1Ti 2:2-4 | JFB | STEP | 2. For kings-- an effectual confutation of the adversaries who accused the Christians of disaffection to the ruling powers ( ; ). all ... in authority-- literally, "in eminence"; in stations of eminence. The "quiet" of Christians was often more dependent on subordinate rulers, than on the supreme king; hence, "all ... in authority" are to be prayed for. that we may lead-- that we may be blessed with such good government as to lead ... ; or rather, as Greek, "to pass" or "spend." The prayers of Christians for the government bring down from heaven peace and order in a state. quiet-- not troubled from without. peaceable-- "tranquil"; not troubled from within [Olshausen]. "He is peaceable (Greek) who makes no disturbance; he is quiet (Greek) who is himself free from disturbance" [Tittmann]. in all godliness-- "in all (possible ... requisite) piety" [Alford]. A distinct Greek word, , expresses "godliness." honesty-- Greek, "gravity" ( , ), "decorum," or propriety of conduct. As "piety" is in relation to God, "gravity" is propriety of behavior among men. In the Old Testament the Jews were commanded to pray for their heathen rulers ( ; ). The Jews, by Augustus' order, offered a lamb daily for the Roman emperor, till near the destruction of Jerusalem. The Jewish Zealots, instigated by Eleazar, caused this custom to cease [Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 2.17], whence the war originated, according to Josephus.

‏ 1 Timothy 2:2-4

2. For kings--an effectual confutation of the adversaries who accused the Christians of disaffection to the ruling powers (Ac 17:7; Ro 13:1-7).

all ... in authority--literally, "in eminence"; in stations of eminence. The "quiet" of Christians was often more dependent on subordinate rulers, than on the supreme king; hence, "all ... in authority" are to be prayed for.

that we may lead--that we may be blessed with such good government as to lead ... ; or rather, as Greek, "to pass" or "spend." The prayers of Christians for the government bring down from heaven peace and order in a state.

quiet--not troubled from without.

peaceable--"tranquil"; not troubled from within [Olshausen]. "He is peaceable (Greek) who makes no disturbance; he is quiet (Greek) who is himself free from disturbance" [Tittmann].

in all godliness--"in all (possible ... requisite) piety" [Alford]. A distinct Greek word, 1Ti 2:10, expresses "godliness."

honesty--Greek, "gravity" (Tit 2:2, 7), "decorum," or propriety of conduct. As "piety" is in relation to God, "gravity" is propriety of behavior among men. In the Old Testament the Jews were commanded to pray for their heathen rulers (Ezr 6:10; Jr 29:7). The Jews, by Augustus' order, offered a lamb daily for the Roman emperor, till near the destruction of Jerusalem. The Jewish Zealots, instigated by Eleazar, caused this custom to cease [Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 2.17], whence the war originated, according to Josephus.

3. this--praying for all men.

in the sight of God--not merely before men, as if it were their favor that we sought (2Co 8:21).

our Saviour--a title appropriate to the matter in hand. He who is "our Saviour" is willing that all should be saved (1Ti 2:4; Ro 5:18); therefore we should meet the will of God in behalf of others, by praying for the salvation of all men. More would be converted if we would pray more. He has actually saved us who believe, being "our Saviour." He is willing that all should be saved, even those who do not as yet believe, if they will believe (compare 1Ti 4:10; Tit 2:11).

4. "Imitate God." Since He wishes that all should be saved, do you also wish it; and if you wish it, pray for it. For prayer is the instrument of effecting such things [Chrysostom]. Paul does not say, "He wishes to save all"; for then he would have saved all in matter of fact; but "will have all men to be saved," implies the possibility of man's accepting it (through God's prevenient grace) or rejecting it (through man's own perversity). Our prayers ought to include all, as God's grace included all.

to come--They are not forced.

unto the knowledge--Greek, "the full knowledge" or "recognition" (See on 1Co 13:12; Php 1:9).

the truth--the saving truth as it is in, and by, Jesus (Joh 17:3, 17).