Paul urges for prayer for every one (1). He especially points out to pray for kings and all those in authority (2). Understanding all that he went through due to orders from selfish, personally ambitious, and cruel rulers I can understand why Paul wanted all to pray for people in authority. People in authority have the power to allow others to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness, or they can take that away (2).
I think back on my life to those in positions of authority who were cruel, some even made evil decisions. They would not care for me or others. Some purposely set out to harm.
The first impulse is to take revenge upon such a person and to make them endure the same pain that they inflicted upon others. The sinful nature wants to make them pay for what they did. Some popular TV series like The Handmade’s Tale embrace this belief.
Jesus taught that he wants his followers to turn the other cheek when someone sticks the first. I believe the phrase “turn the other cheek” has lost its meaning. It means when someone hits me, rather than strike back I am to allow them to hit me again.
When Jesus hung on the cross the religious authorities came and bragged about their accomplishment. They publically declared their righteousness so all could hear, “If he is the son of God let him come down and save himself.” “He could save others, but he cannot save himself.” Jesus could have, but he purposely kept to his mission to bring glory to God and save me. Then he prayed for them, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus took no revenge. He prayed for those in authority.
