The apostle Paul lived in a time and place where the existing political and religious powers were antagonistic and oppositional to his message of the Gospel, to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and to the message of the Kingdom of God that was not, as Jesus said, "of this world."
It's true that Paul gave thanks for the Pax Romana, and the brief historical window this provided for sharing the Gospel. But still his sufferings, at the hands of politicized Jews and Gentiles, were many. He lists some of them in 2 Corinthians 11:21-29.
Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
Given this atmosphere of anti-Christian persecution, it strikes me as amazing that Paul writes these words, in 1 Timothy 2:1-4:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Let's add Jesus's command in Matthew 5:43-48.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
What a challenge it is, at least for me, to follow this command of Jesus, and Paul's counsel to Timothy! This takes the agape love of Jesus to another level. I am old, and still learning this Jesus-way of praying.
If you want to take these things to heart, here are some resources that may help.
Blessings!
JP
***
From Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), the ministry I got saved in. Prayer Guide: How to Pray for Our Country's Leaders.
From World Vision. How to Pray for Your Government Leaders.
From Kenneth Copeland Ministries. A Prayer for Our Government.
From the Navigators. Praying for Nations and Leaders in a Time of Difficulty.
From Logos.com. Five Bible Passages About Praying for Those in Authority.
From Focus on the Family. 30 Days of Prayer. (See especially days 21-30.)
From K-Love. Eight Prayers for Your Leaders.
From Billy Graham Association. How to Pray for Our Leaders.
