1 Timothy 2:1
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jewish prayer tradition included specific prayers for rulers and civil authorities, recognizing that stable government enabled peaceful practice of religion. Jesus commanded His followers to pray for enemies and persecutors (Matthew 5:44), radically expanding prayer's scope beyond those naturally loved. The early church continued this practice, praying even for Roman emperors who increasingly persecuted Christians.
The variety of prayer types Paul lists likely reflects established worship patterns in early churches. These weren't merely spontaneous, individual prayers but structured corporate worship including petition, praise, intercession, and thanksgiving. The emphasis on prayer "first of all" indicates its priority in church gatherings—not merely preliminary routine but central activity.
In Ephesus, a cosmopolitan city with diverse populations and religions, the call to pray for "all men" would have clear application. Christians were to pray not only for fellow believers but for pagan neighbors, governing authorities, business associates, and even those hostile to the faith. This demonstrated Christianity's universal scope and loving character, contradicting accusations that it was a narrow, exclusive sect.
Questions for Reflection
- What proportion of your church's corporate gatherings is devoted to prayer, and does this reflect prayer's "first of all" priority?
- How regularly do you pray for those outside your natural affinity groups—political opponents, religious skeptics, cultural enemies?
- How balanced is your prayer life across supplication, worship, intercession, and thanksgiving rather than focusing primarily on requests?
Analysis & Commentary
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; Paul transitions to corporate worship instructions with "I exhort" (parakaleō, παρακαλέω)—strongly urge or appeal. The word "therefore" connects these instructions to preceding themes: sound doctrine should produce godly practice, including proper prayer. "First of all" (prōton pantōn, πρῶτον πάντων) indicates priority, not necessarily chronological order—prayer holds primary importance in church gatherings.
Paul lists four types of prayer:
Together these cover the full range of prayer—petition, worship, intercession, and thanksgiving.
Remarkably, these prayers are to be "for all men" (hyper pantōn anthrōpōn, ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων)—not merely fellow believers but all humanity. This universal scope reflects God's universal love (John 3:16) and His desire that all be saved (2:4). Christians pray for enemies, persecutors, unbelievers, and those in authority, demonstrating kingdom values that transcend natural human divisions and animosities.