The Role of Praying Men (1 Timothy 2:8)

 

William Cowper: What various hindrances we meet, In coming to the mercy seat!

  1. Men are to pray.
    • 2:8. The word used here is for men as distinct from women. The women are to pray too – Acts 1:14; 1 Cor.11:5. But Paul is emphasising that men should lead in public prayer. This is the universal sacrifice of praise all over the world – Malachi 1:11.
    • often with hands lifted up – Ps.134:2. On one occasion David prayed sitting down – 2 Sam.7:18. There are references to kneeling down – Dan.6:10; Eph.3:14. See Solomon in 1 Kings 8:22, 54.
    • Calvin: ‘To lift up our hands, I say, is not important in itself but it serves a purpose that is good, helpful and indeed necessary … And since we have no wings to fly to heaven, when we raise our hands it is a sign that we must be lifted in spirit heavenward by faith.’
  2. Men are to be holy in praying.
    • contrast Isa.1:15. See Ps.66:18. Hence Ps.24:4; James 4:8.
  3. Men are not to be angry or quarrel.
    • no anger disputing (NASB, ESV [quarrelling], NIV) or it could be anger and doubting (NKJV, Patrick Fairbairn).
    • 1 Peter 3:7; Matt.5:22-24; Mark 11:25.