I Timothy 2:8

Introduction:

As we compare a few different translations, we will notice that there is not much difference in the readings from version to version:

NIV

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing

NASV

Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath or dissension.

KJV

I will therefore that man pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

NKJV

I desire therefore that the man pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Context of this passage

     Verses 1-7 dealt with worship and doctrine

     Verse 8 – deals with the responsibility of men to pray

     Verse 9-15 – deals with the role of women within the church

Verse 8 could be labeled as a transitional verse because it serves as a conclusion to the argument of verses 1-7.

The best way to examine this verse is by breaking into pieces and looking at each piece.

“I will therefore that men” – The Apostle Paul had a strong desire for the men to occupy their proper place of leadership within the church, including the practice of prayer.    Men are specifically mentioned here as opposed to women because it is their particular responsibility to lead the church and its worship service. This is not a generic reference to mankind, but rather a specific reference to men. By using this term, Paul is clearly expressing his apostolic authority.

“pray” – Prayer could be named as the most important part of public worship.  Different cultures had different methods or manners of posture during prayer, interestingly enough, there are several postures of prayer referred to in the Word of God:

1)      Outstretched hands – I Kings 8:22

2)      Kneeling – Daniel 6:10

3)      Standing – Luke 18:11

4)      Sitting – II Samuel 7:18

5)      Bowing the head – Genesis 24:26.

6)      Lying prostrate – Genesis 17:3

The posture of the body is not as important as the posture of the heart. 

Hindrances to prayer include

1)      Sin

2)      Anger

3)      Quarreling

Things that should accompany our prayers

1)      Holiness

2)      Love

3)      Peace

“everywhere” – Several different views exist on the use of this word.

1)      Some would say that this refers to every place where believers meet.

2)      Some would say that this refers to universally every place.

3)      Some would say that this refers only to places within Ephesus where the believers met.

“lifting up holy hands” – this reference to holy or clean hands is a reference back to the Old Testament where hands were to be ritually cleansed before sacrificing to God.  The hands are the part of the body associated with prayer, a prime agent for human activities, that with which a person acts.  Clean hands have also been referred to as being symbolic of a blameless life. 

“without wrath and doubting” – we cannot pray together unless we are on good terms with each other.  This is a contrast to the “holy hands” expression.  Some believe that the false teachers that Paul was refuting here in the Pastoral Epistles were guilty of anger and disputing, thus the reference in this verse.  Doubting suggests that we pray in faith.  The word here used for wrath or anger is specifically referring to anger towards people. 

Practically, what can we take away from this lesson?

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