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Paul gives a brief theology of prayer, showing its importance by his entreaty that prayer be made first of all (v.1). Prayer is given four descriptive elements: requests (deēseis)—specific askings of God; prayers (proseuchas)—general talk with God; intercessions (enteuxeis)—seeking something from God on someone else’s behalf; and thanksgiving (eucharistias)—adoration, praise, and thanks to God. V.1 concludes that prayer is for everyone. This inclusiveness fits well the inclusiveness of the Gospel. The words all/every are used seven times in this section. V.2 particularizes prayer for kings and those in authority. The purpose and result of such praying is a quiet, restful lifestyle characterized by all godliness and dignity. (The niv translation of semnotēti as holiness is unfortunate. See 3:4, where the same word is translated “respect.”) This pleases God because he wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of truth. Prayer enables us to practice lifestyle evangelism, which fulfills God’s purpose.
1Ti 2:5-6 provides the corresponding theological hymn. One God is the traditional Jewish affirmation (cf. Dt 6); one mediator means that Jesus brings people to God and is not meant in the modern sense of peacemaker (see Gal 3:19-20; Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24); the man Christ Jesus focuses on Christ’s humanity; gave himself stresses Christ’s freewill; ransom is a payment to set another free (see also Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45); for all men depicts the inclusiveness of salvation; and the testimony given in its proper time means that Christ’s coming was at exactly the right point in history.
Now Paul affirms his own appointment (v.7) as a herald, one who announces the message; an apostle, one sent forth with the message; and as a teacher, one who presents the message. Paul’s special appointment, characterized by faith and truth, is to the Gentiles. His assertion that he is telling the truth may indicate that Paul’s apostleship is still under attack (see Gal 2:7-8; 2Ti 1:11-12).
Based on the efficacy of prayer, Paul provides directions on how to pray. Holy hands is a posture of praise and worship. Without anger and disputing is essential, for wrath and dissension blunt and block prayer. In 2:9-10, also (better translated “likewise”) tells us that, like the men, women everywhere are to pray. However, Paul’s specific directives focus on outward adornment. Women who profess to worship God should be “dressed” in good deeds, not in fancy clothing or jewelry.