I Timothy 2

“... that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (2). Paul wanted believers to pray for the authorities to leave them in peace, so that they could worship God and witness to the “one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ” (5). Writing to Timothy in Ephesus (1:3), where the goddess Artemis was traditionally worshipped, Paul urged men and women to behave with propriety and modesty so that nothing would distract from the gospel (8-15).

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved” (4). Displays of anger (8) or obsessing about appearances (9) won’t change our hearts or society; our only source of abundant life is Jesus.