For All People1 Timothy 2:1-7

Paul urged Timothy to confront false teaching in Ephesus (1:3)•False teachers were advocating some form of ‘elitism’•Salvation was reserved for or limited to some special group of people

Paul rejects this ‘elitism’ in his letter • It is utmost importance to pray for ‘all people’ (2:1)•Supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings

Paul rejects this ‘elitism’ in his letter • It is utmost importance to pray for ‘all people’ (2:1)• Jesus gave himself as a ransom for ‘all’ (2:6)•Paul’s appointment as apostle to the Gentiles demonstrates that ‘all’ can be saved (2:7)

A Challenging Exhortation

Paul’s exhortation is more challenging than it might first appear• It is not merely inclusive of Gentiles•Many in Ephesus were likely Gentiles

• It also includes the necessity of praying for their rulers

A Challenging Exhortation

Paul’s exhortation is more challenging than it might first appear•This means they were to pray for their pagan, Roman rulers•NB Nero was emperor at this time (c. AD 65)•He had already begun to mistreat Christians

A Challenging Exhortation

Paul’s exhortation is more challenging than it might first appear•They were to pray for the salvation of their rulers (cf. 2:1,4)

A Challenging Exhortation

Paul’s exhortation is more challenging than it might first appear•They were to conduct themselves in godly dignity (2:2)•Living ‘peacefully’•Pursuing godliness

For All People

Paul wrote that this way of living pleases God because God desires “all people” to be saved (2:4)•The term ‘all people’ (pantas anthrōpous) refers to all types of people•Contrary to the elitists, God desires people of all types to be saved

For All People

Paul wrote that this way of living pleases God because God desires “all people’ to be saved (2:4)•The term ‘all people’ (pantas anthrōpous) refers to all types of people•Contrary to what some might think, God desires rebellious people to repent

For All People

Paul grounds his claim by noting there is one God (2:5)•There are not different gods for different people•All people groups are equal before God

For All People

Paul also notes there is one mediator, Jesus Christ (2:5)•This reinforces the oneness of mankind•All people are in need of forgiveness through Jesus’ atoning work

For All People

Paul also notes there is one mediator, Jesus Christ (2:5)• Jesus is able to ‘mediate’ between God and man because he truly God and truly man (cf. 1:2; 2:5)

For All People

We too should recognize that God values ‘all people’•Pray for all people

For All People

We too should be praying for our ‘rulers’•Wisdom to rule well•Salvation for those in rebellion