1-2 Timothy, Titus

10 1 Timothy 2 Praying Men and Silenced Women As indicated by the opening phrase—“first of all”—1 Timothy 2 shifts the focus. Instead of giving instructions to Timothy in particular, as expressed in the direct address to him (1:18) and in the use of second-person pronouns (1:3, 18), now the author looks beyond Timothy to all the believers in the listening/reading audience. By the word “audience,” I mean “auditors” or “hearers” because most people in the Roman Empire could not have read these letters for themselves. It is estimated that only 10 to 15 percent of men were literate and even fewer women. In the cities, where the majority of Pauline churches were founded, literacy rates would be at the higher end of the range. Still, in the small house-churches, only two or three people would have highlevel reading skills, and these were most likely men from the wealthier households that could afford tutoring and educational fees. For their meetings, we should probably picture the male head-of-household handling and reading aloud any Jewish Scriptures as well as whatever early Christian texts the group possessed. The rest of the assembly gathered to hear the word of God and the apostolic teachings in his voice, a dynamic that served to increase the male leader’s authority and to encourage the subordination of the non-readers. 1 Timothy 2 11 What the author of 1 Timothy considers to be top priority is a certain way of praying. While several kinds of prayers are listed, he first states that prayers are to be offered for “everyone” (2:1) and then narrows his focus to praying specifically for rulers (2:2). These verses recall Rom 13:1-7 where Paul himself discusses the relationships between God, the believers, and the political rulers. In that earlier letter, Paul begins with “let every person be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom 13:1a). Writing from a later time, the author of the Pastorals gives specific instructions on how to pray for rulers, saying that this is part of God’s plan for salvation (2:1-4). Significantly, the believers are not to pray to “the kings and all those in high authority,” but for them, or more literally “on their behalf” (2:2). This distinction became a key point for Christians in the next few centuries, as they sought to explain their approach to civic duty. there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all —this was attested at the right time. 7 For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications , prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone , 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God; 1 Tim 2:1-7 conquerors and sovereigns of the known world? Their armies built roads and aqueducts and secured the peace. Their rule of law stabilized the economy. To many, it appeared that the god(s) ordained these rulers and this style of governance for the Empire. In fact, when they died, many emperors were elevated to Roman Imperial Religion Like many other societies before and since, the Romans excelled at mixing politics and religion. The emperor took on supreme earthly authority so that he functioned as both a political and religious figure. Who would not give honor and adoration to such mighty [3.15.197.123] Project MUSE (2024-05-04 06:13 GMT) 12 1–2 Timothy, Titus fatherland”; pater in Latin; πατήρ in Greek; 1 Tim 1:2), and “king” (βασιλεύς, 1 Tim 1:17; 6:15). (The emperor was also called “son of god,” which in Latin is divi filius, but the title “son of God” does not appear for Jesus in the Pastorals.) Such imperial labels appeared on coins, inscriptions, documents, and buildings throughout the Empire. How could Jewish-based monotheists pledge loyalty and...