| Previous Verse |
1 Timothy 2:1 |
Next Verse |
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;
Note 1 at 1 Tim. 2:1: In the first chapter, Paul instructed Timothy to correct the false teaching that had begun to drift into the Ephesian church (1 Tim. 1:3-4). Paul now comes to the second set of instructions for Timothy: to set the public worship in order. Paul's instructions to Timothy are important and relevant for us today.
Note 2 at 1 Tim. 2:1: Paul's use of the phrase "first of all" signifies "of primary importance." Then he mentions different kinds of prayer. Prayer is what focuses our hearts and lives upon God. It is telling God that we love Him, need Him, and depend upon Him. Paul lists four types of prayer: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving.
First, there are supplications (see note 21 at Eph. 6:18, p. 1145). This word means, "to ask humbly, earnestly, or to beseech" (AH Dict.). It differs from other forms of prayer in that it petitions the Lord for a specific thing.
The second category is prayers. This can be a general term for all types of prayers, but it usually is a genuine conversation with God that is personal and specific. The Greek word used for "prayers" is PROSEUCHE and is used 37 times in the New Testament. It is never used any other way than to approach God. Prayer is not always asking God for something.
The third form of prayer is intercessions. The dictionary defines "intercessions" as "to plead on another's behalf." Intercession is basically supplication on behalf of someone else.
The fourth type of prayer that Paul advocates is thanksgiving. This is often overlooked, but it is a very important type of prayer. We cannot obtain the greatest potential of faith without thanksgiving (see note 25 at Col. 2:7, p. 1197). Just thanking and praising God is valid and vital prayer.
Note 3 at 1 Tim. 2:1: Paul now moves to the objects of prayer: who we should pray for. First, he says, "for all men"- for everybody, all mankind, all kinds of people. Since Christ died for all, all are to be prayed for.
Then, among all these people, Paul points out that we are specifically to pray for "kings" (see note 4 at v. 2) and "all that are in authority" (see note 5 at v. 2).
