1 Timothy 2:3, 4 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Having begun the chapter by urging prayer for all sorts of people Paul goes on to say why he is urging this activity and what it is in the character of God that lies behind this. So firstly he urges prayer for peace that leads to godliness because (for) This is good, and pleases God our Saviour. When peace prevails and godliness flourishes then that is good in itself, everybody benefits, and it is pleasing to God our Saviour. That is what he wants. In fact God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth which no doubt means that God wants all sorts of people to be saved and to know the truth rather than that he wants every individual to be saved, which would surely contradict his purpose in election. Of course, there is a sense in which he does want all people to be saved as there is never any pleasure in God in the death of the wicked. It is interesting to note the way being saved and coming to a knowledge of the truth are linked here. They are clearly parallel. You cannot be saved without coming to a knowledge of the truth. Pastors must recognise what pleases God and so do all that they can to promote godliness. They must be concerned to see all sorts of people saved too, reaching out in many directions. They must also understand that it is as people get to know the truth that they are saved and so they will be preaching the truth at all times.
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