1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Prayer and Peace; 2:1-7
While we cannot know if a given individual will respond to the gospel, we can pray freely for any person, knowing that in Christ the ransom as been paid.
It is important to communicate clearly the message that the ransom has been paid. God is now ready to welcome all who will respond to the gospel message with faith.
Men and women; 2:8-15
Women are urged to dress modestly and to show self-controlled and quiet behavior. They are to be ready to respond (submissive), in contrast to holding unbending or domineering attitudes. But, women are fully gifted and significant members of the body of Christ. So the passage here must not be applied in such a way that it denies other clear teachings of the NT about the value and worth of women and the importance of their ministries in the church.
15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
–> Greek text states “the” childbearing. It may thus be a reference to the birth of Jesus and parallel to the promise of present-tense salvation given to Timothy himself.
[I like the idea of living a quiet peaceful and godly life. Honestly, it hurts to read 2:12 – Paul’s remark on not permitting a woman to teach or have authority over a man. But teaching is work. It is not a prize in itself. It is an act of influencing another person. It should be done with humility and love. I don’t desire to have authority over anybody.
There is also the promise that in the end, there will be no distinction between men and women when we go to heaven. We’ll all be like angels. As a woman, I trust God that he will not turn me into a submissive slave but a dignified human being or something better. So I am willing to live with my humble state without authority.
When I drive, I know that female drivers in general are less willing to yield for you to merge into their lane. At work, I’ve experienced more meanness from women than men. Granting many exceptions, women in general are pettier than men and gossip more in my opinion. So perhaps we are more sinful? No need to worry about it. When I pray, I know God, Abba Father, will always give me something to do, something that’s worth doing and enjoyable as well. Big or small, I am already honored as God’s heir.]