In 1 Timothy, Paul is giving explicit instructions to Timothy—whom he left in Ephesus to instruct and appoint pastors for the churches there. Paul hasn’t really gotten to what to look for in pastors or how to promote them yet. He has emphasized the importance of humility, patience, and love. We can easily get caught up trying to check the next box and forget that the point of the church’s instruction in all matters, even while pastors still need to be appointed, is ultimately to spur the congregation on to love. Sound doctrine will always lead us to love. If it doesn’t, something has gone terribly wrong. After instructing Timothy to fight the good fight, Paul calls the congregation, particularly the men, to prayer.
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension (1 Timothy 2:8).
“Men” (ανηρ) refers to the men of the church, not to women. This does not mean women should not pray. It does mean Paul is instructing men particularly. Men should pray in every place. In this context, prayer refers specifically to intercessory prayer. Look back at verses 1-2:
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
“Men” in verse 1 (ανθρωπος) is a different word than “men” in verse 8 (ανηρ). In verse 8, “men” refers explicitly to biological males. In verse 1, “men” refers to all people. The men of the church ought to pray, making prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all people—for kings and all who are in authority so we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
Here, we learn much about intercessory prayer. Men of faith are instructed to entreat God concerning others. We are to offer petitions on behalf of all people. We are to thank God on behalf of all people—particularly people who are in authority. I believe God is sovereign. I don’t believe we can change God’s mind because He knows what is best and cares from the beginning. That makes me wonder what the point of intercessory prayer is. Paul provides an answer. We pray for others so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. The point of intercessory prayer is explicitly not to see someone healed. God may or may not heal according to His own perfect plan. Something about sincerely praying for others keeps us humble, tranquil, and quiet. In such a contented life comes godliness and dignity.
There is a certain temptation in the church that is particular to men. We want to be heard. We want things to happen according to our ways. We like to have influence and power. Yes, even in the church. Godly women are much better at tranquility than men. They have other temptations that Paul will address in the next pericope. Paul instructs men to pray for others because he wants men to learn what it means to sincerely care about others’ needs rather than their own ways. Men do many things in the name of progress that fails to consider people—moving a pulpit or changing the programming or insisting on changes to constitution and bylaws notwithstanding. There certainly may be need for change, but our programming and prized methods are never more important than actually ministering to the people. Men particularly have such pride they think their lists of things need to be done, but God reminds us that ministry is not programmatic. It is relational. Being men with godly character deters us from accidentally trampling on people.
This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Church work was never about making things to be a certain way or doing things such that more people are attracted into an auditorium. Church work has always been about the gospel, which demands we sincerely care about people. It is nothing to have a crying baby. No, the preacher does not have to overpower the distractions. It is okay if the program doesn’t flow perfectly as if it were a show. That’s not what the church is about. The teaching of the church is meant to increase our love. The men of the church are instructed first and foremost to care about others enough to pray for them.
For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth (1 Timothy 2:5-7).
To put things simply, the gospel is about the saving power of Jesus. The gospel is on display as we care for others, not as we put on a show. A show draws attention to us. Caring for people and not having a nagging need to be heard or have things our way displays the life of Christ. Men, quietly and sincerely pray for others. If we aren’t praying for others, we have no business trying to accomplish anything or teach in any capacity. If we don’t care about the congregation, what right do we have to try speaking into the lives present or administering the work of the church? We do not. Men. Humbly and sincerely pray for the people. Be quiet. Be patient. Pray, so we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and dignity.
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