1 Timothy 2:2
for kings and all those in authority--so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
for kings
The term "kings" in this context refers to the highest-ranking officials and rulers of the time. In the Greek, the word used is "βασιλεῖς" (basileis), which denotes sovereigns or monarchs. Historically, during the time of Paul's writing, the Roman Empire was the prevailing authority, with emperors like Nero in power. Despite the often oppressive and pagan nature of these rulers, Paul instructs believers to pray for them. This highlights the Christian call to intercede for leaders, regardless of their faith or moral standing, recognizing that God can work through any authority to fulfill His purposes.

and all those in authority
This phrase expands the scope of prayer beyond just kings to include all levels of governance and leadership. The Greek word "ἐν ὑπεροχῇ" (en hyperechē) suggests those who hold positions of prominence or superiority. In a historical context, this would include governors, magistrates, and other officials. The early church lived under a variety of political systems, and this exhortation underscores the importance of praying for peace and stability, which can be influenced by those in power.

so that we may lead
The phrase "so that we may lead" indicates purpose and result. The Greek "ἵνα διάγωμεν" (hina diagōmen) suggests a way of life or conduct. Paul emphasizes that the prayers for leaders are not just for their benefit but also for the well-being of the Christian community. This reflects a broader biblical principle that the welfare of believers is often tied to the peace and order of the society in which they live.

tranquil and quiet lives
The words "tranquil" and "quiet" are translated from the Greek "ἤρεμον" (ēremon) and "ἡσύχιον" (hēsychion), respectively. "Tranquil" implies a state of peace and calmness, while "quiet" suggests a life free from disturbance. Historically, Christians faced persecution and unrest, and these prayers for peace would allow them to practice their faith without fear. This reflects the biblical ideal of living a life that is undisturbed by external chaos, allowing for spiritual growth and community building.

in all godliness and dignity
The phrase "in all godliness and dignity" speaks to the character and conduct expected of believers. "Godliness" comes from the Greek "εὐσεβεία" (eusebeia), meaning piety or reverence towards God. "Dignity" is translated from "σεμνότης" (semnotēs), which implies seriousness and respectability. Together, these terms suggest a life that honors God and commands respect from others. The historical context of the early church, often viewed with suspicion, required believers to live in a way that reflected the transformative power of the Gospel, thus serving as a witness to the surrounding culture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance for church leadership and Christian living.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with overseeing the church and ensuring sound doctrine.

3. Kings and Authorities
Refers to governmental leaders and officials during the time of Paul, including Roman rulers and local authorities.

4. Ephesus
The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and significant political and religious influence.

5. Early Christian Church
The community of believers in the first century, navigating their faith under Roman rule and societal pressures.
Teaching Points
Prayer for Leaders
Christians are called to pray for those in authority, recognizing that their leadership impacts the peace and godliness of society.

Living Peacefully
The goal of such prayers is to enable believers to live tranquil and quiet lives, reflecting Christ's peace and dignity.

Godliness and Dignity
Our conduct should be marked by godliness and dignity, serving as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Respect for Authority
While earthly authorities are not perfect, respecting and praying for them aligns with God's command and acknowledges His ultimate sovereignty.

Impact of Christian Conduct
The way Christians live and interact with society can influence the perception of the Gospel and open doors for evangelism.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does praying for leaders and authorities align with God's sovereignty as described in Proverbs 21:1?

2. In what ways can living a tranquil and quiet life serve as a witness to non-believers?

3. How can we balance respect for authority with standing firm in our faith when governmental policies conflict with biblical principles?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives reflect godliness and dignity in our communities?

5. How do the teachings in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 complement Paul's instructions in 1 Timothy 2:2 regarding our relationship with authorities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 13:1-7
Discusses the Christian's responsibility to submit to governing authorities, as they are instituted by God.

Titus 3:1-2
Encourages believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work.

1 Peter 2:13-17
Calls Christians to submit to every human authority for the Lord's sake, emphasizing respect and honor.

Proverbs 21:1
Highlights God's sovereignty over the hearts of kings, indicating that He can direct them as He wills.
A Peaceable LifeW.M. Statham 1 Timothy 2:2
A Quiet LifeW.M. Statham 1 Timothy 2:2
Moral LovelinessW.M. Statham 1 Timothy 2:2
Aspects of the TimesW. M. Statham.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Christians Exhorted to Pray for the Queen and ParliamentT. Binney.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Gordon and Intercessory Prayer1 Timothy 2:1-2
Intercessory PrayerA. Rowland, LL. B.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Kings Over-Ruled by GodH. W. Sheppard.1 Timothy 2:1-2
On Intercession for OthersJ. Venn.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Pray for Those in Authority1 Timothy 2:1-2
Prayer for KingsI. Barrow.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Prayer for OthersG. Noel.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Prayer for OthersH. W. Beecher.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Prayer for RulersE. Payson.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Prayer for Those in AuthorityA. Bell.1 Timothy 2:1-2
Prayer for Those in Authority1 Timothy 2:1-2
Praying for OthersA. Plummer, D. D.1 Timothy 2:1-2
The Duty of Prayer for All Who are in Eminent PlaceJ. K. Foster.1 Timothy 2:1-2
The Duty of Public Intercession and Thanksgiving for PrincesF. Atterbury, D. D.1 Timothy 2:1-2
UniversalismR. Finlayson 1 Timothy 2:1-7
People
Adam, Eve, Paul, Timothy
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Authority, Behaviour, Calm, Dignity, Fear, Godliness, Godly, Gravity, Holiness, Honesty, Including, Kings, Lead, Order, Peaceable, Peaceful, Piety, Places, Positions, Quiet, Respectful, Reverence, Serious, Station, Tranquil
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Timothy 2:2

     5058   rest, spiritual
     5257   civil authorities
     8265   godliness
     8305   meekness

1 Timothy 2:1-2

     4065   orderliness
     5219   authority, human institutions
     6705   peace, experience
     7735   leaders, political
     8243   ethics, social
     8328   quietness
     8611   prayer, for others
     8736   evil, warnings against

1 Timothy 2:1-3

     8456   obedience, to authorities

1 Timothy 2:1-4

     5003   human race, and God
     6615   atonement, necessity
     8245   ethics, incentives

1 Timothy 2:1-7

     5005   human race, and redemption

1 Timothy 2:2-3

     5326   government

1 Timothy 2:2-4

     1175   God, will of

Library
Where and How to Pray
'I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.'--1 TIM. ii. 8. The context shows that this is part of the Apostle's directory for public worship, and that, therefore, the terms of the first clause are to be taken somewhat restrictedly. They teach the duty of the male members of the Church to take public, audible part in its worship. Everywhere, therefore, must here properly be taken in the restricted signification of 'every place of Christian assembly.'
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Salvation by Knowing the Truth
It is quite certain that when we read that God will have all men to be saved it does not mean that he wills it with the force of a decree or a divine purpose, for, if he did, then all men would be saved. He willed to make the world, and the world was made: he does not so will the salvation of all men, for we know that all men will not be saved. Terrible as the truth is, yet is it certain from holy writ that there are men who, in consequence of their sin and their rejection of the Savior, will go
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

Seventeenth Day for Kings and Rulers
WHAT TO PRAY.--For Kings and Rulers "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgiving, be made for all men; for kings, and all that are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity."--1 TIM. ii. 1, 2. What a faith in the power of prayer! A few feeble and despised Christians are to influence the mighty Roman emperors, and help in securing peace and quietness. Let us believe that prayer is a power that is taken up
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Colossians 3, 12-17. 12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the Word
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart, and a Good Conscience, and Faith Unfeigned. "
[It is extremely probable that this was one of the probationary discourses which the author delivered before the Presbytery of Glasgow, previous to his ordination. The following is an extract from the Record of that Presbytery: "Dec. 5, 1649. The qlk daye Mr. Hew Binnen made his popular sermon 1 Tim. i. ver. 5 'The end of ye commandment is charity.'--Ordaines Mr. Hew Binnen to handle his controversie this day fifteen dayes, De satisfactione Christi."--Ed.] 1 Tim. ii. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which Christian Love...
We shall not be curious in the ranking of the duties in which Christian love should exercise itself. All the commandments of the second table are but branches of it: they might be reduced all to the works of righteousness and of mercy. But truly these are interwoven through other. Though mercy uses to be restricted to the showing of compassion upon men in misery, yet there is a righteousness in that mercy, and there is mercy in the most part of the acts of righteousness, as in not judging rashly,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The First Lie.
"Ye shall not surely die."--GENESIS iii. 4. I.--WHO WAS THE FIRST LIAR? The old serpent, the devil, called elsewhere "the father of lies." But he had not always been a liar; he had fallen from a position very eminent, teaching us not to measure our safety by our condition. The higher we are elevated, the more dreadful the fall. Some of the most degraded vagrants were cradled in comfort, and have wandered from homes of splendour. Perhaps the vilest of the vile once were ministers of the Gospel.
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Believe and be Saved
It is the Holy Spirit alone that can draw us to the cross and fasten us to the Saviour. He who thinks he can do without the Spirit, has yet to learn his own sinfulness and helplessness. The gospel would be no good news to the dead in sin, if it did not tell of the love and power of the divine Spirit, as explicitly as it announces the love and power of the divine Substitute. But, while keeping this in mind, we may try to learn from Scripture what is written concerning the bond which connects us individually
Horatius Bangs, D.D.—God's Way of Peace

Introduction to Expositio Fidei.
The date of this highly interesting document is quite uncertain, but there is every ground for placing it earlier than the explicitly anti-Arian treatises. Firstly, the absence of any express reference to the controversy against Arians, while yet it is clearly in view in §§3 and 4, which lay down the rule afterwards consistently adopted by Athanasius with regard to texts which speak of the Saviour as created. Secondly, the untroubled use of homoios (§1, note 4) to express the Son's
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Protevangelium.
As the mission of Christ was rendered necessary by the fall of man, so the first dark intimation of Him was given immediately after the fall. It is found in the sentence of punishment which was passed upon the tempter. Gen. iii. 14, 15. A correct understanding of it, however, can be obtained only after we have ascertained who the tempter was. It is, in the first place, unquestionable that a real serpent was engaged in the temptation; so that the opinion of those who maintain that the serpent is only
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Substance of Some Discourse had Between the Clerk of the Peace and Myself; when He came to Admonish Me, According to the Tenor of that Law, by which I was in Prison.
When I had lain in prison other twelve weeks, and now not knowing what they intended to do with me, upon the third of April 1661, comes Mr Cobb unto me (as he told me), being sent by the justices to admonish me; and demand of me submittance to the church of England, etc. The extent of our discourse was as followeth. Cobb. When he was come into the house he sent for me out of my chamber; who, when I was come unto him, he said, Neighbour Bunyan, how do you do? Bun. I thank you, Sir, said I, very
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

And not Without Just Cause a Doubt is Raised...
14. And not without just cause a doubt is raised, whether he said this of all married women, or of such as so many are, as that nearly all may be thought so to be. For neither doth that, which he saith of unmarried women, "She, that is unmarried, thinkest of the things of the Lord, to be holy both in body and spirit:" [1973] pertain unto all unmarried women: whereas there are certain widows who are dead, who live in delights. However, so far as regards a certain distinction and, as it were, character
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

An Admonition to them who Come to visit the Sick.
They who come to visit ihe sick, must have a special care not to stand dumb and staring in the sick person's face to disquiet him, nor yet to speak idly and ask unprofitable questions, as most do. If they see, therefore, that the sick party is like to die, let them not dissemble, but lovingly and discreetly admonish him of his weakness, and to prepare for eternal life. One hour well spent, when a man's life is almost out-spent, may gain a man the assurance of eternal life. Soothe him not with the
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Extent of Atonement.
VI. For whose benefit the atonement was intended. 1. God does all things for himself; that is, he consults his own glory and happiness, as the supreme and most influential reason for all his conduct. This is wise and right in him, because his own glory and happiness are infinitely the greatest good in and to the universe. He made the atonement to satisfy himself. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Fifth Commandment
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Exod 20: 12. Having done with the first table, I am next to speak of the duties of the second table. The commandments may be likened to Jacob's ladder: the first table respects God, and is the top of the ladder that reaches to heaven; the second respects superiors and inferiors, and is the foot of the ladder that rests on the earth. By the first table, we walk religiously towards God; by
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
1. Accordingly Simon would not suffer Matthias, by whose means he got possession of the city, to go off without torment. This Matthias was the son of Boethus, and was one of the high priests, one that had been very faithful to the people, and in great esteem with them; he, when the multitude were distressed by the zealots, among whom John was numbered, persuaded the people to admit this Simon to come in to assist them, while he had made no terms with him, nor expected any thing that was evil from
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
AS certainly as we are here now, it is not long but we shall all be in another World, either in a World of Happiness, or else in a World of Misery, or if you will, either in Heaven or in Hell. For these are the two only places which all Mankind from the beginning of the World to the end of it, must live in for evermore, some in the one, some in the other, according to their carriage and behaviour here; and therefore it is worth the while to take a view and prospect now and then of both these places,
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of the Holy Scripture, So Far as Every Christian must Competently Know, and Necessarily Believe, that Will be Saves.
Although no creature can define what God is, because he is incomprehensible (Psal. cxliii. 3) and dwelling in inaccessible light (1 Tim. vi. 16); yet it has pleased his majesty to reveal himself to us in his word, so far as our weak capacity can best conceive him. Thus: God is that one spiritual and infinitely perfect essence, whose being is of himself eternally (Deut. i. 4; iv. 35; xxxii. 39; vi. 4; Isa. xlv. 5-8; 1 Cor. viii. 4; Eph. iv. 5, 6; 1 Tim. ii. 5; John iv. 24; 2 Cor. iii. 17; 1 Kings
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
Considering that under the existing conditions of humanity, disease, and decay, and death abound on every side, it is surprising that the word "immortality" obtained a place in systems of philosophy, the authors of which must be supposed to have been unacquainted with divine revelation. It is not surprising that in the absence of such aid the belief of immortality should not have been firmly held, or that by some philosophers it should have been expressly disavowed. Even in the Canonical Scriptures,
James Challis—An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections against the universality of Christ's death are easily solved
PROPOSITION VI. According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections against the universality of Christ's death are easily solved; neither is it needful to recur to the ministry of angels, and those other miraculous means which they say God useth to manifest the doctrine and history of Christ's passion unto such, who, living in parts of the world where the outward preaching of the gospel is unknown, have well improved the first and common grace. For as hence it well follows that some of
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Preacher as an Apostle.
Gentlemen, in the two last lectures we have investigated two of the principal sources--perhaps I might say the two principal sources--of a minister's power--his manhood and his Christianity. These may be called the two natural springs out of which work for men and God proceeds. Out of these it comes as a direct necessity of nature. If anyone is much of a man--if there be in him much fire and force, much energy of conviction--it will be impossible for him to pass through so great an experience as
James Stalker—The Preacher and His Models

The Christian Prayer
Scripture references: Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-13; John 17; Matthew 26:41; Mark 11:24,25; Luke 6:12,28; 9:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:17,25; 1 Corinthians 14:13,15; Psalm 19:14; 50:15, Matthew 7:7; 1 Timothy 2:1; Ephesians 3:20,21; John 16:23; 14:14; James 5:16. THE PROVINCE OF PRAYER Definition.--Prayer is the communion of man with God. It is not first of all the means of getting something from God, but the realization of Him in the soul. "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

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