1 Timothy 2–3

Instructions on Prayer

2First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ²for kings and all those who are in authority, ^zso that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness ^aand dignity. ^b3This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, ^c4who wants everyone ^dto be saved ^eand to come to the knowledge of the truth. ^f

⁵For there is one God ^g

and one mediator ^hbetween God and humanity,

Christ Jesus, Himself human, ⁱ

⁶who gave Himself—a ransom for all, ^j

a testimony at the proper time.

⁷For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle ^k(I am telling the truth; ^lI am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles ^min faith and truth.

Instructions to Men and Women

⁸Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. ⁿ⁹Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, ^owith decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, ^ppearls, or expensive apparel, ¹⁰but with good works, ^qas is proper for women who affirm that they worship God. ¹¹A woman should learn in silence with full submission. ^r12I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to be silent. ¹³For Adam was created first, then Eve. ^s14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. ^t15But she will be saved through childbearing, if she continues ^uin faith, love, and holiness, ^vwith good judgment.

Qualifications of Church Leaders

3This saying is trustworthy: ^wx“If anyone aspires to be an overseer, ^yhe desires a noble work.” ²An overseer, ^ztherefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, ^arespectable, hospitable, ^ban able teacher, ^c3not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy ^d— ⁴one who manages his own household competently, having 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?) ⁶He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. ^e7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s ^ftrap.

⁸Deacons, ^glikewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, ⁹holding the mystery of the faith ^hwith a clear conscience. ⁱ¹⁰And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. ¹¹Wives, ^jtoo, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, ^kfaithful in everything. ¹²Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. ¹³For 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

¹⁴I write these things to you, hoping to come ^lto you soon. ¹⁵But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to act in God’s household, ^mwhich is the church of the living God, ⁿthe pillar and foundation of the truth. ^o16And most certainly, the mystery of godliness ^pis great:

He ^qwas manifested in the flesh, ^r

vindicated in the Spirit, ^s

seen by angels,

preached among the nations,

believed ^ton in the world,

taken up in glory. ^u