1 Timothy 2:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 2:3 serves as a foundational theological declaration, providing the divine rationale for the preceding exhortation to pray for all people, including those in authority. This verse asserts that such comprehensive and intercessory prayer is inherently good and profoundly pleasing in the eyes of God, who is uniquely identified as "our Saviour," thereby linking the practice of prayer directly to God's redemptive character and universal salvific will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's earnest instructions regarding prayer in the Ephesian church. In [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Exhortation to Prayer for All People"), Paul urges that "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions." Verse 3 then introduces the divine motivation for this expansive prayer, using the conjunction "For" (Greek: *gar*), indicating that what follows explains *why* such prayer is commanded and crucial. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses, particularly [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved"), which elaborates on God's universal desire for humanity's salvation, thereby grounding the call to intercessory prayer in God's very nature and redemptive purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to Timothy, his protégé, who is ministering in Ephesus, a significant Greco-Roman city rife with diverse religious practices, imperial cult worship, and social hierarchies. The early Christian community often faced suspicion, persecution, or at least marginalization from the Roman authorities. In this context, Paul's command to pray for "kings and all who are in high positions" was counter-cultural, encouraging submission to and prayer for governing authorities, even those who might be hostile. This directive aimed to foster a peaceful and orderly environment for the spread of the gospel, as stated in [1 Timothy 2:2](/1_timothy/2-2 "1 Timothy 2:2 - Praying for Peaceful Living"). The emphasis on God as "Saviour" also resonated in a world where various deities and rulers claimed to offer salvation, subtly asserting the unique and ultimate saving power of the one true God.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within 1 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the **priority and efficacy of prayer**, particularly intercessory prayer for all humanity, as an act that aligns with God's will. Secondly, it highlights **God's universal salvific will**, foreshadowing the explicit statement in [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved") that God "desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." This theme is central to Paul's understanding of God's character. Thirdly, the identification of God as "our Saviour" emphasizes His **redemptive character and active involvement** in human history, setting the stage for the role of Christ as the "one mediator" in [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator, Christ Jesus"). This verse thus bridges the practical instruction on prayer with profound theological truths about God's nature and mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** This term, G2570, signifies something that is inherently beautiful, morally excellent, honorable, and virtuous. It suggests that the act of praying for all people is not merely functionally beneficial but is intrinsically pleasing and commendable in its very nature, possessing an aesthetic and ethical superiority in God's eyes.
* **acceptable (Greek, _apódektos'_):** Derived from G587, this word means "accepted," "agreeable," or "well-received." It conveys the idea that this specific type of prayer is welcomed by God, resonating with His character and will, and finding favor in His presence. It implies divine approval and a positive reception.
* **Saviour (Greek, _sōtḗr'_):** From G4990, this noun denotes a "deliverer," referring to God or Christ. Its use here emphasizes God's fundamental character as the one who rescues, preserves, and brings salvation. This title is crucial as it links the acceptability of prayer directly to God's ultimate redemptive purpose for humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this is good and acceptable":** The conjunction "For" (Greek: *gar*) explicitly connects this statement to the preceding command for comprehensive prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2), presenting it as the divine rationale. The phrase "this is good and acceptable" functions as a strong affirmation of the inherent value and divine approval of such prayer. It means that prayer for all people is not just a human duty or a beneficial social practice, but it aligns perfectly with God's moral and aesthetic standards, finding His full favor and delight.
* **"in the sight of God our Saviour":** This clause specifies the ultimate audience and approver of the prayer. It is not merely good in a general sense, but specifically "in the sight" (Greek: *enṓpion*, meaning "in the face of" or "in the presence of") of God Himself. The addition of "our Saviour" is profoundly significant. It identifies God by His redemptive character, implying that the prayer for all people is acceptable precisely because it harmonizes with God's own saving purpose for humanity. The title "our Saviour" also personalizes God's redemptive work, indicating that He is the one who has acted decisively to deliver His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The initial "For" acts as a **Purpose Clause** or **Reasoning Connector**, clearly indicating that the statement that follows provides the divine rationale for the preceding command to pray for all people. This structure emphasizes the theological grounding of practical instruction. The phrase "good and acceptable" uses **Double Adjectives** to intensify the divine approval, highlighting both the intrinsic moral excellence ("good") and the favorable reception ("acceptable") of such prayer in God's eyes. Finally, the appellation "**God our Saviour**" functions as a powerful **Theological Declaration** and a **Divine Title**. It is a concise yet rich statement about God's character, emphasizing His redemptive nature and setting the stage for the broader theme of universal salvation that permeates the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects the practice of prayer with the very character and will of God. It reveals that God is not a distant, indifferent deity, but an active "Saviour" who delights in the intercession of His people for the world, because such prayer aligns with His own desire for all humanity to experience salvation. The acceptability of this prayer is rooted in God's redemptive nature, making intercession a participation in His divine mission. It underscores that our prayers are not just petitions, but acts of worship that honor God by reflecting His heart for the lost and His desire for peace and order in society, which facilitate the spread of the gospel.
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for All to Repent")
* [Titus 2:10](/titus/2-10 "Titus 2:10 - God Our Savior in Good Deeds")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Presenting Requests to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Timothy 2:3 provides a powerful and enduring motivation for the believer's prayer life. It transforms prayer from a mere obligation into a deeply meaningful act of worship that actively participates in God's redemptive purposes for the world. Knowing that our prayers for leaders, for the lost, and for the peace of society are not only heard but are considered "good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour" should ignite a fervent and consistent spirit of intercession within us. This truth calls us to expand the scope of our prayers beyond our immediate concerns, embracing a global perspective that mirrors God's universal love. It reminds us that our intercession is a vital spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with the divine will, contributing to the conditions conducive for the gospel to flourish and for more people to come to the saving knowledge of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "our Saviour" impact your motivation and approach to prayer for others, especially those in authority or those who are not yet believers?**
* **In what specific ways can your personal or corporate prayer life better reflect the "good and acceptable" nature described in this verse, particularly in its breadth and focus?**
* **Considering that God finds such prayer "acceptable," what might be hindering your willingness or consistency in interceding for all people, and how can you overcome these barriers?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that God is called "our Saviour" in this verse?**

Answer: The designation "God our Saviour" is critically important because it grounds the command for universal prayer in God's very nature and ultimate purpose. It signifies that God is not merely a distant ruler, but the one who actively delivers and redeems humanity. This title foreshadows the explicit statement in [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved") about God's desire for all people to be saved. Therefore, when believers pray for all people, they are not just fulfilling a command, but aligning their desires and actions with the redemptive heart of God Himself. This title also appears elsewhere in Paul's writings, such as [Titus 2:10](/titus/2-10 "Titus 2:10 - God Our Savior in Good Deeds") and [Titus 3:4](/titus/3-4 "Titus 3:4 - The Kindness of God Our Savior"), consistently emphasizing His saving character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Timothy 2:3, in declaring that prayer for all people is "good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent expression of God's saving will and the perfect embodiment of the "Saviour" title. The very desire of God to save all people, which makes such prayer acceptable, is perfectly manifested in Christ's atoning work on the cross, where He gave Himself as a "ransom for all" ([1 Timothy 2:6](/1_timothy/2-6 "1 Timothy 2:6 - Christ, the Ransom for All")). Jesus is not only the object of our faith but also the ultimate intercessor, continually pleading for His people before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Furthermore, Christ's command to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")) is the practical outworking of God's universal salvific desire, making our prayers for all people a direct participation in the Great Commission, empowered by the very Spirit of Christ. Thus, the "good and acceptable" prayer described in this verse is intrinsically Christ-centered, flowing from His redemptive work and furthering His kingdom purposes on earth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.