1 Timothy 2:1-3: Pray for Everyone
2021-09-18
1 Timothy 2:1
In addition to seeking to edify others and correcting error in the church, Paul here exhorts Timothy to pray for all men. The apostle lists various words to describe different aspects of praying for others. Supplications and intercessions imply an intervening to God on the behalf of others. Jesus Himself intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father (Mediator); we ought to do the same for others. We also ought to give thanks. The Lord gave all men life, and we should be thankful for them. Therefore, Paul exhorts Timothy to encourage men to “pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” in a few verses (1 Timothy 2:8).
Praying for Your Leaders
1 Timothy 2:2-3
Now, this is very interesting that Paul tells Timothy to pray for all men, including “kings, and for all that are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:2). The reason why he would bring up this group of people is because they are most likely to be your enemy! Christians ultimately believe in another kingdom: “these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus” (Acts 17:7). Jesus’ kingdom is perceived as a rival kingdom. It is misunderstood, however, because no real Christian wants to overthrow the government, for our “kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Therefore, Christianity can be perceived as a threat by those in power.
Keep in mind, Paul is speaking of a lot of the officials in the Roman world, including an emperor who was considered divine. Paul would eventually be put to death by the emperor. Throughout the world today, many governments still persecute Christians. It is a fact of life: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). It is clear, even for these people who are often very wicked, that we should pray for them, intercede for them, and even be thankful for them. We want them to be saved.
There are a few purpose clauses as to why we pray for them. One is “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Because of the power that they have, they have a large degree of say as to how peaceable our lives are. While we know tribulation helps build us up (James 1:2-4), we should not be going out of our way to see it!
Praying for leaders “is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (1 Timothy 2:3). Pray for your enemies (Leviticus 19:16-18; Matthew 5:43-48)! We want them to be saved. Paul and James were both enemies of Christ, yet they both received mercy. Anyone can be saved if they just believe. What a difference it would make if our leaders all became Christians!