2:2a

for kings and all those in authority: In 2:1 Paul said that people should pray for everyone. Here in 2:2 Paul became more specific and said that believers should especially pray for people in positions of authority. Paul probably wanted the believers to ask God to help government officials to govern justly. When the authorities govern well, it is much more likely that people can live “peaceful and quiet lives,” as Paul mentioned in 2:2b.

kings: Notice that Paul used the plural form of the word for “king.” So he was not referring only to the Roman emperor (who ruled over all the countries in the Roman empire), but also to other rulers under the Emperor’s authority. For example, people called Agrippa a king, even though he was under the authority of the Roman emperor (Acts 25:13).

all those in authority: Paul wanted believers to pray not only for kings, but also for everyone who had authority in the community. This refers to government rulers and includes people like district officials and village chiefs—anyone who has been appointed or elected as a leader of the community.

General Comment on 2:2a

Paul uses the expression “kings and all those in authority” to include everyone who was involved in governing people in any way or who was responsible for making sure people acted peacefully. It is important that you also communicate that all rulers are included from the most important ones to the lower officials.

2:2b

so that: The Greek word hina that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that shows the result of 2:2a, that is, the result when people in authority govern justly.

tranquil and quiet: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tranquil and quiet are very similar in meaning. They both refer to a way of life that is calm and orderly. In this context, Paul meant that if believers prayed for those in authority, then no one would cause trouble for the believers. They would be free to tell other people about Christ, to meet with other believers, and to worship God.

2:2c

When government officials govern justly, it is much easier for believers to obey God’s laws. They are able to meet together to worship God. They can tell also others freely about Christ because they do not fear that they will be persecuted or imprisoned.

godliness: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as godliness refers to the way people behave when they respect God.

dignity: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as dignity could also be translated as “proper conduct,” “respect for God,” and “honesty.” This word also occurs in 3:4b.

It could be translated as:

to act in the right way
-or-
to act as one ought

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.