A Display of Christ – (Part VIII) by John Flavel
Chapter CONTEXT from BibleRef.org:
What does 1 Timothy chapter 2 mean?
In 1 Timothy chapter 2, Paul transitions from his personal focus on Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18–20) and a general reference to sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3–20) to information regarding worship practices in the church. Two major areas are developed in this chapter. These include prayer in the church (1 Timothy 2:1–8) and the role of women in spiritual leadership (1 Timothy 2:9–15).
Verses 1 through 8 urge prayers be offered by the entire church for “all people.” Paul specifically says that this should include governing authorities (1 Timothy 2:2), because this pleases God (1 Timothy 2:3). Even when kings, rulers, and politicians seem hostile and evil, Paul reminds Timothy that God wants all people to be saved through Christ (1 Timothy 2:4–5). This is why Christians are called on to pray even for those who persecute them: the goal is to see souls saved, not revenge. Reaching those who were hostile to Christ was Paul’s goal as an apostle (1 Timothy 2:7). Men are specifically commanded to lead in prayer with a spirit of cooperation and love (1 Timothy 2:8).
Verses 9 through 15 shift to an explanation of the role of women in the church. During church gatherings, women are to dress respectfully (1 Timothy 2:9–10). In addition, Paul indicates that women should be taught—a concept not often accepted in that time period. However, just as their clothing ought to be modest, the behavior of women in church ought to be self-controlled and “quiet,” not flashy or dramatic. Some scholars believe Paul might have included this comment specifically to correct certain women who were causing problems during worship gatherings (1 Timothy 2:11).
Paul also teaches that women are not to overtake male authority in the context of church gatherings. This guideline is supported through the example of Adam and Eve (1 Timothy 2:12–14). While Adam is blamed for the fall of man elsewhere (Romans 5:12), Eve was first deceived by Satan.
Paul concludes with a reference to childbearing and godliness, one which is frequently debated by interpreters (1 Timothy 2:15). Most likely, this is meant to encourage a focus on the need for married women to receive salvation and to live out their important role as godly mothers.
Of the Nature of Christ’s Mediation (A Display of Christ – Part VIII)
‘And one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.‘ – 1 Tim. 2:5.
Great and long preparations bespeak the solemnity and greatness of the work for which they are designed. A man that had seen the heaps of gold, silver, and brass which David amassed in his time for the building of the temple, might easily conclude before one stone of it was laid, that it would be a magnificent structure. But lo, here is a design of God as far transcending that as the substance doth the shadow. For, indeed, that glorious temple was but the type and figure of Jesus Christ, John, 2:19,21, and a weak adumbration of that living, spiritual temple which he was to build, that the great God might dwell and walk in it. 2 Cor. 6:16. The preparations for that temple were for a few years, but the consultations and preparations for this were from eternity. Prov. 8:31. And as there were preparations for this work before the world began; so it will be a matter of eternal admiration and praise when this world shall be dissolved. What this astonishing glorious work is, this text informs you; it is the work of mediation between God and man; and you have here a description of Jesus the Mediator…
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