1 Timothy 2:8

Common Prayer. The part to be taken in Public Worship by men and by women

8. I will therefore that men pray every where (1) the position of -pray" shews the resumption of this subject as the main thought of the sentence, (2) the word used for -men" and the article prefixed shew the contrast to women in 1 Timothy 2:9, (3) we have boulomainot thelô: we may render therefore more accurately I desire then that prayer be made by the men in every place; -in every place" where public prayer is made; for the limitation of -every" by the surrounding circumstances of the passage, cf. Philippians 3:8.

lifting up holy hands For the exact force of -holy" cf. note on -unholy," 1 Timothy 1:9. With outstretched arms and uplifted palms was the Oriental and Roman attitude; cf. -duplices tendens ad sidera palmas," Virg. Aen. 1. 93. -The folding together of the hands in prayer has been shewn to be of Indo-Germanic origin." Ellicott.

without wrath and doubting It is a very even question of authority whether we should read the singular or plural, -doubting" or -doubtings."

It is also a very even question of usage whether we understand -inward disputings," that is, -doubtings" or -outward disputations"; the former is the commoner meaning in N.T., cf. Luke 24:38: but the latter is clearly found, Philippians 2:14, and the verb, Mark 8:16, &c. Perhaps, as a preparation for prayer, to have faith, as well as charity, enjoined, gives the greater point: compare the preparation required for our Chief Act of Prayer -To examine themselves, whether they … have a lively faith in God's mercy … and be in charity with all men." Prayer-Book Catechism, s. fin.