1 Timothy 2:1-7

1: First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2: for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
3: This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4: who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 
5: For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
6: who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 
7: For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

*** 

Paul gave specific direction as to what he entrusted Timothy to do in Ephesus. First, was that prayers be made for all, including kings and all who are in authority. The destruction of Jerusalem was getting close, and many Jews looked down upon those in authority as tensions rose. Some Christians considered all non-Christians to be doomed. So, Paul encouraged them to pray for all, because Christ died for all and wishes everyone would come to the knowledge of truth. Paul instructed them to pray for those in authority so they might lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Prayers for those in authority affect everyone living under that authority. When godly leaders are in positions of authority, the godly will be free from persecution and free to serve God as He has called them to. We want the authorities in the land to support believers in Christ, not oppose them, and for this we must pray—for ourselves and future generations.

In addition to the peace which comes from prayers for our leaders, and more importantly, God is pleased when His people pray for those in authority over them, even when they are ungodly. God’s heart is for all to be saved. Jesus came and died for sinners. He is pleased when we put aside any anger, fear, or bitterness we might have toward our leaders and pray for them to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Paul said there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men—the man Christ Jesus. Jesus is the mediator for all of mankind, representing the entire human race before God. He died for all, gave Himself as a ransom for all. Paul confirmed this was why he was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. This was his call, the burning desire of his heart—to see everyone come to the Lord, to the knowledge of the truth.

We must not exclude those in authority when we pray, even if they are ungodly. Even if we think they are undeserving of God’s grace and mercy. It is good to pray for them so we may lead the godly life we’re called to in peace, and because God desires everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth—even ungodly leaders. He is pleased when we pray for them.


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