“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people . . . This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom for all…” 

1 Timothy 2:1-6 

Paul writes to Timothy and the church in Ephesus, concerned to stamp out false teaching. Instead of ‘vain discussion’ and becoming divided, the church should rather be praying for all people because such prayers please God. As Tim Chester puts it “Paul’s concern is to show that the gospel is not just for those inside the church but for the world outside”.(1) 

This plea from Paul is based here on two great truths: 

1 There is one God 

The exclusive claims of God are challenged today as never before.We even have an Anglican priest who has converted to Hinduism saying he would be “amazed” if his Hinduism “was treated with any suspicion by episcopal authority”. He goes on: “all religions are cultural constructs. I am acting out God’s story in local (Indian) terms” (2). But biblical teaching states: “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other” Isaiah 45:22. God is no cultural construct but the God of heaven and earth to whom all must submit and ultimately give account. 

2 There is one mediator 

Many believe there are many ways to reach God. The Bible says that we cannot reach God, but rather he reaches us in the person of Jesus who is the only way to God. God desires all people to be saved and Jesus’ death is a ransom payment sufficient for all. Making him known is essential, but it is God who gives life and we need to pray he will do so. 

These convictions are also a motivation for people who are involved in church planting around the world, because they are keen that all people should have the opportunity to respond to the good news of Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Christ Church Central in Sheffield describes itself: ‘a church for people who don’t go to church’, very much in tune with the prayer that Paul enjoins and which pleases God

references:

1 The Message of Prayer (BST) IVP 2003

2 Church Times 8/9/2006 

  Crosslinks magazine January 2007 index