Verse 7
whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
The definite and emphatic missionary outreach of these first seven verses is supported by 1 Timothy 2:5-7, the "all men" of 1 Timothy 2:4 being inclusive of the Gentiles specifically mentioned here. The reason that "all men" were to be publicly prayed for by the church (including the Gentiles, of course) was stated in the Christology of 1Tim. 2:5,1 Timothy 2:6. Since there is but one God, the God of all people; and since there is but one mediator between God and all mankind, the church should diligently pray for all people, especially in view of God's willingness and desire that none should perish but that all should come "to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).
Come to the knowledge of the truth ... Some deductions of the most far-reaching nature come to view in a passage like this. People do not already have "the knowledge of the truth," absolutely demanding that those who are to be saved must first be taught the truth. This whole paragraph is keyed to Paul's command that prayers be offered in all congregations for all people.
Be the first to react on this!