Verse 1

I 1 exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;

(1) Having dispatched those things which pertain to doctrine, he speaks now in the second place of the other part of the ministry of the word, that is, of public prayers. And first of all, answering the question for whom we ought to pray, he teaches that we must pray for all men, and especially for every type of magistrate. And this thing was at that time somewhat doubted of, seeing that kings, indeed, and most of the magistrates, were at that time enemies of the Church.

Verse 2

For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; 2 that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and a honesty.

(2) An argument taken of the end: that is, because magistrates are appointed to this end, that men might peaceably and quietly live in all godliness and honesty: and therefore we must commend them especially to God, that they may faithfully execute so necessary an office.

(a) This word includes every type of duty, which is to be used by men in all their affairs.

Verse 3

3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

(3) Another argument, why churches or congregations ought to pray for all men, without any difference of nation, type, age, or order: that is, because the Lord by calling of all types, indeed sometimes those that are the greatest enemies to the Gospel, will have his Church gathered together after this manner, and therefore prayer is to be made for all.

Verse 5

4 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the b man Christ Jesus;

(4) God should not otherwise be manifested to be the only God of all men, unless he should show his goodness in saving all types of men. Neither should Christ be seen to be the only mediator between God and all types of men, by having taken upon him that nature of man which is common to all men, unless he had satisfied for all types of men, and made intercession for all.

(b) Christ Jesus who was made man.

Verse 6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, 5 to be testified in due time.

(5) A confirmation, because even to the Gentiles is the secret of salvation now revealed and made manifest, the apostle himself being appointed for this office, which he faithfully and sincerely executes.

Verse 7

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, [and] lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in c faith and verity.

(c) Faithfully and sincerely: and by faith he means wholesome and sound doctrine, and by truth, an upright and sincere handling of it.

Verse 8

6 I will therefore that men pray every where, d lifting up holy hands, without e wrath and f doubting.

(6) He has spoken of the persons for whom we must pray: and now he teaches that the difference of places is taken away: for in times past, only one nation, and in one certain place, came together to public service. But now churches or congregations are gathered together everywhere, (orderly and decently), and men come together to serve God publicly with common prayer. Neither must we strive for the nation, or for the purification of the body, or for the place, but for the mind, to have it clear from all offence, and full of sure trust and confidence.

(d) He talks of the sign for the thing itself, the lifting up of hands for the calling upon God.

(e) Without the griefs and offences of the mind, which hinder us from calling upon God with a good conscience.

(f) Doubting, which is against faith; (James 1:6).

Verse 9

7 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

(7) Thirdly, he appoints women to learn in the public assemblies with silence and modesty, being dressed pleasantly, without any overindulgence or excess in their clothing.

Verse 12

But I suffer not a woman to teach, 8 nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

(8) The first argument, why it is not lawful for women to teach in the congregation, because by this means they would be placed above men, for they would be their masters: and this is against God's ordinance.

Verse 13

9 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

(9) He proves this ordinance of God, by which the woman is subject to man, first because God made the woman after man, for man's sake.

Verse 14

10 And Adam was not g deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

(10) Then, because after sin, God gave the woman this punishment, because the man was deceived by her.

(g) Adam was deceived, but through his wife's means, and therefore she is worthily for this reason subject to her husband, and ought to be.

Verse 15

11 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

(11) He adds a comfort by the way, that their subjection does not hinder women from being saved as well as men, if they behave themselves in those duties of marriage in a holy and modest manner, with faith and charity.