For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For kings - a confutation of the adversaries who accused Christians of disaffection to the ruling powers (Acts 17:7; Romans 13:1-7).
All that are in authority, х toon (G3588) en (G1722) huperochee (G5247)] - 'in eminence.' The "quiet" of Christians often more depended on subordinate rulers than on the supreme king.
That we may lead - that we may be blessed with such good government as to 'pass' х diagoomen (G1236)], etc. The prayers of Christians for the government bring down peace to themselves.
Quiet, х eeremon (G2263)] - not troubled from without.
Peaceable, х heesuchion (G2272)] - 'tranquil:' not troubled from within (Olshausen). 'He is peaceable х heesuchios (G2272), from heemai, I sit] who makes no disturbance; he is quiet х eeremos (G2263)] who is himself free from disturbance' (Tittmann).
In all - "in all (possible) godliness;" literally, well-directed reverence or worship х eusebeia (G2150): but theosebeia (G2317)]; 1 Timothy 2:10, "godliness."
Honesty, х semnoteeti (G4587)] - "gravity" (Titus 2:2; Titus 2:7), 'decorum' of conduct. As "godliness" relates to God, "gravity" is in relation to men. In the Old Testament the Jews were commanded to pray for their pagan rulers (Ezra 6:10; Jeremiah 29:7). The Jews, by Augustus' order, offered a lamb daily for the Roman emperor until near the destruction of Jerusalem. The Zealots, instigated by Eleazar, renounced this custom (Josephus, Jewish Wars, 2: 17), whence the war originated.