⁵There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus. ⁶He gave himself to pay for the sins of everyone. That was a witness given by God at just the right time.

⁷I was appointed to be a messenger and an apostle to preach the good news. I am telling the truth. I’m not lying. God appointed me to be a teacher of the true faith to those who aren’t Jews.

⁸I want men everywhere to pray. I want them to lift up holy hands. I don’t want them to be angry when they pray. I don’t want them to argue.

⁹I also want women to dress simply. They should wear clothes that are right and proper. They shouldn’t braid their hair. They shouldn’t wear gold or pearls. They shouldn’t spend too much on clothes. ¹⁰Instead, they should put on good works as if they were their clothes. That is proper for women who claim to worship God.

¹¹When a woman is learning, she should be quiet. She should follow the leaders in every way. ¹²I do not let women teach. I do not let them have authority over men. They must be quiet.

¹³Adam was made first. Then Eve was made. ¹⁴Adam was not the one who was tricked. The woman was tricked and became a sinner. ¹⁵Will women be saved by having children? Only if they keep on believing, loving, and leading a holy life in a proper way.

Leaders and Deacons

3Here is a saying you can trust. If anyone wants to be a leader in the church, he wants to do a good work for God and people.

²A leader must be free from blame. He must be faithful to his wife. In anything he does, he must not go too far. He must control himself. He must be worthy of respect. He must welcome people into his home. He must be able to teach. ³He must not get drunk. He must not push people around. He must be gentle. He must not be a person who likes to argue. He must not love money.

⁴He must manage his own family well. He must make sure that his children obey him and show him proper respect. ⁵Suppose someone doesn’t know how to manage his own family. Then how can he take care of God’s church?

⁶The leader must not be a new believer. If he is, he might become proud. Then he would be judged just like the devil.

⁷The leader must also be respected by those who are outside the church. Then he will not be put to shame. He will not fall into the devil’s trap.

⁸Deacons also must be worthy of respect. They must be honest and true. They must not drink too much wine. They must not try to get money by cheating people. ⁹They must hold on to the deep truths of the faith. Even their own minds tell them to do that. ¹⁰First they must be tested. Then let them serve as deacons if there is nothing against them.

¹¹In the same way, their wives must be worthy of respect. They must not say things that harm others. In anything they do, they must not go too far. They must be worthy of trust in everything.

¹²A deacon must be faithful to his wife. He must manage his children and family well. ¹³Those who have served well earn the full respect of others. They also become more sure of their faith in Christ Jesus.

¹⁴I hope I can come to you soon. But now I am writing these directions to you. ¹⁵Then if I have to put off my visit, you will know how you should act in God’s family. The family of God is the church of the living God. It is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

¹⁶There is no doubt that godliness is a great mystery.

Jesus appeared in a body.

The Holy Spirit proved that he was the Son of God.

He was seen by angels.

He was preached among the nations.

People in the world believed in him.

He was taken up to heaven in glory.

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