What does 1 Timothy 2:2 mean?

The prior verse encouraged prayers for "all" people. Here, Paul additionally specifies human rulers and authority figures. Paul spoke elsewhere of the importance of submitting to governing authorities (Romans 13), though he himself was often incarcerated for his missionary work. In this verse, his focus is on prayer for kings. Christians in Ephesus likely thought of politicians in the same way we do today. The natural tendency is to complain about governing leaders and see them as enemies rather than to pray for them and seek to help them come to faith in Christ. Paul sought to correct this approach by commanding prayers for governing leaders.

One practical result of praying for governing leaders is the hope of living in peace without persecution. Christians are to seek a peaceful and quiet life, not a boisterous presence known for harassment of governing leaders. Prayer offers a way to do this. Further, a peaceful life (Galatians 5:22–23) allows believers to live in a godly and dignified way. This practice, in contrast with the false teachers Paul mentions throughout 1 Timothy, reveals a key difference between genuine followers of Christ and all others. Prayer for "all people," paired with a godly, dignified or honorable life, stands out in a way that pleases God (1 Timothy 2:3).