John Calvin Commentary 1 Timothy 2:3

"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" — 1 Timothy 2:3 (ASV)

For this is good and acceptable before God. After having taught that what he instructed is useful, he now presents a stronger argument—that it pleases God. For when we know what His will is, this should have the force of all possible reasons. By good he means what is proper and lawful; and, since the will of God is the rule by which all our duties must be regulated, he proves that it is right because it pleases God.

This passage is highly noteworthy. First, we draw from it the general doctrine that the true rule for acting well and properly is to look to the will of God, and not to undertake anything except what he approves.

Next, a rule for godly prayer is also established: we should follow God as our leader, and all our prayers should be regulated by his will and command.

If this argument had been given its due weight, the prayers of Papists today would not have abounded with so many corruptions. For how will they prove that they have God's authority for resorting to dead men as their intercessors, or for praying for the dead? In short, in all their form of prayer, what can they point out that is pleasing to God?