1 Timothy 2:8-3:13

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Instructions to Men and Women

⁸ Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.^{(A) 9} Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing,^(B) with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold,^(C) pearls, or expensive apparel, ¹⁰ but with good works,^(D) as is proper for women who affirm that they worship God. ¹¹ A woman should learn in silence with full submission.^{(E) 12} I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to be silent. ¹³ For Adam was created first, then Eve.^{(F) 14} And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed.^{(G) 15} But she will be saved through childbearing, if she continues^[a] in faith, love, and holiness,^(H) with good judgment.

Qualifications of Church Leaders

3 This saying is trustworthy:^[b](I) “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,^(J) he desires a noble work.” ² An overseer,^(K) therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,^(L) respectable, hospitable,^(M) an able teacher,^{[c] 3} not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy^(N)— ⁴ one 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?) ⁶ He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.^{(O) 7} Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s^(P) trap.

⁸ Deacons,^(Q) likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, ⁹ holding the mystery of the faith^(R) with a clear conscience.^{(S) 10} And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. ¹¹ Wives,^(T) too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,^(U) faithful in everything. ¹² Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.