This post contains a brief email exchange between Bill Fiess and Zane Hodges concerning 1 Timothy 2:1-4, especially why believers are urged to pray for kings and all who are in authority so that they may lead quiet and peaceable lives.
Presented here as archived correspondence, the exchange records Hodges’s concise response on the relationship between peaceful civil conditions, the well-being of God’s people, and the long-term progress of the gospel.
From: Bill Fiess
Sent: Apr 14, 2008 6:08 PM
To: Zane Hodges
Subject: 1 Tim. 2:1-4
Zane,
Here is a brief question concerning 1 Tim. 2:1-4.
In verse 2, Paul is urging us to pray for “kings and all who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” But what is the reason for this?
Is Paul just suggesting that we pray for a life without civil turmoil? I know that one well known Bible teacher suggested that the reason was that in such an peaceful environment the gospel could go forth more effectively [where he cited verses 3 and 4]. But I am not sure about that – because it seems often that the gospel takes more root in situations where there is great civil unrest and even opposition against it. I’m not sure if I see the real connection between verses 1-2 and verses 3-4.
Thanks for your insight on this.
Bill
From: Zane Hodges
Date: 4/15/2008 10:34:35 AM
To: Bill Fiess
Subject: Re: 1 Tim. 2:1-4
Bill,
It seems to me that long term the gospel prospers better in a peaceful USA than in a country with internal turmoil. Besides God cares about his people having peace.
Zane
Document type: Email Q&A
Date: April 2008
Topics: 1 Timothy 2:1-4; prayer for rulers; government authorities; peaceful lives; the gospel