13 September 2021
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-8, (NRSV)
In his letter to Timothy, Paul gives some advice on how Christians are to live as citizens of the Greco-Roman Empire. At this time, the cult of the Emperor meant that the people should worship the Emperor as a divine being. Paul’s advice is that prayers should be offered to God for those in positions of authority. The people are to accept their leaders in the sense that they have a civic authority, but their prayers are to be to God rather than to gods. Paul’s hope was that such prayer would bring about a situation in which the Christian community could live peacefully. Having himself been saved by God through the mediation of Christ, Paul wanted this great gift for all people.
- How do you suppose Paul’s advice was received?
- Is it a duty of Christians to pray for those in positions of authority?
Pray for Christians who are oppressed and not free to give witness to their faith.
