One of the things that factored into Rome's ability to conquer and maintain control over so many different countries was its willingness to allow the conquered people to continue to practice their religion. With on caveat...
You can worship whatever gods you want, so long as you ALSO acknowledge the goddess Roma and honor the Emperor with your worship.
Conquering the Jews brought up a new problem for Rome. One they had never encountered before. The Jews only worshipped ONE GOD and were unwilling to worship any other gods or add the worship of the goddess Roma or the Emperor to their practices. So Rome made a compromise with the Jews.
Instead of requiring them to worship Roma & the Emperor, they allowed them to make sacrifices to the Emperor in their synagogues. The Jews conceded to this compromise - truthfully they didn't have any other options. Concede or be exterminated.
So the Jews began publicly praying for the Emperor of Rome. In addition to their prayers, they would offer up sacrifices and burnt offerings for his health.
This concession was at the very heart of the growing desire to rebel against Rome. Many Jews felt that this compromise "dirtied up" their religious practices and challenged them to pray for someone to be well when in truth they wanted him and all of his authority gone for good. Eventually a few years after Paul wrote this letter, many Jews in Jerusalem did revolt in 66ad. A revolt that ended in their destruction and the total destruction of their temple.
Paul writes to Timothy and makes a case to him to teach the believers to pray for those in positions of authority - for kings - leaders - governors - etc.
Paul explains the reason behind this request as two-fold:
1) A desire for peace among all people to live godly lives.
2) A desire for the whole world to hear the Good News about Jesus Christ as the one who gave His life to purchase true freedom for everyone.
In our current culture you might consider doing a heart check in terms of the leaders and government officials you are willing to pray for. Can you sincerely pray for the leader you don't follow? For the politician you completely disagree with?
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