1 Timothy 2:2

“For kings”: This term was used for Roman Emperors; it was also used for the highest governors in some of the provinces, such as King Herod. The Roman Emperor at the time of this letter was Nero. Both Jeremiah (1 Timothy 19:7) and Ezra had commanded the Jewish people to pray for their conquering heathen rulers. “God Himself has given to human rulers this authority (Romans 13:1 ff), and Christians can assist them by prayer. It is significant that Paul singled out for special mention. group of persons who might be the most easily hated by Christians. These were the days of the infamous Nero. The administrators in most areas did not wholeheartedly protect Christians. Consequently, believers had learned to fear the power resident in their governments. But lest that fear become hatred, Paul urged the antidote-prayer” (Kent p. 102).

1 Timothy 2:2 “And all who are in authority”: This covers all the lesser officials under the Emperor.

1 Timothy 2:2 “So that”: One of the purposes of such prayers.

1 Timothy 2:2 “We may lead. tranquil and quiet life”: The term “tranquil” indicates tranquility arising from without, while “quiet” indicates. tranquility arising from within. Thus there is nothing selfish or wrong about praying for an absence of persecution and. life that is free from outward disturbances that hinder our worship. In addition, such. peaceful condition would also benefit the entire country and all citizens including Christians. We need to pray that rulers would have the wisdom to see that Christians are good for. country and are not. threat.. tremendous amount of our lives is affected by the policies and plans of those in authority, we cannot have the attitude that whatever government. am under does not affect me. “Paul believed that prayer made. definite difference in national affairs and brought about conditions favorable to the furtherance of the Gospel” (Hiebert p. 53). Such peace would include the absence of war, revolution, rebellion and persecution.

1 Timothy 2:2 “In all godliness and dignity”: Peaceful times are not. reason to sin or indulge in temptation; rather they are times in which one can serve God and their fellowman effectively. “Godliness” can be defined as. Godward attitude resulting in always doing what is pleasing to God. The term “dignity” means “reverence, seriousness, respectfulness and holiness” (Arndt p. 747). “It is. quality of life that earns respect” (Reese p. 48). “It never forgets the reverence due to God; it never forgets the rights due to men; it never forgets the respect due to self. It lives forever conscious of duty human and divine. It describes the character of the man who never fails God, man, or himself” (Barclay p. 70).

Thus the prayer is that government officials would create policies that enable the Christian to serve both God and man. “The duty of government is to protect men's God-given rights. It is not the government's prerogative to determine by vote what is right. God has already settled that” (Reese p. 48).