William Burkitt Notes and Observations - 1 Timothy 2:1 - 2:1

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - 1 Timothy 2:1 - 2:1


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Observe here, 1. The duty which Timothy is exhorted to take care of, and that is, of the duty of public prayer. I exhort thee, that supplications, prayers, and intercessions, with thanksgivings, be publicly made: prayer being a special and principal part of public worship, the minister of God must be assiduous and constant in it; deprecating evils threatened, supplicating for mercies wanted, interceding on the behalf of others, and giving thanks for blessings received.

Observe, 2. For whom we are to pray in general, for all men. Because we cannot pray acceptably for ourselves, if we pray only for ourselves; this is the noblest exercise of charity, and which God has put in the power of the poorest man upon earth to exercise: Let supplications and prayers be made for all men.

Observe, 3. For whom we are more especially and in the first place to pray: for kings, and all in authority, who then were pagans and persecutors.

Mark, He says not for lawful and rightful kings's but for such as have the pre-eminence and power in their hands, for all power is of God, And the powers that be, are ordained of God, Rom_13:2

But why first for kings?

Because they are such great instruments of good to mankind, because they most want our prayers, as they encounter with more difficulties, are exposed to more dangers, and are liable to greater temptations, than other men.

Observe, 4. The arguments which the apostle offers to engage us to this duty, That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty; that is, that we may be secured in the quiet and peaceable possession of our civil rights and interests, and that we may be protected in the free exercise of our religion, and in the practice of godliness; for though no prince can take our religion from us, if we resolve to keep it, yet they may disturb us in the quiet and peaceable enjoyment of it; and therefore it is our interest as well as our duty to pray for kings, and all that are in authority.