¹⁵ but ^[a]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in ^(A)the household of God, which is the ^(B)church of ^(C)the living God, the ^(D)pillar and support of the truth.

A Call to Prayer

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

Instructions for Believers

⁸ Therefore ^(Q)I want the men ^(R)in every place to pray, ^(S)lifting up ^(T)holy hands, without anger and dispute.

Disciples and the World

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but ^(A)if the salt has become tasteless, how ^[a]can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.

¹⁴ “You are ^(B)the light of the world. A city set on a ^[b]hill cannot be hidden; ^15 (C)nor do people light a lamp and put it under a ^[c]basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may ^(D)see your good works, and ^(E)glorify your Father who is in heaven.