St. Paul urges that we pray for “all people,” but especially “for kings and all who are in high positions.” Some people interpret this to mean that we should always support the government – even when they are wicked or acting illegally. St. Paul himself would be executed by Caesar just a few years after writing this letter to St. Timothy. So would St. Peter. And for nearly three hundred years, Christians would suffer periods of persecution under various emperors of Rome. And yet we are to pray for them. Certainly, this is a continuation of our Lord’s instruction that we pray for our enemies, and even love them (Matt 5:44). We love our enemies by seeking their repentance, not by joining in their wickedness, not by taking part in their crimes, not by supporting them in their governance. For “God our Savior… desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” St. Paul understands this better than anyone, as he was a person of authority who was persecuting Christians. He came to the knowledge of the truth. He was saved from what he truly deserved for his sins. Just like the rest of us. Indeed, the apostle points himself out as an example, and adds, “I am telling the truth, I am not lying.”
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