1 Timothy 2:1–3:16

INSTRUCTIONS ON PRAYER

2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority,aw so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godlinessax and dignity.ay 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,az 4 who wants everyoneba to be savedbb and to come to the knowledge of the truth.bc

5 For there is one Godbd and one mediatorbe between God and mankind, the manbf Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all,bg a testimony at the proper time.

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostlebh (I am telling the truth;A I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentilesbi in faith and truth.

INSTRUCTIONS TO MEN AND WOMEN

8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.bj 9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing,a with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold,b pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works,c as is proper for women who profess to worship God. 11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission.d 12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.e 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed.f 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness,g with good sense.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OVERSEERS AND DEACONS

3 This saying is trustworthy:h “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,B,i he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer,j therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,k respectable, hospitable,l able to teach, 3 not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.m 4 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.n 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’so trap.

8 Deacons,p likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faithq with a clear conscience.r 10 They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives,C,s likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,t faithful in everything. 12 Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS

14 I write these things to you, hoping to comeu to you soon. 15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household,v which is the church of the living God,w the pillar and foundation of the truth.x 16 And most certainly, the mystery of godlinessy is great:

HeA was manifested in the flesh,z

vindicated in the Spirit,aa

seen by angels,

preached among the nations,

believedab on in the world,

taken up in glory.ac