Therefore, I exhort, first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2)for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (3)For 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 between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6)who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time, (7)for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle – I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying – a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
(8)I desire therefore, that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting;
The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to Timothy. Paul had left Timothy in charge of the Christian church at Ephesus thinking that he would return soon but Paul’s plans (God’s plans for Paul) changed. Timothy was a young Christian convert who was facing error -perhaps early Gnostic heresy – compromise and confusion; questions challenging his authority; bitter hostility of the Jews in Ephesus and dangers from pagan worship, (Ephesus was the location for the temple of Artemus, not just a prominent heather goddess but also a valuable commercial attraction).
In chapter two of this pastoral letter and in the verses we study today, Paul addresses the subjects that led to writing of this letter: respecting christian worship and the duty of intercessory prayer and thanksgiving to God. Prayer should pervade our lives – all kinds of prayers for all kinds of people. God can do anything – no one is too far gone True prayer as a sense of need and involving a deep desire. Paul implies that prayer should be a conversation with God and involves access to God. Thanksgiving should always be a part of prayer – thankful for favors in the past and confidence in the future. Paul urges us to pray for those in authority that we might live in peace and quiet in godliness and honesty. Such a life pleases God who wants all men to be saved. Christ died for all and salvation is for all but only those who accept it are saved.
There is but one God – remember in ancient days there was much polytheism. Belief in one God is a basic tenet of Christianity and Judaism. Christianity contines this and teaches that Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man. Christ is the bridge between God and humanity.
Today’s verses don’t mean that the church at Ephesus was neglectful of the duty of prayer, just that Paul placed prayer in a position of prominance. Paul reminds the readers of this letter that he was appointed by God as an apostle and he has the authority to convey this message. It was not his opinion but God’s word. Paul also meant for the Christians at Ephesus to accept Timothy’s authority as Paul’s appointed man.