Keraia
1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2:2

A Call to Prayer · 1 Timothy 2:1–8
Read 1 Timothy 2

Translations

Modern
…for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
Traditional
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Literal
…for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Latin
…pro regibus, et omnibus qui in sublimitate sunt, ut quietam et tranquillam vitam agamus in omni pietate, et castitate:

Original

Greek
English
…for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Notes

1 Timothy 2:2

  • all those in authority: These are people with the power to either persecute or protect the church (see also Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17).

  • lead tranquil and quiet lives: The goal is not that Christians hide. The goal is to show the beauty of the good news about Jesus through Christian living. It is also important to continue the church's mission without unnecessary problems (see 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 3:13–17).

  • in all godliness: The word godliness and its related terms summarize the beliefs, attitudes, and lifestyles that align with true knowledge of God, obeying him, and genuine worship (also at 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:7–8; 5:4; 6:3, 5–6, 11).

1 Timothy 2:1–7

Here, prayer focuses on the church’s mission. This suggests that false teachers damaged the church's reputation in society and hindered its mission to non-Jewish people (see 3:6–7; 6:1; Titus 2:5).

1 Timothy 2:1–15

This passage first covers prayer and then the behavior of men and women (2:1–7; 8–10). It ends with the topic of women and teaching (2:11–15).

1 Timothy 2:1–3:13

Paul addresses how false teachers influenced behavior in God's household, the church (3:15). Corruption had influenced worship, roles related to gender, and leadership within this community (2:1–15; 3:1–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Glossary

Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Citizens: Duties of Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Elections Governing Intercession of Man with God Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: All in Authority Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Kings King: Prayer For, Enjoined Kings: should be Prayed For Magistrates: To be Prayed For Nation: Prayer for Peace Natural Life: should be Spent in Peace Peace: Results From: Praying for Rulers Peace: Social Praying for Government Presidents Rulers: Character and Qualifications of Rulers: Duties of Suing Someone Voting