v1: "First of all", since prayer must be given its proper priority. Prayer was being neglected, or misunderstood, or distorted. Paul described four types of prayers;

• Requests (supplications); specific requests for specific needs;
• Prayers; a general attitude of prayerfulness;
• Intercessions; prayer on behalf of others; and
• Thanksgiving; a grateful attitude.

These four words are all in the plural, indicating a commitment to frequent prayer.

v2: Praying for all those in authority; we may apply this to parents, teachers, police and other local persons having authority and responsibility, as well as national and international leaders. This reflects the need to respect all in authority.

The reason for such prayer, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. Is the growth in lawlessness a reflection of our prayerlessness?

Notice too that, in Scripture, leaders have an important place; for example, when a leader was killed, a battle was lost, such as Absalom, and Abimelech. The well-being of Judah and Israel followed the state of the leader.

v3: Prayer pleases God. If this were the only reason for praying, then we must do it. The phrase "God our Saviour" is used in 1.1.

v4: Prayer promotes the spread of the gospel. The ultimate aim of prayer is that all kinds of people be saved. But Paul's words go beyond this, that they might "come to a knowledge of the truth." The word knowledge (EPIGNOSKO) indicates a deep knowledge, including discernment and contemplation; Paul had in mind maturity of spiritual character, not just large numbers claiming to be Christians. See also 4.3.

Paul also refers to "the truth", since there is only one truth, the body of doctrine which we believe.

v5: Having exhorted Timothy to teach his people to pray, Paul explained the basis of prayer. We pray because we have a mediator, God become man, Jesus Christ. He is the only mediator. We pray because we know the mediator, we have a knowledge of this truth.

There is a link between temporal authority (v2), and the greatest authority. God has all power in His hands. Through Christ Jesus, we are brought into contact with this power.

v6: Prayer is possible because the ransom has been paid, bringing us into relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

v7: Paul's calling and ministry, to proclaim the truth of salvation in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 1.11). The message and the power are of God; Paul was thus appointed and empowered for this work. This is the one true faith.

v8: Men and women should pray everywhere; with holy hands, a clear conscience, a life of integrity. Prayer demands an attitude consistent with prayer.

Avoid anger, the enemy of unselfish prayers; avoid disputing, the enemy of believing prayers.

v9-10: The women's appearance was to be decent, consistent with good works. She should be adorned with propriety and moderation, characterised by godliness and good works. Women are tempted more than men with respect to their appearance; they should therefore be careful to display their inner beauty, rather than draw attention to their outer appearance.

v11-15: God's order in the church; men are to have authority and to teach; women are submissive when the man is teaching. The word "quietness" (or silence) indicates peace of heart, without rebellion, having a willingness to learn. The woman is forbidden from exercising authority over the man, and therefore must not assert herself. Paul's reason, since the woman (Eve) was first deceived, although Adam was formed first.

God has great things for the woman who submits to authority. She will be saved, enjoying God's purposes in her life, especially as a mother.

It is not without significance that Paul goes on to describe the character of men of authority (in chapter 3), since men have a responsibility to earn respect as well as receiving respect.