1 Timothy 2:1–7 (ESV)
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is 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), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
As Americans, we live in a cultural context that is relatively free from persecution. Yes, our culture is becoming more and more post-Christian and the church is being pushed into the liminal spaces, which is to say that the church is no longer in the center of our culture but is now on the outside edges looking in (which is where we thrive by the way). However, in our country, we still enjoy the freedom to gather and to worship as we desire, and there is a window of opportunity in our post-covid pandemic experience where people are looking to connect with others in meaningful communities where they find purpose and meaning, where they are known and where they know others.
It’s also generally true that as a country, we are a people who are separated by a whole host of issues, and our governments often reflect, and at times, add wood to the fire of those issues that separate us. So we do have grounds to grouse and complain about different policies and practices, and we can acknowledge that are certainly things that are not right or even good in our governmental systems. But even still, we certainly enjoy a great deal of personal freedom to hold and express our passions, opinions, and practices. There are no secret police coming to take us away in the dark of night, and we are not forced to view governmental leaders as our saviors (although some make idols of those in leadership).
With that said, I confess, as I read this passage, it didn’t really grab my heart. But then I took a step back and remembered that at this point in the history of the Jewish people (and for a great deal of their history) the Jewish people have been persecuted and occupied by governments and conquerors. That thought puts a whole different understanding on this passage—especially when Paul urges prayer for all people including government officials and kings. Let’s be clear here. Paul is not asking for prayers to be made for the overthrow of these governments and kings but prayers of supplication, intercession, and thanksgiving. Why?
We are to pray this way so that the people of God may flourish and worship. We are to pray in this way so that the Gospel may increase and spread. That’s something that we read about in Jeremiah 29:7.
7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
ESV
That’s a stunning thing for Jeremiah to say to the Jewish people as they live in exile. What’s even more stunning is when you consider the word translated as “welfare” in the verse. The Hebrew word is shalom. It’s often translated as peace, but it’s not peace like our common understanding of the word “peace.” Here, shalom is peace with God. So the shocking thing that Jeremiah is asking the exiles to do is to pray for the city of Babylon, to pray for their conquerors, that they would come to know the Lord and have peace with Him!
That’s the heart of Paul as he calls people to pray for kings and people in high positions. Did you see it? It’s in verses 5 and 6 - a Gospel message. The heart of this passage is that everything is centered on Christ. The point of praying for governments and authorities, and anything for that matter, is so that all people may come to know, love, and follow Jesus. That’s the desire of God’s heart for all people, including those in authority over us.
It’s an interesting passage for us to consider. To help you put some flesh on it, let me ask you this; is there a boss, a supervisor, a police officer, an elected official, a government worker, or even a foreign king or government that you can be praying for this week?
Ask the Lord to help you see what He sees as you pray. Pray for them to come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord and that the Gospel would flourish under their leadership. I want to encourage you to take several days and focus your prayers in that direction. Ask God to help you have that vision as you pray. I think you’ll be amazed at how things will change around you, including your own thoughts and attitudes as you begin to see how God sees His creation including every person, who by the way, is stamped with His image.
God bless you and know that you are prayed for constantly.
Scott