1 Timothy 2:1-7

One God and One Mediator

Read the passage

1First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

2for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

3This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

4who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

5For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

6who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

7For 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.

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

Paul urges that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority in particular. The church is not to pray only for friends who share its convictions. It is to bring the people who govern into prayer, even when their decisions are frustrating or unjust.

The purpose is that believers may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. Paul is not asking the church to flatter rulers or pretend that public power is always benevolent. Prayer places rulers under God's authority and asks for conditions in which people can live faithfully.

God our Savior wants people to be saved and to know the truth. The church must not limit its prayers to a favored group. There is one God and one mediator between God and humanity: Christ Jesus. He became man and gave His own life as a ransom for sinners. He brings us to God through His saving sacrifice; neither a ruler nor a religious teacher can take His place.

Paul says this testimony was given at its proper time, and he was appointed a herald and apostle—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. The gospel's scope explains why the prayers' scope is so wide. The church cannot pray as though God's concern stops at its own boundaries.

Questions

1 For whom does Paul ask the church to pray?

AnswerHe asks them to pray for everyone, including kings and all those in authority. Prayer reaches beyond the church's friends and allies.

2 What kind of life does Paul hope believers can live?

AnswerHe hopes they can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is a prayer for faithful public life, not ruler worship.

3 What does God desire for everyone?

AnswerGod desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. His saving concern is wider than one group.

4 Who is the one mediator between God and mankind?

AnswerThe one mediator is the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

What This Means for Us

Name someone in authority and pray for them, including a leader whose decisions trouble you. Ask God for justice, wise decisions and conditions in which people can live faithfully and peacefully.

Pray for that person's salvation too. Christ's self-giving is the reason our prayers reach beyond friends and allies. Everyone we name needs the Savior, just as we do.

Prayer

God our Savior, we pray for those who govern, for those who suffer under power, and for everyone who needs Your mercy. Give us peaceful courage, dignity, and a clear trust in Jesus, our one mediator. Amen.

Your reading

Keep your place.

Save this passage to your private reading history.