1 Timothy 2:1-2 -- On Prayer, Authority, Peace, and Rebellion

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
1 Timothy 2:1-2


This is interesting, instructing us to pray for people in authority so that we can pursue quiet and peaceable lives. :) I think this generally applies to us today as well, even though Paul seems in this chapter and a few others to be specificially reacting to certain practices in Corinth, where the women seem to have been advocating for equal rights by not wearing veils. Perhaps it was a big concern of the time, and Paul comes down on the side of upholding the traditional practice.

Whether or not the specific reasons make sense to us now, just like some of the practices in the Old Testament seem archaic, and we don't still practice animal sacrifice as they did in ancient times, even in the Book of Mormon, I think the general idea here is, pray for those in authority rather than just choosing to rebel against authority. It doesn't mean that those in authority are always right, but it is better in most cases to pray for them and to humble ourselves to be in obedience to them so that peace can be maintained... just as Christ chose to pay taxes even though he seems to have believed that the practice was unjust (Matthew 17:24-27).

There are exceptions and times when we should absolutely rebel, of course, and times in the scriptures where this particular rule was broken, just as with any other rule, but as with any other advice from God, we should seriously consider the rule and pray about it, being willing to follow it, before we assume that we are exceptions.

Today, let's pray for those in authority, even when we disagree with them, and think seriously about whether any of our ideas of rebellion are worth disturbing the peace, and whether God supports us in our rebellion, before acting on it. God has changed the world for the better, and continues to do so... but he knows the timing. Let's listen to his advice and be willing to do his will and let some injustice stand if he has more important things for us to attend to. Let's work to change the world through prayer first, and only start an uprising when God has our backs. :)