Pray for All People

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (A)for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and (B)dignified in every way. This is good, and (C)it is pleasing in the sight of (D)God our Savior, who desires (E)all people to be saved and (F)to come to (G)the knowledge of the truth. For (H)there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, (I)who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is (J)the testimony given (K)at the proper time. (L)For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle ((M)I am telling the truth, I am not lying), (N)a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

I desire then that (O)in every place the men should pray, (P)lifting (Q)holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also (R)that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 (S)but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly (T)with all submissiveness. 12 (U)I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 (V)For Adam was formed first, (W)then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but (X)the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through (Y)childbearing—if they continue in (Z)faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4

So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy all of which is good and acceptable before the eyes of God our Savior who desires for everyone to be saved and know the truth. Because

There is one God and one Mediator between God and us—
    the man Jesus, God’s Anointed,
Who gave His life as a ransom for all
    so that we might have freedom.

The testimony was given to me at just the right time. This is exactly what I was appointed to do—tell everyone His story—as a herald, an emissary,[a] a teacher of the outsiders in faith and the truth. (Listen, I promise it’s all true. I’m not lying.)

So here’s what you tell them; here’s what I want to see: Men, pray wherever you are. Reach your holy hands to heaven—without rage or conflict—completely open. Women, the same goes for you: dress properly, modestly, and appropriately. Don’t get carried away in grooming your hair or seek beauty in glittering gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. 10 Instead, as is fitting, let good works decorate your true beauty and show that you are a woman who claims reverence for God. 11 It’s best if a woman learns quietly and orderly in complete submission.

12 Now, Timothy, it’s not my habit to allow women to teach in a way that wrenches authority from a man. As I said, it’s best if a woman learns quietly and orderly. 13 This is because Adam was formed first by God, then Eve. 14 Plus, it wasn’t Adam who was tricked; it was she—the woman was the one who was fooled and disobeyed God’s command first. 15 Still, God, in His faithfulness, will deliver her through childbearing as long as she[b] remains in faith and love and holiness with self-restraint.

Footnotes

  1. 2:7 Literally, apostle
  2. 2:15 Literally, they