Scripture Daily

Context No. 3429 of 4322 · 1 Timothy

Context · Reflection

1 Timothy 2:1-7: in context

1I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men, 2for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time, 7to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Paul urges that prayers and thanksgivings be made for all people, including kings and those in authority, so that God's people may lead peaceful and godly lives. Prayer is to reach even to rulers, whatever their character, for the good order that lets the gospel go forward.

And the reason reaches into the very heart of God: this is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. God's saving heart is wide; he wants all to be saved, and so our prayers should be wide too, stretching even to those far from him and those over us. And there is one way open to all: there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all. Our prayers and our hope are meant to reach as wide as God's own desire, that all might come to the one Savior.

Do my prayers reach as wide as God's own heart, which desires all people to be saved, including those in authority and those far from him?

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