| Scripture |
Expanded Comments |
| |
|
| 1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; |
|
| 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. |
For kings – That God will overrule and direct among nations in harmony with his plans and for the benefit of the Church, that its piety and growth may be conserved. R5205:4, 799:1
We are to pray God's blessings upon these kingdoms because we are interested in mankind in general, and wish to live a peaceful and godly life. R5205:1; HG570:4
Not that kings may be continued in power and control. R798:6
Kings and princes do well to accomplish so much with sin in every direction. We pray such wisdom as God sees best. R5205:1; HG570:4
Are in authority – Our prayer for them should be along the lines that would be most helpful for the interests of the Church. R4516:3
That prayers be offered, on proper occasions, on behalf of any one, including kings and all in power, as well as on behalf of the Church. R1235:1, 3600:3
And peaceable life – That we may have the peace of God ruling in our hearts, not fearing the hateful spirit of the world. R3600:3
|
| 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; |
God our Savior – Since God is the originator of the entire plan of salvation, from start to finish he is thus the Savior. R3172:3; E35
|
| 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. |
Who will have – Here is a salvation which is clearly unconditional and depends alone on the will of God. R630:2*
Not "desires," but who has willed or determined they shall be saved. R630:2*
No-one can make his word void: "My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure." (Isa. 46:10) R630:5*
Wishes. R5277:1
Desires. (Diaglott) R1781:6, 1253:3
And he wills to restore all who shall prove worthy. To prove who are worthy will be the object of the Millennial reign. R1125:4
All men to be saved – From Adamic death. R5801:4, 4629:2, 1359:2, 770:3, 753:1, 694:5, 412:6
Recovered out of the death state, the tomb. R5372:5, 630:3*; Q824:2; NS506:4
Saved signifies to deliver. R630:1*
Redeemed. R332:6, 4702:4
Because all were ransomed. R1265:2
A thing saved is a thing once possessed and then lost, and finally recovered. R603:2*
Recovered from the disadvantages of the fall. R4516:4, 4902:4, 493:5*
Saved from ignorance, blindness and deafness. E468; R1674:2
Saved from destruction, from the grave. HG351:2
The death of Christ secures for Adam and all of his race one full opportunity for salvation and no more than one. R4594:4, 4629:2
When the New Covenant shall be sealed and its beneficent arrangements inaugurated. R4364:6
Christ, a ransom for all (verse 6), is the explanation of this statement. R2127:3
While this Scripture teaches a universal salvation, yet there are other Scriptures which speak of the ultimate destruction of a certain class. In seeking to harmonize these we note that there are various salvations. R5372:2
When the testimony is given to all, some will accept and others will reject it. R691:5*
All who will be obedient shall be saved. R5301:2
To live. R623:2*
And – Then. R332:6, 753:1, 387:4
To come – During the Millennial age. T95; R2519:5, 2435:1, 2375:2, 2059:5, 1438:4, 1253:4, 1015:4
During the reign of The Christ. R331:5
God has made full provision for the enlightenment of all. R5301:2
Requires the awakening of the dead to bring them to a position where they can receive the knowledge. HG344:4
Unto the knowledge – Greek: "an accurate knowledge." R3279:5, 5372:5, 3023:6, 2059:5, 3243:3, 1311:4, 1273:4, 1180:4
Knowledge in general is not meant; nor a mere hearing of Christ and his work. R3127:1, 1311:3
All shall have fullest opportunity to make a choice between the law of God which leads to life, and the law of sin which leads to death. R1224:6
There can be no salvation without knowledge. None will ever be saved by ignorance. R5575:4
The wicked shall be brought to a full clear knowledge of the truth before being sentenced as wicked. R1106:4
Not until brought to the knowledge of the truth are any on trial for eternal life. R259:2, 630:3*
Bringing every member of Adam's race to a full knowledge of God and to full opportunity of recovery from sin and death. R5427:4, 5276:3, 4629:5
Thus all eventually are to have an opportunity for life everlasting. R2851:3
Even Sodom, a nation long since destroyed, shall come and worship. R497:5
Under the favorable circumstances of the reign of Christ. R412:6
Messiah will accomplish the blessing of humanity by the spread of the knowledge of Jehovah's character. R5575:4
Whether in Christian or heathen lands, all shall come to a knowledge of the truth. This knowledge will not be theoretical, for mankind will be brought to it through practical experience. R5186:5
The knowledge of the Lord shall fill the whole earth. (Isa. 11:9) E20; R1043:3*, 790:6
Includes restoration to mental and physical perfection for all who shall delight to serve and obey Him. R1166:6
They must know the truth before the truth can cleanse and sanctify them, and free them from the bondage of sin and death. R3243:2
Because God purposes that none shall perish because of ignorance or misunderstanding, He has made full provision for the enlightenment of all. R5301:2
Knowledge of truth is light, and Christ is "the true light, to lighten every man that cometh into the world." (John 1:9) R33:2*, 3475:6
|
| 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; |
There is one God – One just and merciful God--who cannot tolerate sin. R1618:3
Not three. R981:1; Q824:2
He accomplishes salvation through the Son. R3172:3
And one mediator – Greek, mesites, middle-man, reconciler, go-between. R787:1, 4340:6; Q824:2
The Scriptural usage of the word Mediator confines it to a Mediator of a Covenant between parties who are alienated. R4437:3, 4340:6
A mediator is one who interposes between two persons who are at variance, with a view to reconciling them. He is our Advocate now, and by and by he will be the world's Mediator. R3915:3
The Christ of glory, in the Millennial Kingdom; Christ the head, and the Church, his body, when the sacrificing is finished and the entire Church glorified. R5928:4, 4591:3, 4437:6, 4367:6; Q364:5
Jesus will not be the Mediator till the time the New Covenant is ushered in. Q468:2; R4437:5
No mediating can be done until the Mediator of "many members" has qualified for the office. That qualification consists of sacrificing according to a covenant of sacrifice. R5928:4
The members of the great Mediator will be associated with every feature of the work of mediating during the Millennium. R4515:5
Moses, as the Mediator of the Law Covenant, was a type of Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant. R788:4
The mediator Moses and his covenant had not power to grant mercy or justification, as can be done under the New Covenant by its mediator, Christ Jesus. R2150:4
At the close of the thousand years the Mediator steps out from between God and man and leaves the world exposed to the full demands of divine justice in letter and spirit. R4999:2, 5000:4
It is proper to speak of Jesus as Mediator now; to speak of the things which are not yet as though they were. This in no degree contradicts the thought that this Mediator is growing day by day--adding members. R4341:1
And men – Fallen, sinful men. R1618:3
The world of mankind. R4537:4, 4781:1, 4516:2
Church class not included; they share in the work of reconciling men to God. R4341:2, 4591:3, 4437:5
The man – Greek, anthropos, human being. R787:1
Not before he was made flesh, when he was a spirit being; and not since his resurrection, for he is a man no longer. R1228:2
"The Man who gave himself" seems to be the particular point--the anointed Jesus, who finished the giving of himself at Calvary, is the "Mediator between God and men." Q560:5
The merit, the value, all proceeded from the one man. R4536:4
The philosophy of the ransom is that all mankind were included in one man's sentence, to the intent that in due time the penalty of sin could be paid by the one sacrifice. R2713:1
He finished the sacrifice at Calvary. R4340:1, 4780:6
Refers to our Lord Jesus personally, and not at all to the church, his body. R4495:6
This points back directly to Jesus our Lord when he was a man. At his baptism he gave himself up, and God accepted him as the Mediator. But he did not do the mediating work there. Q451:7
Messiah; Michael the Archangel; the antitypical Melchizedek, Priest as well as King. R4715:3, 5031:2; Q422:3
Jesus has not yet done the mediating work; he is the one who purposes to do the work. Q467:4
Not a divine being; nor part human and part divine; but "made flesh." E95, E428; R1952:3
A perfect man had sinned. Only a perfect man could pay the price. Only a tested, proven, perfect man could be the world's ransom-price. R4535:6; SM660:1, 68:T
It was not the pre-existent one who shared the glory of life with the Father, but the one who became a man and gave himself a ransom. R106:3*
Christ Jesus – The word Christ signifies "the anointed." R5120:6
The name Jesus is but another form for Joshua, which signifies Deliverer. The name Christ is the Greek equivalent for the word Messiah. NS851:3
The Redeemer of the world. R4781:1, 5120:5
Adam's death-sentence was a real sentence, a genuine penalty, and the ransom by which we are made free from sin was a no less real sacrifice, which our Lord gave on our behalf. R2409:6
A perfect man, in the image and likeness of God, as was the first Adam originally. R5846:6
He was to surrender himself to death; this would be the basis upon which he might become the great Mediator between God and men, the great Restorer of mankind, the promised seed of Abraham that is to bless all the families of the earth. SM664:T
The death of the animal could at most only typify the death of the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all. (Heb. 10:1-10) R1724:2
|
| 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
|
Who gave himself – As the man Christ Jesus when he presented himself at Jordan and surrendered all to the Father's will. R4633:4, 4340:1
Finished at Calvary. R3710:1, 5873:2, 5046:6, 4864:1, 4747:2, 4633:4, 3106:6
When, on the cross, he cried, "It is finished." R4515:1, 5621:1
He died for our sins, the just for the unjust, for Adam and his race. R1230:6
Jesus humbled himself in becoming a man, and the object of so doing was to redeem man. R507:1
He surrendered perfect human life--to which he had a full right. R5621:1
His humanity, for "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor. 15:50). R507:4
All of himself, his human rights, privileges; the full equivalent of Adam's life and perfection. R1228:4, 5621:1, 776:2
He permitted the Jews to take away his life, but he had neither surrendered nor forfeited his right to life. R5621:2
By his willing sacrifice of himself for men he bought Adam and the entire race. R1278:3
He has not yet made application of this human life to Adam and his race, but has merely put it into the Father's hands. R5621:1
The giving of something for a particular purpose and then its application are two different things. Q391:3
Our Lord's sacrifice was necessary before he could mediate the New Covenant. R4515:2
He kept the Law perfectly, and additionally laid down his life sacrificially for Adam and his race. R5396:2
The Bible teaches universal redemption, not universal and eternal salvation. R5925:1
To carry out the program of atonement. E17
In accordance with the Father's plan. R1618:3
In loyalty, humility and obedience even unto death. E82
Christ was both Priest and Sacrifice, illustrated by the high priest under the law offering the beast--a lower nature--as a sacrifice for sin. R144:6*
A ransom – Signifies a price, as an equivalent. R4855:3, 3621:6, 726:3, 513:2, 432:5, 392:6, 324:4, 62:1*
A corresponding price, a substitute. R5822:4, 5152:4, 4734:4, 3694:4
Anti-lutron, a corresponding price. R5972:2, 5925:2, 5622:6, 5372:5, 5120:5, 4905:1, 4780:3, 4340:1, 3088:2, 2052:2, 2051:1, 1965:2, 1719:4, 1572:3, 1256:2, 1230:5, 1228:4, 1177:6, 1058:5, 709:5; SM658:2; Q657:3; A178; , E428
All of Jesus' disciples renounced their share in the ransom blessings that are coming to the world that they may have a share in a still greater blessing.
God will let the prisoners out of death because he "has found a ransom." (Job 33:24) E462
Webster's Dictionary: To redeem from captivity, punishment or forfeit, by paying an equivalent; to buy out of servitude or penalty; to rescue (by giving a ransom); to deliver (by giving a ransom), as to ransom prisoners from an enemy. R1590:2
The price paid to redeem from captivity or punishment. R689:6
To buy man back from death. R9:6
Human life (given by Christ Jesus) for human life (Adam) is the legal ransom. R62:1*
The object of the ransom was not to justify sin, nor to bring back the sinner to continue a life of sin, but to afford each an individual trial for life in hope that all might return to harmony and communion with God. R408:3
To ransom means, not only to purchase, but to receive or to recover the thing that is purchased. Q111:5; R867:3, 145:1*
The ransom-price was furnished by the man Christ Jesus. R4747:2
A price sufficient to ransom Adam and all his race. R5873:2; SM29:1; OV152:T
A Redeemer was necessary for Adam and his posterity, and Jesus became that Redeemer. R5284:6
God has not anulled the death sentence, but he has provided a ransom for all--to make possible the resurrection of Adam and his race. R5083:3, 5120:5; Q179:2
The basis of hope, for the Church and the world. R5822:2
Jesus was the only one who could be the corresponding price for Adam. R5622:6
He laid down his life during the three-and-one-half years. He applied it to the Church class when he appeared in the presence of God for us. He has not yet applied it for the whole world. R4747:2, 4633:4
A ransom is not applicable to fallen angels because they were not condemned to death. Q20:1
If the "ransom for all" is denied, then logically "times of restitution" to a former estate (Acts 3:19-21; Ezek. 16:55,61) must b R2639:6
This, from the divine standpoint, is the full offset to father Adam's transgression. SM306:2
The doctrine of the ransom is thus shown by the apostle to be fundamental to a proper conception and appreciation of God's character. R1583:4
A ransom was necessary to man's recovery from the Adamic condemnation. R1633:3; PD55/67; OV143:1
To admit that the ransom has been paid by Jesus' death is to admit that the penalty was death and that restitution is assured. R856:3
The church is not a part of the ransom-price. R4864:1
Because Christ gave his human nature as a ransom, his heavenly Father gave him the divine nature. R316:5*
The ransom is the center and essence of the gospel. R1877:5
For all – All the souls of the human family, who were begotten by Adam and Eve. R3063:2
Including the Sodomites and all other sinners. R1618:4
Not only Israel, but the entire race of Adam. R5003:3
In the sense that eventually its benefits will extend to every member of the Adamic race. SM663:1
This does not give or guarantee everlasting life or blessing to any man; but it does guarantee to every man another opportunity or trial for life everlasting. A150
This was the purpose lying behind the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. SM663:3
Through the resurrection, God has arranged to show his love for the world. R5166:3
He did not at once apply it for all, but merely for the Church, the household of faith. R4428:2, 4998:6
Has not yet been so applied. R4519:1, 4747:2
"That he, by the grace (favor, bounty, mercy) of God should taste death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) E451; R507:1, 42:2*
"For our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2) E328; F334; R33:2*
"Good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10) A131
To be testified – To all. R923:6, 632:4*
During the Millennial age. R4633:5
When the merit of Christ's sacrifice is applied on behalf of the world of mankind. R4637:3
To every man, that all will have the fullest opportunity to believe and thus to come into Christ and through him inherit eternal life. R1438:4; E420
The testimony began when Jesus brought life and immortality to light through his Gospel. R5354:4
To give the "knowledge of the truth" mentioned in verse 4, a work that began with our Lord. R2127:3
The full benefit of this ransom-price will not have been given until the work of the Millennial age shall have been finished. R4633:5
Upon God's terms, as God never intended to give his blessings to any but those who desire to be in harmony with him. R4633:5
To testify is to give testimony for the purpose of communicating to others a knowledge of something not known to them. R33:2*
In due time – God's due time for the testimony to reach the world evidently has not yet come. R5354:2; SM785:1
The knowledge of the Lord will fill the whole earth--during Messiah's mediatorial reign. R1425:4, 3915:3, 5372:5, 4780:6
God has a due time for everything. OV225:3; R659:1*, 545:1
For those who will be of the Church, the present is the due time to hear. OV225:3; R1337:4*, 691:5*
The knowledge and blessing flowing from his redemptive sacrifice shall be made effective to all who will accept this favor under the terms of the New Covenant. R2490:1
Millions of the race for whom Christ died will be brought to a knowledge of the truth after their awakening from death. R3016:6, 1478:5
During the Millennium, after our Lord's second advent. R3016:6, 4633:4, 3026:2, 3025:6, 1015:4; HG16:3;
Under the reasonable terms of the New covenant. E394
When the elect "little flock" have been exalted to reign with Christ in his Kingdom. R1585:6, 779:1
The due time for some is now, but the due time for the great majority of mankind is in the future--Messianic age. R5301:2; A105
The Church first, next the Great Company, the Ancient Worthies, and at the end of the Millennial age, the remainder of the race. R4633:6
God's love, held in abeyance, has bided its time to manifest itself to our race. R5979:1
"The desire of all nations shall come." (Haggai 2:7) R4715:6
The Scriptures never intimate that the Gospel age is the due time for the world to hear, and be blessed by Christ. R698:5
The telegraph, telephone, improved printing presses and rapid mail service will each have their part in testifying to all the ransom accomplished, the reconciliation possible, and conditions of the new covenant. R1155:3
When released from the condemnation of Adamic death and brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth, the masses of mankind will be on trial for everlasting life or everlasting death. NS310:4
|
| 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 faith and verity. |
Whereunto – The apostle himself was even then engaged in giving the testimony (of verse 6). R2127:3
I am ordained – Greek, tithemi, ("And he ordained twelve" Mark 3:14); "An apostle, not of men,r, who raised him from the dead." (Gal. 1:1) F276
And an apostle – Paul taking the place of Judas. R1148:4
Chosen and ordained of God. R1461:4
|
| |
|
| 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. |
|
| 9 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; |
Modest apparel – Clothing should be neat, comfortable and becoming, "decent" but not "costly." R874:1
|
| 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. |
With good works – The duties of Christian women wherein they find themselves when called, do not really conflict with other duties of the Lord's service. R1084:1*
|
| 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. |
Learn in silence – Adam, under God, was the teacher, and Eve the learner. And it was right and proper, in this instance at least, that the woman should "learn in silence with all subjection." R1549:5
There would be no violation of the Apostle's injunction in the sisters' taking part in a Berean study. R5922:5
|
| 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. |
Suffer not a woman – Who symbolizes the Church, is not to attempt to teach a man, who symbolically represents the Lord. F270
If women in the Church pray or prophesy, it should be with their heads covered. R2222:4
To teach – In the Church. T102; R4798:4
Sisters are not to teach in public. R5588:2
Meaning--"I never sanction a female elder in the Church." R4122:4
Literally, because she is a type of the Church; because it would make her masculine, and because of the generally larger approbativeness of the gentler sex. F265, F266, F267
Typically, because the Lord is the only teacher of the Body. F270
This should not be understood to hinder the sisters from participating in meetings not of the teaching kind (e.g., prayer and testimony meetings and Berean studies). F272
Usurp authority – Sisters might lead a Berean study if no consecrated or competent brethren are present. R5922:5
Over the man – Who symbolically represents the Lord. F270
It does not say a sister might not instruct sisters, or children. Q472:6
The woman is not to usurp the natural position of the man as leader and teacher, to take that attitude herself. R1550:3
In the Church, it would be improper for the woman to teach, implying the Church was teaching Christ. Q472:6
To be in silence – Greek, hesuchia, quietness. R1549:4
Quiet. R766:2*
Paul does not mean that a woman's lips must be forever sealed, that she may not declare the good tidings of great joy to others. R766:2*, 1076:2*
|
| 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. |
Adam was first formed – Authority to rule is naturally implied in the headship of the man. R1548:5
|
| 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. |
Adam – All the human race, from Adam down, came under condemnation through his wilful sin. R1005:5
There was no death in our race until the divine sentence fell upon Adam as the penalty for his sin. R2395:3
Was not deceived Wilfully shared Eve's disobedience, incurring its penalty rather than live without her. A123; E22; R1108:1; Q7:1
Adam knew that God had put a penalty of death on the eating of that food. Q706:T; CR425:2; E408
The sentence of death was pronounced because of father Adam's sin, which was committed with full knowledge. R5603:2, 4019:1, 2395:3, 871:3, 866:1; PT387:3*
Some today would likewise be willing to sacrifice their eternal interests for the joys and pleasures of earthly companionship. R3926:2
We could conceive of no other motive on the part of a perfect man in disobeying the Divine mandate, than that of love for his bride. Q741:4
Woman being deceived – Contrary to the teachings of many modern theologians. A61
It was not because mother Eve was deceived that the sentence came upon the world. R5603:2
Although deceived, she was a transgressor, though not so culpable as if she had transgressed against greater light. A123
|
| 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with sobriety. |
She shall be saved – Be relieved from much of the anguish incident to motherhood. R3032:4
|