Question 1

Why does Paul tell believers to pray for kings and all in authority?

Accepted Answer

Paul tells believers to pray for kings and all in authority because their decisions affect everyday life. Even when rulers are not friendly to the faith, Christians are to bring them before God. The goal is not to gain power, but so that believers “may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” When leaders govern in ways that allow peace and order, it gives space for godly living and for the message about Jesus to spread. Praying for leaders also reflects trust that God rules over every human authority.

Question 2

What does it mean that God wants all men to be saved?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says God “will have all men to be saved,” he is showing God’s wide, kind heart toward people. God does not delight in anyone being lost. This line points back to the call to pray for all kinds of people, from rulers to ordinary folks. It means the offer of salvation is not limited to one group, nation, or class. Some understand this as all types of people, not every single person without exception. Either way, it shows we should not write anyone off, but pray and share the truth with them.

Question 3

What is meant by one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus?

Accepted Answer

The phrase “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” means there is only one person who stands in the middle to bring God and people back together. Because of sin, there is a gap between us and God. Jesus, who is both truly God and truly man, bridges that gap. As man, he can stand with us; as God, he can truly bring us to the Father. This rules out other supposed go-betweens. Our access to God, our prayers, and our hope for forgiveness all rest on Jesus and what he has done.

Question 4

How did Christ give himself a ransom for all?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says Christ “gave himself a ransom for all,” he is saying that Jesus willingly gave his life to pay the price needed to free people from the power and penalty of sin. A ransom is the cost paid to release someone who is held. Jesus’ death is that cost. The phrase “for all” shows the reach of his work, matching the call to pray for all people. The offer of salvation is open and real. Yet, this ransom is received through coming to the knowledge of the truth and trusting in Christ.

Question 5

Why does Paul stress different kinds of prayers in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul mentions “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks” to show that prayer is wide and varied. Supplications are specific requests for needs. Prayers is a general word for talking to God. Intercessions are prayers made on behalf of others, even those who oppose us. Giving of thanks is remembering and thanking God for his mercy and help. By listing these, Paul teaches that the church’s prayer life should cover all kinds of people and all kinds of needs, always mixed with gratitude, not just requests.

Question 6

What does it mean to live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty?

Accepted Answer

Living a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty means living in calm, not stirring up trouble, and being free from constant outward conflict. It does not mean hiding your faith, but practicing it without needless strife. Godliness is a life that honors God in worship, choices, and heart. Honesty here points to dignity and moral seriousness, not pretending or double living. Paul links this kind of life with praying for rulers, because stable and just rule helps believers live this way openly.

Question 7

Why does Paul say men should pray everywhere lifting up holy hands?

Accepted Answer

Paul’s words about men praying everywhere, lifting up holy hands, show that prayer is not tied to one special place. Believers can pray in many settings. The lifted hands picture open, earnest prayer to God. Calling them “holy hands” points to a clean life, not just a physical action. Hearts and lives should be turned from sin as people pray. Paul adds “without wrath and doubting,” showing that prayer should not be mixed with anger toward others or a distrustful, quarrelsome spirit, but with faith and peace.

Question 8

Why does Paul mention wrath and doubting in connection with prayer?

Accepted Answer

Paul warns against “wrath and doubting” in prayer because these attitudes clash with true trust in God. Wrath points to anger and grudges, even fighting within the church. Doubting can mean arguing and disputing, or a divided, skeptical heart. If someone comes to God in prayer while holding onto bitterness or always wanting to argue, it undercuts the spirit of humble faith. Paul wants prayer to match God’s peaceful purpose, so he calls for hands and hearts free from these things when believers come before God.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about how the church should view all kinds of people?

Accepted Answer

This passage teaches that the church should have a wide, open-hearted view of people. Since prayers are to be made “for all men” and God desires all to be saved and to know the truth, no group is outside the concern of the church. This includes those in power and those far from God. The reminder that Christ is the ransom for all and the teacher of the nations shows that the good news crosses every social and ethnic line. So believers should pray for, and be ready to speak to, all kinds of people.

1 Timothy 2:1

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

A Call to Prayer

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1 Timothy 2:1

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

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