1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Commentary

As we approach the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, Christians are given a mandate for rulers: we are to pray for them. We are to give thanks for them. No matter what your political position, followers of Jesus Christ are to pray for God's blessing upon President Obama and his administration. This mandate isn't based upon our agreement or disagreement with policies, but in praying for our leaders we are saying that our trust is ultimately in God for our well-being. Can we give thanks for Governor Blagojevich? To pray for the office is to trust God to work with the person who fills that post. It renders to Caesar that which is Caesar and to God that which is God's.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

Acts 2:44-45 - All the believers were together

All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

Acts 2:44-45

Commentary

The disposal and distribution of possessions in the early church was directed among all, as anyone had need. When a physical or spiritual need became known in the church, action was taken to address it (1 John 3:17). The NT believers demonstrated their love for one another by giving self-sacrificially. Was this a form of early communism? Most definitely not. Communism teaches that possessions should be distributed to everybody equally, so that nobody will have more than anyone else. Here, the disposal and distribution of the possessions of the early church was based on need. In communism the state uses the police power to accomplish the desired result. Here, the pooling of resources was not obligatory but a free expression of love to those who were poor and hurting.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ac 2:44-45). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.