1 Timothy 2:3

For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

For {G1063} this {G5124} is good {G2570} and {G2532} acceptable {G587} in the sight {G1799} of God {G2316} our {G2257} Saviour {G4990};

This is what God, our Deliverer, regards as good; this is what meets his approval.

This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Context

1 Timothy 2:3 serves as a foundational statement, explaining why the preceding instructions are vital. Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy in Ephesus, has just urged the church to engage in comprehensive prayer for all people, including kings and all who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). This verse succinctly states that such prayer is not merely a suggestion but aligns with God's very nature and purpose.

Key Themes

  • God's Pleasure in Prayer: The phrase "good and acceptable" underscores that comprehensive, intercessory prayer is deeply pleasing to God. It reflects a heart aligned with His universal love and desire for humanity.
  • God Our Saviour: Identifying God as "our Saviour" is profoundly significant. It sets the stage for the following verses, which elaborate on God's desire for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. This aspect of His character motivates and validates the call to widespread prayer for all humanity, as He is actively working for their redemption.
  • Divine Approval: This verse affirms that engaging in such prayer is not just beneficial for society but also meets with divine approval, making it a crucial component of faithful Christian conduct and worship.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "good" here is kalos, implying something that is inherently beautiful, morally excellent, and honorable. It's not just functionally good, but aesthetically and ethically superior in God's sight.
  • The term "acceptable" is apodektos, meaning "well-received," "pleasing," or "agreeable." It conveys the idea that this kind of prayer is welcome in God's presence, resonating with His character and will.
  • The title "God our Saviour" (Theos Soter hemon) emphasizes God's redemptive character. This title also appears elsewhere in Paul's letters, such as Titus 2:10 and Titus 3:4, reinforcing His active role in bringing salvation to humanity.

Practical Application

This verse provides powerful motivation for believers to engage in consistent and broad prayer. It reminds us that our prayers for leaders, for the lost, and for peace are not in vain but are actively "good and acceptable" in the eyes of the God who desires salvation for all. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that His will is for all to be saved, and our prayers participate in creating conditions conducive to that salvation. For individuals and churches, it reinforces the priority of intercession as a core aspect of their mission, aligning their earthly efforts with God's eternal purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 13:16

    But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

  • 1 Timothy 1:1

    ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, [which is] our hope;

  • Romans 14:18

    For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

  • 1 Peter 2:20

    For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

  • Colossians 1:10

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    ¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

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