“First of all, then, I urge” in v. 1 marks a shift in focus from a concern with the false teachers to a series of more positive instructions for proper conduct in God’s household, the church (cf. 3:14–15). Verses 1–2a state Paul’s command (prayer for the governing authorities); v. 2b enunciates the desired result (believers being able to live a tranquil and quiet life); vv. 3–4 affirm the rightness of Paul’s command in light of the fact that God wants everyone to be saved; vv. 5–6 follow