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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - 1 Timothy 2:8 - 2:8
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
I will - The active wish, or desire, is meant.
that men - rather as Greek, “that the men,” as distinguished from “the women,” to whom he has something different to say from what he said to the men (1Ti 2:9-12; 1Co 11:14, 1Co 11:15; 1Co 14:34, 1Co 14:35). The emphasis, however, is not on this, but on the precept of praying, resumed from 1Ti 2:1.
everywhere - Greek, “in every place,” namely, of public prayer. Fulfilling Mal 1:11, “In every place ... from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same ... incense shall be offered unto My name”; and Jesus’ words, Mat 18:20; Joh 4:21, Joh 4:23.
lifting up holy hands - The early Christians turned up their palms towards heaven, as those craving help do. So also Solomon (1Ki 8:22; Psa 141:2). The Jews washed their hands before prayer (Psa 26:6). Paul figuratively (compare Job 17:9; Jam 4:8) uses language alluding to this custom here: so Isa 1:15, Isa 1:16. The Greek for “holy” means hands which have committed no impiety, and observed every sacred duty. This (or at least the contrite desire to be so) is a needful qualification for effectual prayer (Psa 24:3, Psa 24:4).
without wrath - putting it away (Mat 5:23, Mat 5:24; Mat 6:15).
doubting - rather, “disputing,” as the Greek is translated in Phi 2:14. Such things hinder prayer (Luk 9:46; Rom 14:1; 1Pe 3:7). Bengel supports English Version (compare an instance, 2Ki 7:2; Mat 14:31; Mar 11:22-24; Jam 1:6).