Articles
Praying For All: Insights From 1 Timothy 2
Paul’s first letter to Timothy covers a wide range of topics. In chapters two and three, Paul instructs Timothy on how people ought to conduct themselves within the church (1 Timothy 3:15). He begins this discussion in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 by expressing his desire for the brethren to engage in prayer. Paul uses four terms to describe different aspects of prayer: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings (English Standard Version). These encompass various types of requests and petitions offered to the Father.
Supplications refer to “humble and earnest” (Merriam-Webster) requests made to God (Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 5:7). These are heartfelt and passionate pleas to God. Prayers can denote general petitions we bring before Him. Intercessions involve making those prayers on behalf of others. James would discuss the power and importance of prayers interceding on behalf of others (James 5:16). Thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude to God for His provisions (Daniel 2:19-23). Again, James would state that, “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,” (James 1:17). We should offer our thanksgiving to God, the source of all blessings.
Paul urges the brethren to bring these petitions before the Lord on behalf of all people, including “kings and all who are in high positions (v. 2, ESV). It’s important to consider the historical context in which Paul was writing: this letter was composed during the reign of Nero, who was severely persecuting the church. Even so, Paul instructs the brethren to pray for rulers like Nero. He writes, “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior” (v. 3).
God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11), and He “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (v. 4; 2 Peter 3:9). However, this must happen on God’s terms. His desire for all people to be saved coincides with His command for “all people everywhere to repent,” (Acts 17:30). We should be praying that people will “come to a knowledge of the truth,” and will repent of their sins as a result.
By offering supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings on behalf of everyone — even our enemies — we fulfill Jesus’ command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). If we follow Paul’s instructions, we not only strive to become “perfect as our Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), but we also lead a “peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v. 2).
So, brothers and sisters, let us humbly and earnestly bring our prayers before God on behalf of all people, offering Him our sincere thanks.
