1 Timothy 2:8 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

I will A word strongly expressing his apostolical authority; therefore This particle connects the 8th and the 1st verse; that men pray everywhere Εν παντιτοπω, in every place. Wherever men are, there prayer should be used; and if their hearts be right with God they will use it. By this precept the apostle condemned the superstitious notion of both the Jews and Gentiles, who fancied that prayers offered in temples were more acceptable to God than those offered anywhere else. This worshipping of God in all places was foretold as the peculiar glory of the gospel dispensation, Malachi 1:11. Lifting up holy hands Pure from all known sin, and in particular from injustice and oppression; without wrath In any kind, against any creature. And observe, reader, every temper of the soul which is not according to love is wrath; and doubting Which is contrary to faith. Unholy actions, or wrath, or want of faith in him we call upon, are the three grand hinderances of God's hearing our petitions. Christianity consists of faith and love, embracing truth and grace. Therefore the sum of our wishes should be to pray, and live, and die, shunning every known sin, and guarding against wrath and doubting.