I Timothy 2:8

I will--The active wish, or desire, is meant. that men--rather as Greek, "that the men," as distinguished from "the women," to whom he has something different to say from what he said to the men (Ti1 2:9-12; Co1 11:14-15; Co1 14:34-35). The emphasis, however, is not on this, but on the precept of praying, resumed from Ti1 2:1. everywhere--Greek, "in every place," namely, of public prayer. Fulfilling Mal 1:11, "In every place . . . from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same . . . incense shall be offered unto My name"; and Jesus' words, Mat 18:20; Joh 4:21, Joh 4:23. lifting up holy hands--The early Christians turned up their palms towards heaven, as those craving help do. So also Solomon (Kg1 8:22; Psa 141:2). The Jews washed their hands before prayer (Psa 26:6). Paul figuratively (compare Job 17:9; Jam 4:8) uses language alluding to this custom here: so Isa 1:15-16. The Greek for "holy" means hands which have committed no impiety, and observed every sacred duty. This (or at least the contrite desire to be so) is a needful qualification for effectual prayer (Psa 24:3-4). without wrath--putting it away (Mat 5:23-24; Mat 6:15). doubting--rather, "disputing," as the Greek is translated in Phi 2:14. Such things hinder prayer (Luk 9:46; Rom 14:1; Pe1 3:7). BENGEL supports English Version (compare an instance, Kg2 7:2; Mat 14:31; Mar 11:22-24; Jam 1:6).

In this chapter Paul treats, I. Of prayer, with many reasons for it (Ti1 2:1-8). II. Of women's apparel (Ti1 2:9, Ti1 2:10). III. Of their subjection, with the reasons of it (Ti1 2:11-14). IV. A promise given for their encouragement in child-bearing (Ti1 2:15).

2:8 Genuine prayer had evidently deteriorated among the Ephesians due to the false teachers’ influence (see 1 Tim 6:4-5; 1:4; cp. 2 Tim 3:1-5; Titus 3:9-11). • holy hands lifted up: Cp. Isa 1:15-17. An ancient posture of praise and supplication (see Exod 9:29; 1 Kgs 8:22, 54; Neh 8:6; Ps 28:2; Luke 24:50). • free from anger and controversy: Cp. Jas 3:8-12.