As we have noted, in Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he urged. . .
“(1) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (2) for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (3) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV)
The Greek word translated “intercessions” is “enteuxis” which is defined as “a petition, a meaning frequent in the papyri; it is a technical term for approaching a king, and so for approaching God in intercession.” [source: W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words]
According to William Barclay, the origin of this word has an interesting history. “It is the noun for the verb entugchanein. Originally the verb entugchanein meant simply to meet, or to fall in with a person; then it went on to mean to hold intimate conversation with a person; then it acquired a special and a technical meaning; it meant to enter into a king’s presence and to submit a petition to him. Enteuxis acquired the technical meaning of a petition offered to a governor or a king. That tells us much about prayer. It tells us that the way to God stands open to us; that there is given to us this priceless gift of intimate talk with God; that we have the right to bring our petitions to one who is a king. The Christian is the man [person] who has the right to take his needs into the royal presence of God.” [William Barclay, p.66]
The writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers that because of the connection with Jesus, we have been placed in a position to approach the throne of grace with confidence. (Hebrews 4:14-16) We have been given the privilege of bringing our petitions to the One Who is in a position to intercede on our behalf and the behalf of others. In doing so is the acknowledgment of the authority and power of the One on Whom we call. Praise God for the way having been opened up for us through Christ to directly approach the Father!
Have a great day CONTINUING IN INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR OTHERS!
Carl
