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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Timothy 2
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. This entire section, 1Ti_2:1 to 1Ti_3:13, deals with public worship and organization
1. public worship (1Ti_2:1-15)
a. the role of men (1Ti_2:1-8)
b. the role of women (1Ti_2:9-15)
2. church organization (1Ti_3:1-13)
a. pastor (1Ti_3:1-7)
b. deacon (1Ti_3:8-10; 1Ti_3:12-13)
c. women helpers (1Ti_3:11)
B. The focus of believers' prayers is the redemption of "all" (cf. 1Ti_2:1). The desire of God is the redemption of "all" (cf. Joh_3:16; 1Ti_2:4; Tit_2:11; 2Pe_3:9). Jesus paid the penalty of sin for "all" (cf. Rom_5:18-19). What marvelous inclusivism!
C. This section could be an early church manual designed to help churches organize and direct their activities (cf. 1Ti_3:14-15).
D. The most difficult part of this passage to interpret is 1Ti_2:8-15. It is not difficult to understand, but it is difficult to know how to apply it to our cultural situation. It is so easy to make the parts of the NT we do not agree with "cultural" and, therefore, not relevant to us. I am very uncomfortable labeling a clear inspired text as cultural for several reasons
1. Who am I to negate Scripture?
2. How do I know that I am not being overly influenced by my own culture (personal bias linked to historical conditioning)?
3. Is there any textual sign, idiom, marker which designates that which might be cultural versus that which is God's will for all churches of all ages?
First, there are no textual markers! Second, I must allow all Scripture to address the specific issue. If Scripture is unified on the topic it must be a universal truth. If Scripture seems to give several options or situations, I must allow some freedom in interpretation (cf. How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth by Fee and Stuart, pp. 70-76).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. How do the truths of this section relate to the false teachers?
2. Are we to pray for governmental officials who are not Christians and who act in unfair and godless ways?
3. Does God really want all humans saved? Did Jesus really die for all sins?
4. Define the word "ransom."
5. Why is Christian dress an appropriate item for discussion in our modern world?
6. How are good deeds related to saving faith?
7. What is the place of women in the modern church in light of 1Ti_2:11-14?
8. What does 1Ti_2:15 mean in light of the rest of NT teachings?