1 Timothy 2:6
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ransom language derives from the slave market and prisoner redemption. A ransom was the price paid to free slaves or captives. Christ's death paid the price to free sinners from slavery to sin and Satan (Mark 10:45). This wasn't payment to Satan (who has no legitimate claim on humans) but satisfaction of divine justice—sin's penalty must be paid, and Christ paid it for those who believe.
The phrase "for all" must be understood within Paul's consistent theology. He taught that Christ died for "the church" (Ephesians 5:25), "His people" (Matthew 1:21), and "the sheep" (John 10:11, 15)—specific individuals God chose for salvation. Yet Christ's death has universal sufficiency and the gospel offer extends to all. These truths aren't contradictory but complementary: Christ's death fully accomplishes salvation for the elect while being sufficiently valuable for all who believe.
"In due time" may refer to the inauguration of gospel age after Christ's resurrection and ascension, when apostles proclaimed His work globally. It may also suggest continuing testimony throughout church history until Christ returns. God's timing is perfect—Christ came at the right time (Galatians 4:4), and gospel proclamation unfolds according to divine schedule as churches faithfully witness to all nations (Matthew 24:14).
Questions for Reflection
- In what practical ways does your life reflect Christ's self-giving pattern rather than self-centered living?
- How does understanding the universal sufficiency of Christ's ransom affect your evangelistic confidence and efforts?
- What opportunities has God given you to testify about Christ's ransoming death, and how faithfully do you use them?
Analysis & Commentary
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Paul describes Christ's mediatorial work: He "gave himself" (dous heauton, δοὺς ἑαυτόν)—voluntary self-sacrifice. No one took Christ's life; He laid it down willingly (John 10:18). This self-giving was "a ransom" (antilytron, ἀντίλυτρον), a compound word intensifying lytron (λύτρον, ransom or redemption price). The prefix anti suggests substitution—Christ as substitute ransom, dying in sinners' place.
This ransom was "for all" (hyper pantōn, ὑπὲρ πάντων). The preposition hyper can mean "on behalf of" or "in place of." Christ's death has sufficient value for all humanity—it can save anyone who believes. This doesn't mean all are saved (universalism) but that Christ's atonement has universal sufficiency, though particular application to those who believe. The gospel offer extends to all; Christ died for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 5:9).
This truth is "to be testified in due time" (martyrion kairois idiois, μαρτύριον καιροῖς ἰδίοις)—witnessed or proclaimed at the proper times. "Due time" refers to God's appointed seasons for gospel proclamation. The verb martyreō (μαρτυρέω) means to bear witness or testify, implying both the gospel's truth and the responsibility to proclaim it. Christ's ransom must be announced so people can believe and be saved.