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Pray for All People
1 Timothy 2:1-
In the second chapter of the letter, Paul introduces a new thought: prayer. Paul begins to consider how the church at Ephesus was to work together. First and foremost, their work involved cultivating the proper heart.
The Christians at Ephesus likely were praying people. But, for whom were they willing to pray? Paul states in general terms that prayers were to be offered on behalf of all people. Then, he specifies the consequences of this. Praying for all people would include praying for kings/government officials and Gentiles.
Being told to pray for all people was no small command for Timothy. He had been present for all the rejection the saints in Ephesus had suffered. The Jews hated them. The pagan worshippers of the goddess Diana hated them. Timothy and the rest of the saints could not go anywhere in the city and not feel animosity from their fellow Ephesians. These saints had many reasons to be hard-
Praying for all people was to stem from a proper understanding of the cross. The cross of Jesus is to shape our perspective of other people. Jesus died for all people. Jesus loves all people and desires everyone to be saved. As a church, the saints at Ephesus were to be working towards the salvation of their fellow man. They were to seek to make family from even their enemies. Praying for them would help focus their energies towards influencing them.
QUESTIONS
1. Why must prayers be offered for all people?
2. Why must prayers be offered on behalf of government officials?
3. How can prayer help our efforts to spread the Gospel as a local church?
4. How does the cross reshape our worldview?
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