1 Timothy 2:5-6

🕊 Commentary on 1 Timothy 2:5–6

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” — 1 Timothy 2:5–6 (NKJV)

📖 Contextual Overview: 1 Timothy Chapter 2

Paul’s first letter to Timothy, particularly chapter 2[i], addresses the conduct of public worship, prayer, and the roles of men and women in the church. Verses 1–4 urge believers to pray for all people, especially those in authority, because God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Verses 5–6 then present the theological foundation for this universal prayer and evangelistic concern: the singularity of God, the exclusivity of Christ as Mediator, and the sufficiency of His atoning work.

✝️ Theological Teaching of 1 Timothy 2:5–6

1. Monotheism and Divine Unity

“For there is one God…”

This affirms the foundational truth of biblical monotheism. This echoes the Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4 and underscores the unity and sovereignty of God over all creation. The singularity of God implies that salvation is not pluralistic or relativistic. There is no other divine being to whom humanity may turn for reconciliation.

2. Christ as the Exclusive Mediator

“…and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus…”

Jesus Christ alone mediates between God and humanity. This refutes any notion of multiple mediators, whether saints, priests, or rituals. Christ’s mediatorship is grounded in His dual nature—fully divine and fully human. His humanity is emphasised here to affirm that He represents mankind before God, having entered into our condition without sin (Hebrews 4:15[ii]).

John Calvin writes, “There is no other way of access to God than through Christ. Whoever seeks another way, estranges himself from God.” This exclusivity is not arrogance but grace: God has provided a way, and it is sufficient.

3. The Ransom: Substitutionary Atonement

“…who gave Himself a ransom for all…”

The term “ransom” (Greek: antilutron) conveys the idea of substitution—Christ giving Himself in place of sinners to satisfy divine justice. This ransom is penal and substitutionary: Christ bore the wrath of God that we deserved.

The phrase “for all” is interpreted as meaning all kinds of people—Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, rulers and subjects—not necessarily every individual universally. This aligns with the context of verses 1–4, which call for prayer for “all men,” including those in authority.

4. Testimony and Timing

“…to be testified in due time.”

This points to the proclamation of the gospel. The ransom is not a hidden transaction but one to be declared. The “due time” refers to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan, culminating in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ, and continuing through the church’s witness.

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🛤 Application to Modern Christian Living

A. Evangelistic Prayer and Witness

Because there is one God and one Mediator, Christians are called to pray for all people and proclaim the gospel universally. This includes praying for political leaders, neighbours, and even adversaries. Evangelism is not optional—it is a natural outflow of gospel truth.

B. Rejecting Religious Pluralism

In a culture that celebrates spiritual diversity, this passage calls believers to affirm the exclusivity of Christ without compromise. While respecting others, Christians must hold fast to the truth that salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12[iii]).

C. Confidence in Christ’s Sufficiency

Believers need not seek additional mediators or fear that Christ’s work is incomplete. His ransom is sufficient. This brings assurance, peace, and boldness in approaching God (Hebrews 10:19–22[iv]).

D. Embodying the Gospel in Worship

Public worship should reflect the truths of this passage: prayers for all, Christ-centred preaching, and a posture of humility before the one true God.

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[i] 1 Timothy 2

New King James Version

Pray for All Men

2 Therefore I [a]exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in [b]authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and [c]reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth [d]in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Men and Women in the Church

8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and [e]moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

Footnotes

1 Timothy 2:1 encourage

1 Timothy 2:2 a prominent place

1 Timothy 2:2 dignity

1 Timothy 2:7 NU omits in Christ

1 Timothy 2:9 discretion

[ii] Hebrews 4:15

New King James Version

15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

[iii] Acts 4:12

New King James Version

12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

[iv] Hebrews 10:19-22

New King James Version

Hold Fast Your Confession

19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness[a] to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Footnotes

Hebrews 10:19 confidence