος (middle), a middle man. In N.T. only here, Galatians 3:20; Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24.
Between God and men (θεου κα ανθρωπων). Ablative case (though objective genitive may explain it) after μεσιτης (notion of separation) as in Ro 10:12; Hebrews 5:14.
Himself man (ανθρωπος). No "himself" (αυτος) in the Greek.
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