Hoooo-boy!

Well, this is certainly a doozy of a chapter and I look forward to your comments and blogs!

I think it's interesting that Paul urges, first of all, that prayer be made for everyone and then has to specifically point out the people in authority. This makes me wonder if there was an authority issue in general in Ephesus (or specifically towards political authorities). From the previous chapter it seems that there may have been an authority issue in general (Paul commands Timothy to command the false teachers, etc.). This would certainly have some bearing on his instructions at the end of this chapter.
I remember talking to a friend a couple of elections ago about the different political parties. It seemed like one had a biblical view when it came to morality but others had a more biblical view when it came to social issues (which I also to believe moral issues in light of Scripture). My friend made the comment that he thought it was the job of the church and the Christian to address social issues and he liked one party because their economic policies allowed him to make more money to address those issues more fully.
I think this is what Paul is saying: pray that the government would enact such policies that would make it possible for us to live in quietness and peacefulness and to live out our faith in godliness and holiness.
Whatever the case, I know that I need to be more consistent in praying for others in general and for the governments and authorities of the world specifically. That's what God's Word is saying to me right now. I guess the question is, will I do anything about it?