1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
therefore (v.1) — referring back to what was already said in 1:18 (and 1:5)
exhort (v.1) = encourage, beg
first of all (v.1) — connected to “exhort,” not to “supplications”
supplications (v.1) — indicates a sense of personal need (here, in relation to government)
prayers (v.1) = drawing near to converse familiarly — approach God in free and familiar prayer
intercessions (v.1) = interventions, interferences
authority (v.2) = high places
lead (v.2) = pass one’s life, live
quiet (v.2) = tranquil, unmarred by outward disturbance
peaceable (v.2) = quiet, inner stillness accompanied by restfulness
godliness (v.2) = lit. “well devoutness” — well-pleasing piety
reverence (v.2) = gravity, seemliness, free from excess, dignified
Wuest’s translation — I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions be made continually for personal needs, prayers, intercessions, giving of thanks on behalf of all, on behalf of kings and all those holding high positions, in order that a quiet and peaceful life we may be leading in all godliness and becoming deportment. Wuest, page 40