Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
For kings—an effectual confutation of the adversaries who accused the Christians of disaffection to the ruling powers (Acts 17:7; Romans 13:1-7).
all . . . in authority—literally, "in eminence"; in stations of eminence. The "quiet" of Christians was often more dependent on subordinate rulers, than on the supreme king; hence, "all . . . in authority" are to be prayed for.
that we may lead—that we may be blessed with such good government as to lead . . . ; or rather, as Greek, "to pass" or "spend." The prayers of Christians for the government bring down from heaven peace and order in a state.
quiet—not troubled from without.
peaceable—"tranquil"; not troubled from within [OLSHAUSEN]. "He is peaceable (Greek) who makes no disturbance; he is quiet (Greek) who is himself free from disturbance" [TITTMANN].
in all godliness—"in all (possible . . . requisite) piety" [ALFORD]. A distinct Greek word, I Timothy 2:10, expresses "godliness."
honesty—Greek, "gravity" (Titus 2:2, Titus 2:7), "decorum," or propriety of conduct. As "piety" is in relation to God, "gravity" is propriety of behavior among men. In the Old Testament the Jews were commanded to pray for their heathen rulers (Ezra 6:10; Jeremiah 29:7). The Jews, by Augustus' order, offered a lamb daily for the Roman emperor, till near the destruction of Jerusalem. The Jewish Zealots, instigated by Eleazar, caused this custom to cease [JOSEPHUS, Wars of the Jews, 2.17], whence the war originated, according to JOSEPHUS.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 1 Timothy 2:2:
Jeremiah 29:7
1 Timothy 2:1
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