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. (1 Tim 2:1-2)
A supplication is an entreaty offered for release from some trouble, a prayer is a request for good things, an intercession is a charge against wrongdoers. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic lords of this age, against the spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places. For right judgement against these we make our appeal, and we beg righteous assistance. Thanksgiving is offered to God for the good things already won.
Now, he urges them to do this for all people since Christ Jesus also came into the world to save sinners. It was very wise of him to include what is common to all people lest anyone take the prayer for kings as flattery. Since at that time godless people held power and enemies of religion were in the public eye, he brings out the reasonableness of prayer being made for them. With them keeping the peace, we share the tranquility and keep the laws in quiet godliness. He associated reverence with piety to emphasize that faith requires actions; for a similar reason those of the Jews who were captives in Babylon wrote to those left behind in Judea to offer prayer for Nebuchadnezzar and his son Belshazzar. The divine apostle recommends prayers be offered on their behalf not only for this reason but also that they give up godlessness and acquire piety in its place.
A supplication is an entreaty offered for release from some trouble, a prayer is a request for good things, an intercession is a charge against wrongdoers. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic lords of this age, against the spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places. For right judgement against these we make our appeal, and we beg righteous assistance. Thanksgiving is offered to God for the good things already won.
Now, he urges them to do this for all people since Christ Jesus also came into the world to save sinners. It was very wise of him to include what is common to all people lest anyone take the prayer for kings as flattery. Since at that time godless people held power and enemies of religion were in the public eye, he brings out the reasonableness of prayer being made for them. With them keeping the peace, we share the tranquility and keep the laws in quiet godliness. He associated reverence with piety to emphasize that faith requires actions; for a similar reason those of the Jews who were captives in Babylon wrote to those left behind in Judea to offer prayer for Nebuchadnezzar and his son Belshazzar. The divine apostle recommends prayers be offered on their behalf not only for this reason but also that they give up godlessness and acquire piety in its place.
Theodoret of Cyrus, “The First Epistle to Timothy”
1 comment:
Steve Finnell,
Does your comment have a point besides promotion of your blog?
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