Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Timothy 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Timothy 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Timothy 2
"I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony [to be borne] in its own times; whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." — 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (ASV)
The disciples of Christ must be praying people; all, without distinction of nation, sect, rank, or party. Our duty as Christians is summed up in two words: godliness, that is, the right worshipping of God; and honesty, that is, good conduct toward all people. These must go together: we are not truly honest if we are not godly and do not render to God his due; and we are not truly godly if not honest. What is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, we should abound in.
There is one Mediator, and that Mediator gave himself a ransom for all. And this appointment has been made for the benefit of the Jews and the Gentiles of every nation, so that all who are willing may come in this way, to the mercy-seat of a pardoning God, to seek reconciliation with him. Sin had made a quarrel between us and God; Jesus Christ is the Mediator who makes peace.
He is a ransom that was to be known in due time. In the Old Testament times, his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, were spoken of as things to be revealed in the last times. Those who are saved must come to the knowledge of the truth, for that is God's appointed way to save sinners: if we do not know the truth, we cannot be ruled by it.
"I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing. In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not beguiled, but the woman being beguiled hath fallen into transgression: but she shall be saved through her child-bearing, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety." — 1 Timothy 2:8-15 (ASV)
Under the gospel, prayer is not to be confined to any one particular house of prayer, but men must pray everywhere. We must pray in our closets, pray in our families, pray at our meals, pray when we are on journeys, and pray in the solemn assemblies, whether more public or private. We must pray in love; without wrath, or malice, or anger at any person. We must pray in faith, without doubting and without disputing.
Women who profess the Christian religion must be modest in their clothing, not displaying gaudiness, showiness, or costliness. Good works are the best ornament; these are of great value in God's sight. Modesty and neatness are to be considered more in clothing than elegance and fashion. And it would be well if those who profess serious godliness were completely free from vanity in dress. They should spend more time and money relieving the sick and distressed than decorating themselves and their children.
To dress in a manner unsuitable to their rank in life and their profession of godliness is sinful. These are not trivial matters but Divine commands. The best ornaments for those who profess godliness are good works. According to Saint Paul, women are not allowed to be public teachers in the church, for teaching is an office of authority. But good women may and should teach their children at home the principles of true religion.
Also, women must not think themselves excused from learning what is necessary for salvation, though they must not usurp authority. As woman was last in the creation, which is one reason for her subjection, so she was first in the transgression. But there is a word of comfort: those who continue in sobriety will be saved in childbearing, or with childbearing, by the Messiah, who was born of a woman. And the special sorrow to which the female sex is subject should cause men to exercise their authority with much gentleness, tenderness, and affection.
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