1 Timothy 2:5
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
There is one God - Who is the maker, governor, and preserver of all men, of every condition, and of every nation, and equally wills the salvation of all. And one mediator - The word μεσιτης, mediator, signifies, literally, a middle person, one whose office it is to reconcile two parties at enmity; and hence Suidas explains it by ειρηνοποιος, a peace-maker. God was offended with the crimes of men; to restore them to his peace, Jesus Christ was incarnated; and being God and man, both God and men met in and were reconciled by him. But this reconciliation required a sacrifice on the part of the peace-maker or mediator; hence what follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For there is one God--God's unity in essence and purpose is a proof of His comprehending all His human children alike (created in His image) in His offer of grace (compare the same argument from His unity, Rom 3:30; Gal 3:20); therefore all are to be prayed for. Ti1 2:4 is proved from Ti1 2:5; Ti1 2:1, from Ti1 2:4. The one God is common to all (Isa 45:22; Act 17:26). The one Mediator is mediator between God and all men potentially (Rom 3:29; Eph 4:5-6; Heb 8:6; Heb 9:15; Heb 12:24). They who have not this one God by one Mediator, have none: literally, a "go-between." The Greek order is not "and one mediator," but "one mediator also between . . . While God will have all men to be saved by knowing God and the Mediator, there is a legitimate, holy order in the exercise of that will wherewith men ought to receive it. All mankind constitute, as it were, ONE MAN before God [BENGEL]. the man--rather "man," absolutely and genetically: not a mere individual man: the Second Head of humanity, representing and embodying in Himself the whole human race and nature. There is no "the" in the Greek. This epithet is thus the strongest corroboration of his argument, namely, that Christ's mediation affects the whole race, since there is but the one Mediator, designed as the Representative Man for all men alike (compare Rom 5:15; Co1 8:6; Co2 5:19; Col 2:14). His being "man" was necessary to His being a Mediator, sympathizing with us through experimental knowledge of our nature (Isa 50:4; Heb 2:14; Heb 4:15). Even in nature, almost all blessings are conveyed to us from God, not immediately, but through the mediation of various agents. The effectual intercession of Moses for Israel (Num 14:13-19, and Deu. 9:1-29); of Abraham for Abimelech (Gen 20:7); of Job for his friends (Job 42:10), the mediation being PRESCRIBED by God while declaring His purposes of forgiveness: all prefigure the grand mediation for all by the one Mediator. On the other hand, Ti1 3:16 asserts that He was also God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who gave himself a ransom for all,.... What the Mediator gave as a ransom for men is "himself", his body and his soul, which were both made an offering for sin; and his life, which is the result of union between soul and body; his whole human nature as in union with his divine person, and so might be truly said to be himself: this he gave into the hands of men, of justice and of death; and that voluntarily, which shows his great love to his people; and also as a "ransom", or a ransom price for them, in their room and stead; to ransom them from the slavery of sin, and damnation by it, from the captivity of Satan, and the bondage of the law, and from the grave, death, hell, ruin, and destruction: and this ransom was given for "all"; not for every individual of mankind, for then all would be delivered, freed, and saved, whereas they are not; or else the ransom price is paid in vain, or God is unjust to receive a sufficient ransom price from Christ, and yet not free the captive, but punish the person for whom he has received satisfaction; neither of which can be said. But the meaning is, either that he gave himself a ransom for many, as in Mat 20:28 for the Hebrew word to which this answers, signifies sometimes many, a multitude, and sometimes only a part of a multitude, as Kimchi observes (y): or rather it intends that Christ gave himself a ransom for all sorts of men, for men of every rank and quality, of every state and condition, of every age and sex, and for all sorts of sinners, and for some out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation, for both Jews and Gentiles; which latter may more especially be designed by all, as they are sometimes by the world, and the whole world; and so contains another argument why all sorts of men are to be prayed for, since the same ransom price is given for them; as that for the children of Israel was the same, for the rich as for the poor. We (z) read, that when the people of Israel comforted the high priest upon the death of his wife, or any relation, they used to say to him, , "we are thy atonement", expiation, or ransom; that is, as the commentators (a) explain it, by us thou shalt be atoned, for we will be in thy room and stead, with respect to all things that shall come upon thee; but here the High priest and Mediator is the atonement and ransom for the people: to be testified in due time; or "a testimony in his own times"; that is, the sum and substance of what is before said is the Gospel, which is a testimony concerning the person, office, and grace of Christ, exhibited in the times of the Messiah, or the Gospel dispensation. Some copies read, "the mystery", which is another word often used for the Gospel; for that that is intended, appears by what follows. (y) Sepher Shorash. rad. (z) Misna Sanhedrin, c. 2. sect. 1. (a) Jarchi & Bartenona in ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:5-6 Compact teachings, as in this passage, occur throughout the letters to Timothy and Titus (see also 1 Tim 3:16; 2 Tim 1:9-10; 2:8, 11-13; Titus 3:4-7). They might be adapted bits of creeds, hymns, or prayers that were known to the churches. The doctrines referenced probably relate to Paul’s trouble with the false teachers; it appears that their teaching undercut the universal appeal of the Good News and the effectiveness of the Gentile mission. The false teachers also had a deficient understanding of Jesus and his salvation. 2:5 There is one God and therefore one mission encompassing all people (Rom 3:29-30; Gal 3:26-29). Using the phrase one God suggests a fundamental declaration of Christian faith, analogous to the basics of Jewish faith (Deut 6:4). • There is one Mediator of God’s covenant, the man Christ Jesus. He is fully human and fully God, and thus able to reconcile God and humanity (see 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 4:5-6).
1 Timothy 2:5
A Call to Prayer
4who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,6who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Truth
By Francis Schaeffer9.8K54:10TruthJHN 17:51TI 2:52TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of acting upon the knowledge of the truth in order to experience peace. He emphasizes that God wants all people to be saved and has provided enough evidence for them to come to the knowledge of the truth. The preacher also highlights the role of believers in sharing the truth with others, citing John 17 as evidence that people become Christians through the testimony of God's people. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to live out the truth they have received and to be a force for God in the world.
The Fire of God
By Art Katz4.0K1:22:28Fire Of GodJHN 14:6ACT 9:15ROM 11:291CO 1:18EPH 2:81TI 2:51PE 2:9In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a series of university meetings where he preached the gospel. Despite facing opposition and being seen as a traitor by some, the speaker boldly proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit was evident as the speaker shared the gospel, leading to conversions and confrontations with those who opposed him. The speaker also mentions a specific incident where he was asked to debate a professor of comparative religion, and despite feeling inadequate, he experienced God's power and saw the impact of his message.
Apostle's Doctrine - Part 1
By G.W. North3.6K1:23:09Apostles DoctrineACT 2:42EPH 4:131TI 2:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of staying grounded in the truth of God's Word amidst the various doctrines and beliefs that can easily sway us. He references Paul's words to Timothy in 1 Timothy, emphasizing the central role of Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and man. The speaker urges listeners to have a clear vision of the eternal ages and the purpose of their ministry. He also highlights the concept of regeneration, explaining that it involves a transformation and renewal through the destruction of the old and the emergence of the new. The sermon emphasizes the significance of doctrine and the need to remain steadfast in the apostles' teachings, as seen in Acts 2:42.
Conversion of Muslim to Christ - Part 1
By Afshin Javid3.6K09:59ISA 55:6JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:131TI 2:5This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a former devout Muslim who experienced a supernatural encounter with God's presence and grappled with the question of why Jesus would help a Muslim. Despite his deep commitment to Islam and spiritual practices, he found himself in a moment of confusion and desperation where he cried out to God for help. This led to a life-changing encounter where he called upon the name of Jesus and experienced a miraculous intervention, challenging his beliefs and prompting a search for the true path to follow.
(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Jesus, Totally God and Totally Man
By Zac Poonen2.2K57:41ChristianityACT 2:171TI 2:51TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Acts chapter two and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that this event is the fulfillment of scripture and highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel message. He emphasizes that Jesus, the Nazarene, was a man and that this is the essence of the Gospel. The preacher also emphasizes the significance of Jesus being a man even in heaven and encourages the audience to fully devote their lives to God.
The Believer's Challenge
By C.H. Spurgeon2.0K40:54GEN 3:15ISA 53:5MAT 22:44ROM 8:341TI 2:5HEB 7:25REV 12:10In this sermon, Charles Haddon Spurgeon discusses four doctrines that provide strong consolation and protection for believers in times of doubt and attack on their faith. The first doctrine addresses the issue of unbelief, which God foresaw and countered by smiting it four times to ensure its defeat. The second doctrine acknowledges the constant attacks on believers' faith by the world, sin, and the devil, and how God has fortified them with four strong lines of protection. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of these doctrines in fortifying believers' hearts when faced with challenges. He concludes by urging listeners to seek an interest in these precious doctrines and highlights the power and excellence of the doctrine itself.
Spurgeon a New Biography #3
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K1:32:29MAT 6:33MRK 16:16JHN 3:16ACT 16:31ROM 10:91TI 2:5JAS 4:8The video is a summary of a sermon given by a preacher who traveled extensively to preach the word of God. He accepted invitations to preach and traveled by horse and carriage or train, which could be tiring. The preacher emphasized the importance of understanding the doctrines of grace and recognizing that salvation comes from God's choice and action. He also spoke about the power of God's fire to bring about transformation and conversion in the lives of sinners. The preacher encouraged his listeners to seek God's blessing and be a blessing to others.
Be a Man - Part 3
By Ken Graves1.4K1:10:35ManhoodMAT 3:17JHN 3:16JHN 18:4PHP 4:8PHP 4:131TI 2:52TI 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and seeking obedience. He quotes various Bible verses, including John 3:16, which highlights God's love for the world and His sacrifice of His Son. The preacher also discusses the role of Jesus as the mediator between God and man and the power and sound mind that believers receive from God. He warns against the temptation to focus on outward appearances and highlights the need to continually pursue and cherish one's spouse. The sermon concludes with a reflection on Jesus' baptism and his subsequent journey into the wilderness, where he faced temptation and demonstrated his strength and resilience.
Philippians
By Norman Grubb1.3K47:43PhilippiansROM 5:121CO 15:452CO 4:10PHP 1:21COL 1:271TH 4:161TI 2:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of intercession and the role it plays in the body of Christ. He emphasizes that intercession is not just a spiritual gift, but a responsibility for all believers. The speaker also highlights the concept of union life, which involves being united with Christ and operating on a higher level of faith. He references biblical figures like Paul, James, and John to illustrate the different levels of understanding and maturity in the Christian journey. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to embrace intercession and strive for a deeper union with Christ.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Questions on Inability
By John Murray1.2K51:26InabilityMAT 6:33MRK 10:14ROM 5:8ROM 8:9EPH 2:1EPH 3:81TI 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fear that comes with proclaiming the word of God. He emphasizes that the free offer of the gospel is centered around Christ and his finished work. The preacher also mentions the role of the Holy Spirit in opening the hearts of individuals to receive and embrace the love of Christ. He highlights the importance of preaching about the heinousness, guiltiness, misery, and consequences of sin. Additionally, there is a question raised about the compatibility of certain doctrines with the free offering of grace in the gospel, to which the preacher explains that they are based on the fact of man's total inability.
A Nun's Testimony - Part 1
By Sister Charlotte83947:07PSA 55:22MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 5:81TI 2:5JAS 4:71PE 5:7The video is a testimony given by a former nun named Sister Charlotte. She disappeared two years after giving this testimony. The purpose of releasing the video is to educate people about the other side of Roman Catholicism, not to promote hatred towards the church or its people. Sister Charlotte shares her experience of being trained and living in a cloistered convent, and how she eventually found deliverance from bondage and darkness through God's intervention.
The Spire
By Welcome Detweiler70511:35ISA 53:6MAT 6:33JHN 3:36JHN 14:6ROM 5:8ROM 10:91TI 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the invitation from God to receive salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The preacher urges the listeners to open their hearts and accept Jesus as their Savior, emphasizing that salvation is freely offered by God. The story of a stone mason saved by a lamb is used as an illustration of how Jesus, the Lamb of God, sacrificed himself to save humanity from sin. The preacher highlights the voluntary and conscious sacrifice of Jesus, contrasting it with the unconscious sacrifice of the lamb, and emphasizes the incomprehensible love of Christ for sinners.
The Perfect Father Everyday
By Danny Bond61643:47EXO 19:12MAT 6:9JHN 1:12JHN 14:7JHN 17:261TI 2:5HEB 13:8In this sermon, I. Packer emphasizes the importance of understanding Christianity as a revelation of the fatherhood of God. He states that the knowledge of God as one's holy father is central to New Testament teaching and Christianity as a whole. Packer highlights that the thought of being God's child and having God as one's father should shape a person's worship, prayers, and outlook on life. He uses the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate the consequences of living in sin away from the father and the joy of being forgiven and received back by the father. Packer concludes by affirming that the father is the Christian name for God and that God's love and forgiveness are always available to his children.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 44
By Zac Poonen60124:29PSA 95:7ISA 57:20MAT 5:28MAT 11:28GAL 5:1PHP 2:51TI 2:5HEB 4:9REV 15:2This sermon focuses on the importance of coming to Jesus to find rest and learn gentleness and humility. It emphasizes the need to seek God first in all situations, to develop a habit of turning to the Father before seeking human help, and to ask Jesus to reveal the Father to us. The message highlights the significance of partnering with Jesus, taking His yoke upon us, and learning from His gentle and humble heart to experience true rest and peace.
(Clip) Holding to the Word of God in a Time of Cultural Change
By Carlton C. McLeod59803:32JHN 14:6ACT 4:121TI 2:52TI 3:16This sermon addresses the inclusion of transgenderism and gender identity in school curriculum, emphasizing the need for a biblical worldview in the face of cultural shifts. The speaker urges the audience to stand firm on the teachings of the Bible, highlighting the importance of preaching the gospel in all spheres of influence, from homes to media platforms. The message stresses the uniqueness and salvation found in Jesus Christ, calling for repentance and a return to the truth of God's Word.
The High Call to Jesus’ Disciples
By Dennis Balcombe5921:01:59DiscipleshipISA 52:7MAT 10:25JHN 15:16ACT 20:24ROM 10:141TI 2:52TI 4:2The video shown in the sermon is about the speaker, who is a missionary in China, disguising himself and his daughter to enter villages and preach the word of God. They face many difficulties and even pretend to be dead in order to reach the people. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the call of God on one's life. He encourages the audience to keep the faith and fulfill their calling, whether it be in the mission field or in other areas of ministry.
Jesus, a Friend of Sinners
By Jack Hyles58534:09PSA 8:4ISA 53:12MAT 27:46LUK 19:10ROM 5:81TI 2:5HEB 7:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of Jesus as a friend of sinners. He highlights how Jesus never engaged in sinful thoughts, words, or actions, yet he willingly gave his life for sinners. The preacher shares a personal story of encountering an obnoxious and dirty man who he later discovers has been transformed by God's grace. This experience leads the preacher to understand the importance of working with sinners and sharing the message of Jesus' love and redemption. The sermon concludes with the preacher's realization that both he and his own son were sinners in need of salvation, emphasizing the universal need for Jesus as a friend and savior.
Unreached Peoples: The Sikhs of India
By Paul Hattaway57400:00MAT 9:37JHN 14:6ACT 10:34ROM 10:121CO 12:13GAL 3:28EPH 4:41TI 2:5REV 7:9This sermon explores the unique culture and beliefs of the Sikh community, focusing on their identity, symbols, and values. It delves into the question of how Sikhs can come to know Jesus while maintaining their cultural heritage. The sermon emphasizes the importance of actions over symbols and rituals, drawing parallels between Sikhism and the teachings of the Bible. It highlights the need to share the message of Jesus with love and acceptance, trusting in the unity of all believers from diverse backgrounds before God.
Unreached Peoples: The Kalash People of Pakistan
By Paul Hattaway55900:00PSA 96:5MAT 28:19ACT 4:12ROM 10:131TI 2:5This sermon sheds light on the unique culture and spiritual practices of the ancient Kalash people living in Pakistan, emphasizing their isolation, traditional customs, and deep-rooted beliefs in idol worship and superstitions. It calls for prayers for their salvation and highlights the need for spiritual intervention in their lives.
The Truth of the Roman Catholic Church
By Tim Conway53709:43EPH 2:81TI 2:5This sermon addresses the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, emphasizing the exaltation of Mary above Christ, the denial of salvation by grace through faith, the historical suppression of the Bible, the false doctrine of purgatory, the idolatry of statues and images, and the re-sacrifice of Christ in the Mass. It contrasts these beliefs with the biblical truth of salvation through Christ's finished work on the cross and the rejection of works-based righteousness.
Possessed
By Bob Phillips2851:17:53Christian LifeGEN 3:12KI 6:16MAT 6:332CO 11:32CO 11:13EPH 6:121TI 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering everything to God's grace and mercy in order to fulfill our responsibilities. Doubting God's integrity and love hinders us from experiencing victory in our lives. The sermon also highlights the existence of counterfeits in the Bible, such as counterfeit Christians, ministers, gospel, righteousness, and church. The preacher mentions a personal anecdote about a parent realizing the negative influence of supernatural-themed cartoons on children and the unseen forces at work in drawing them towards such content. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for adults to be diligent in monitoring what their children watch.
A Sermon From a Catholic Bible
By John R. Rice0MRK 3:31MRK 7:5LUK 1:30JHN 3:16JHN 6:50GAL 2:111TI 2:51TI 3:1HEB 10:10John R. Rice preaches about the importance of being born again and trusting in Jesus Christ as the only Mediator between God and men, emphasizing the need for personal salvation through faith in Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the teachings of the Catholic Bible regarding the authority of the Word of God, the virgin birth of Christ, the sinlessness of Mary, the infallibility of the Pope, the role of priests in marrying, and the sacrifice of the mass. Rice encourages all, regardless of denomination, to trust in Jesus alone for salvation, as He is the one who paid the price for sin and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Only One Way--Christ!
By J.C. Ryle0SalvationExclusivity of ChristISA 53:5JHN 3:36JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:91CO 3:11EPH 2:81TI 2:5HEB 7:251JN 5:11J.C. Ryle emphasizes the exclusive nature of salvation through Jesus Christ, as articulated by the Apostle Peter in Acts 4:12. He highlights that no one can be saved from sin or attain peace with God except through Christ, who is the only mediator between God and humanity. Ryle argues that the doctrine of salvation through Christ is supported by the nature of humanity, the character of God, and the teachings of the Bible. He warns against the futility of any religion that does not center on Christ and urges believers to actively share this truth with others. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a deep personal commitment to Christ as the sole source of salvation.
Religion vs. Salvation
By Lewis Williams0MAT 7:21JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 6:23ROM 10:9EPH 2:81TI 2:5TIT 3:51JN 1:9Lewis Williams emphasizes the distinction between having a form of religion and experiencing the true salvation that Jesus offers. He illustrates how various cultures and beliefs demonstrate religious practices, but without the redemption from sin and eternal happiness that true salvation brings. Williams warns against being confirmed in a belief that may lead to eternal destruction, highlighting the importance of seeking true salvation through Jesus Christ, rather than relying on outward acts of religion or man-made doctrines.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
There is one God - Who is the maker, governor, and preserver of all men, of every condition, and of every nation, and equally wills the salvation of all. And one mediator - The word μεσιτης, mediator, signifies, literally, a middle person, one whose office it is to reconcile two parties at enmity; and hence Suidas explains it by ειρηνοποιος, a peace-maker. God was offended with the crimes of men; to restore them to his peace, Jesus Christ was incarnated; and being God and man, both God and men met in and were reconciled by him. But this reconciliation required a sacrifice on the part of the peace-maker or mediator; hence what follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For there is one God--God's unity in essence and purpose is a proof of His comprehending all His human children alike (created in His image) in His offer of grace (compare the same argument from His unity, Rom 3:30; Gal 3:20); therefore all are to be prayed for. Ti1 2:4 is proved from Ti1 2:5; Ti1 2:1, from Ti1 2:4. The one God is common to all (Isa 45:22; Act 17:26). The one Mediator is mediator between God and all men potentially (Rom 3:29; Eph 4:5-6; Heb 8:6; Heb 9:15; Heb 12:24). They who have not this one God by one Mediator, have none: literally, a "go-between." The Greek order is not "and one mediator," but "one mediator also between . . . While God will have all men to be saved by knowing God and the Mediator, there is a legitimate, holy order in the exercise of that will wherewith men ought to receive it. All mankind constitute, as it were, ONE MAN before God [BENGEL]. the man--rather "man," absolutely and genetically: not a mere individual man: the Second Head of humanity, representing and embodying in Himself the whole human race and nature. There is no "the" in the Greek. This epithet is thus the strongest corroboration of his argument, namely, that Christ's mediation affects the whole race, since there is but the one Mediator, designed as the Representative Man for all men alike (compare Rom 5:15; Co1 8:6; Co2 5:19; Col 2:14). His being "man" was necessary to His being a Mediator, sympathizing with us through experimental knowledge of our nature (Isa 50:4; Heb 2:14; Heb 4:15). Even in nature, almost all blessings are conveyed to us from God, not immediately, but through the mediation of various agents. The effectual intercession of Moses for Israel (Num 14:13-19, and Deu. 9:1-29); of Abraham for Abimelech (Gen 20:7); of Job for his friends (Job 42:10), the mediation being PRESCRIBED by God while declaring His purposes of forgiveness: all prefigure the grand mediation for all by the one Mediator. On the other hand, Ti1 3:16 asserts that He was also God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who gave himself a ransom for all,.... What the Mediator gave as a ransom for men is "himself", his body and his soul, which were both made an offering for sin; and his life, which is the result of union between soul and body; his whole human nature as in union with his divine person, and so might be truly said to be himself: this he gave into the hands of men, of justice and of death; and that voluntarily, which shows his great love to his people; and also as a "ransom", or a ransom price for them, in their room and stead; to ransom them from the slavery of sin, and damnation by it, from the captivity of Satan, and the bondage of the law, and from the grave, death, hell, ruin, and destruction: and this ransom was given for "all"; not for every individual of mankind, for then all would be delivered, freed, and saved, whereas they are not; or else the ransom price is paid in vain, or God is unjust to receive a sufficient ransom price from Christ, and yet not free the captive, but punish the person for whom he has received satisfaction; neither of which can be said. But the meaning is, either that he gave himself a ransom for many, as in Mat 20:28 for the Hebrew word to which this answers, signifies sometimes many, a multitude, and sometimes only a part of a multitude, as Kimchi observes (y): or rather it intends that Christ gave himself a ransom for all sorts of men, for men of every rank and quality, of every state and condition, of every age and sex, and for all sorts of sinners, and for some out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation, for both Jews and Gentiles; which latter may more especially be designed by all, as they are sometimes by the world, and the whole world; and so contains another argument why all sorts of men are to be prayed for, since the same ransom price is given for them; as that for the children of Israel was the same, for the rich as for the poor. We (z) read, that when the people of Israel comforted the high priest upon the death of his wife, or any relation, they used to say to him, , "we are thy atonement", expiation, or ransom; that is, as the commentators (a) explain it, by us thou shalt be atoned, for we will be in thy room and stead, with respect to all things that shall come upon thee; but here the High priest and Mediator is the atonement and ransom for the people: to be testified in due time; or "a testimony in his own times"; that is, the sum and substance of what is before said is the Gospel, which is a testimony concerning the person, office, and grace of Christ, exhibited in the times of the Messiah, or the Gospel dispensation. Some copies read, "the mystery", which is another word often used for the Gospel; for that that is intended, appears by what follows. (y) Sepher Shorash. rad. (z) Misna Sanhedrin, c. 2. sect. 1. (a) Jarchi & Bartenona in ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:5-6 Compact teachings, as in this passage, occur throughout the letters to Timothy and Titus (see also 1 Tim 3:16; 2 Tim 1:9-10; 2:8, 11-13; Titus 3:4-7). They might be adapted bits of creeds, hymns, or prayers that were known to the churches. The doctrines referenced probably relate to Paul’s trouble with the false teachers; it appears that their teaching undercut the universal appeal of the Good News and the effectiveness of the Gentile mission. The false teachers also had a deficient understanding of Jesus and his salvation. 2:5 There is one God and therefore one mission encompassing all people (Rom 3:29-30; Gal 3:26-29). Using the phrase one God suggests a fundamental declaration of Christian faith, analogous to the basics of Jewish faith (Deut 6:4). • There is one Mediator of God’s covenant, the man Christ Jesus. He is fully human and fully God, and thus able to reconcile God and humanity (see 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 4:5-6).