1 Timothy 2–3

Instructions concerning Prayer

²First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ²for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.^{* 3}This is right and acceptable before God our Savior,^{* 4}who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.^{* 5}For

there is one God;

there is also one mediator between God and humankind,

Christ Jesus, himself human,^*

⁶who gave himself a ransom for all

—this was attested at the right time.^{* 7}For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth;^g I am not lying), a teacher of the gentiles in faith and truth.^*

⁸I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument, ⁹also that the women should dress themselves in moderate clothing with reverence and self-control, not with their hair braided or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, ¹⁰but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. ¹¹Let a woman^h learn in silence with full submission. ¹²I do not permit a womanⁱ to teach or to have authority over a man;^j she is to keep silent. ¹³For Adam was formed first, then Eve,^{* 14}and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.^{* 15}Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Qualifications of Bishops

³The saying is sure:^k whoever aspires to the office of bishop^l desires a noble task.^{* 2}Now a bishop^m must be above reproach, married only once,ⁿ temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,^{* 3}not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.^{* 4}He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way, ⁵for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? ⁶He must not be a recent convert,^o or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.^*

Qualifications of Deacons

⁸Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;^{* 9}they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹Women^p likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. ¹²Let deacons be married only once,^q and let them manage their children and their households well; ¹³for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Our Religion

¹⁴I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, ¹⁵if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.^{* 16}Without any doubt, the mystery of godliness is great:

He^r was revealed in flesh,

vindicated^s in spirit,^t

seen by angels,

proclaimed among gentiles,

believed in throughout the world,

taken up in glory.^*