Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 2:6

"who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony [to be borne] in its own times;" — 1 Timothy 2:6 (ASV)

This Christ “gave himself as a ransom for all men.” The word “ransom” (GK 519; cf. also 3389) means that which is given in exchange for another as the price of redemption. In the first century it applied especially to the price paid to free a slave. So Christ paid the ransom to free us from the slavery of sin. Because of this we are rightfully his possession. Jesus gave his life as a ransom “for all men.” The Greek word translated “for” means “on behalf of.” Christ died on behalf of all people, but only those who accept his sacrifice are set free from the shackles of sin.

This message of Christ’s redemptive death was the distinctive apostolic witness—“the testimony given in its proper time.” Christ’s sacrifice for sin took place at God’s appointed hour.