A Call to Prayer

1First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2for kings and all who are in [a]authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and [b]dignity. 3This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who wants all people to be saved and to come to the [c]knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony [d]given at [e]the proper time. 7For this I was appointed as a [f]preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Instructions for Believers

8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and dispute. 9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, [g]modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive apparel, 10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13For it was Adam who was first [h]created, and then Eve. 14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman was [i]deceived and [j]became a wrongdoer. 15But [k]women will be [l]preserved through [m]childbirth—if they continue in faith, love, and sanctity, with moderation.