First To Timothy A.D. 62-63 (1 Timothy 1:1-2) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (RSV)

1 Timothy 2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

1 Timothy 2 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. (ESV)

The Importance of Prayer “First of all, then,…” This is a continuation of the message that Paul introduced in the first chapter. Paul is encouraging Timothy to be diligent in teaching sound doctrine. Prayer is part of this. This is not a reference to time, but to position. Prayer played utmost importance in the life of Christ. Luke 5:16 – “But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (ESV) Luke 22:39 – “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.(Luke 22:39 ESV)

The Importance of Prayer This is not a reference to time, but to position. Prayer played utmost importance in the life of Christ’s apostles and disciples. Consider Peter in Acts 10. Consider the number of times that Paul mentioned his prayers in the epistles he wrote to Christians in the 1st Century. Romans 1:8 1 Corinthians 1:4 Ephesians 1:16 Philippians 1:3-4 Prayer needs to be of utmost importance in our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “…pray without ceasing.”

Four Forms of Prayer Supplications The words supplication and prayer are often used together. Although just slightly different in meaning, supplications seems to point toward a specific need and one that is urgent. Examples: Christ Hebrews 5:7 – “In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.” David (Psalm 51) Ezra (Ezra 9) Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:14-19) We will have specific needs at various times in our lives – physical, emotional, spiritual or otherwise.

Four Forms of Prayer Prayers Prayer can be both generic and specific, and the context is what defines it. In this instance, prayer is indicating a normal request that is based upon recurring needs. Since these are recurring needs, we need to be ready at all times to pray. Paul includes prayer with the full armor of God that we should put on to protect ourselves from the devil and to spread the gospel. (Ephesians 6:16-20) Philippians 4:6 Examples: Matthew 6:11-13: “ Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (ESV)

Four Forms of Prayer Intercessions It is the appearance of one on behalf of another. We know that we have intercessors before God on our behalf. Holy Spirit: Romans 8:26-27 Christ: Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25 Examples: James 5:14-16 Acts 8:9-24: Simon the Sorcerer Acts 12:1-5: The church on behalf of Peter Romans 15:30-33 Ephesians 1:15-23

Four Forms of Prayer Thanksgiving Expressing gratitude and thanks for “God’s grace, mercy and all blessings that flow so abundantly from His hands.” (Patton) Colossians 4:2 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Paul is a great example of one who was thankful, particularly for his fellow Christians. (Romans 1:8, Philippians 1:3-5)

The Object of our Prayers All men Our prayers are not limited, but should include all men. Ourselves, our physical family, including our Christian family, our friends, strangers and enemies If you consider the divisions that were present during the 1st century, this was not an easy command. Divisions were present based upon… Social Status Economic Status National Status Religious Differences

The Object of our Prayers Kings and Men in Authority Paul makes a specific application in this passage for prayers to be offered for those persons in leadership or authority. Rulers in the government are there by the authority of God. Romans 13:1-7 1 Peter 2:13-14 Governments were designed to serve the people of their nation by providing them with protection from without and within. We can please God by praying – supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving – for those in positions of authority.

The Object of our Prayers Kings and Men in Authority Paul makes a specific application in this passage for prayers to be offered for those persons in leadership or authority. Rulers in the government are there by the authority of God. Romans 13:1-7 1 Pete 2:13-14 Governments were designed to serve the people of their nation by providing them with protection from without and within. We can please God by praying – supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving – for those in positions of authority.

The Purpose of our Prayers The purpose or intended result of our prayers for the authorities is dramatic in the life of a Christian. In Peace and Quiet There are two words here, but they have very similar meanings. One indicates more of peace from without while the other indicates peace from within. This kind of peace provides a better atmosphere for the spreading of the gospel of peace. In Godliness and Dignity It is possible to live godly in a wicked world. (2 Peter 2:7-10) However, peaceful conditions are more conducive for Christians to live holy, respectful and honorable lives.

Sources for 2nd Chapter Truth Commentary on 1st Timothy by Marshall Patton Outline from 1st Timothy by Mark Copeland