prayer for all people

Paul sent Timothy to the church in Ephesus to clear up some problems in the transmission of the faith. He also sent him a letter outlining his mission. This letter was to be read in front of the whole congregation so that each of its members would be aware of Timothy's authority to act on the apostle's behalf.

Paul pointed out, among other things, what should be kept in mind during church services: "I urge, therefore, that above all, petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people." (1. Tim 2,1)They should also include prayers that have a positive character, in contrast to the contemptuous messages that had become part of the liturgy in some synagogues.

The intercessory prayer should not only concern the members of the congregation, but rather the prayers should apply to everyone: "Pray for those in power and for all who have authority, that we may live in peace and tranquility, in reverence for God and in righteousness." (1. Tim 2,2)Paul wanted neither for the Church to behave elitistically nor to be associated with an underground resistance movement. As an example, one might point to the way Judaism dealt with the Roman Empire. The Jews did not want to worship the emperor, but they could pray for him; they worshiped God and offered sacrifices to him: "Let the priests offer incense to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons." (Esra 6,10).

The first Christians were persecuted for the Gospel and their devotion to another Lord. This meant they didn't need to further provoke the government with anti-government agitation. This stance is approved by God himself: "This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior." (1. Tim 2,3)The term "Savior" usually refers to Jesus, so in this case it seems to refer to the Father.

Paul adds an important digression regarding God's will: "Who wants all people to be saved?" (1. Tim 2,4)In our prayers we should remember those in difficult positions of authority; for God himself wishes them no harm. He wants them to be saved, but for that to happen, it is first necessary to accept the message of the gospel: “That they may come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1. Tim 2,4).

Does everything always happen according to God's will? Will every person truly be saved? Paul doesn't address this question directly, but it's clear that our heavenly Father's desires aren't always fulfilled, at least not immediately. Even today, almost 2000 years later, by no means have "all people" come to the knowledge of the gospel, and far fewer have accepted it and experienced salvation. God wants his children to love one another, but this isn't always the case. For he also wants people to have their own will. Paul supports his statements by providing reasoning: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." (1. Tim 2,5).

There is only one God, who created everything and everyone. His plan applies equally to all people: We were all created in his image, so that we might bear witness to God on earth: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God; male and female he created them.” (1. Mose 1, 27)The identity of God indicates that, according to his plan, all of his creation is united. All people are included.

In addition, there is a mediator. We are all related to God through the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ. The Godman Jesus can still be referred to as such, since he did not commit his human nature to the grave. Rather, he rose again as a glorified man and as such ascended into heaven; for the glorified humanity is part of itself. Since humanity was created in God's image, essential aspects of human nature were present to the Almighty from the beginning; and so it is not surprising that man's nature should be expressed in the divine nature of Jesus.

As our mediator, Jesus is the one “who gave himself as a ransom for all, as his testimony at the proper time.” (1. Tim 2,6)Some theologians object to the simple meaning behind this verse, but it fits well with verse 7 and the content of what Paul writes a little later: “We work hard and suffer much because of it, for our hope is in the living God, the Redeemer of all people, especially of believers.” (1. Tim 4,10)He died for the sins of all people, even those who don't yet know it. He died only once and didn't wait for us to believe before acting to save us. To use a financial analogy, he paid the debt even for those who aren't yet aware of it.

Now that Jesus has done this for us, what remains to be done? The time has come for people to recognize what Jesus has accomplished for them, and this is what Paul tries to achieve with his words. “For this I was appointed as a preacher and apostle—I speak the truth and do not lie—and as a teacher to the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1. Tim 2,7)According to Paul's wishes, Timothy should also be a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

by Michael Morrison