Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,^(A) intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority,^(B) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness^(C) and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases^(D) God our Savior,^{(E) 4} who wants^(F) all people^(G) to be saved^(H) and to come to a knowledge of the truth.^{(I) 5} For there is one God^(J) and one mediator^(K) between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,^{(L) 6} who gave himself as a ransom^(M) for all people. This has now been witnessed to^(N) at the proper time.^{(O) 7} And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying^(P)—and a true and faithful teacher^(Q) of the Gentiles.^(R)

⁸ Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands^(S) without anger or disputing. ⁹ I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,^{(T) 10} but with good deeds,^(U) appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

¹¹ A woman^[a] should learn in quietness and full submission.^{(V) 12} I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;^[b] she must be quiet.^{(W) 13} For Adam was formed first, then Eve.^{(X) 14} And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.^{(Y) 15} But women^[c] will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love^(Z) and holiness with propriety.

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(AA) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(AB) desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach,^(AC) faithful to his wife,^(AD) temperate,^(AE) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,^(AF) able to teach,^{(AG) 3} not given to drunkenness,^(AH) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,^(AI) not a lover of money.^{(AJ) 4} He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full^[d] respect.^{(AK) 5} (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)^{(AL) 6} He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited^(AM) and fall under the same judgment^(AN) as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^(AO) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.^(AP)

⁸ In the same way, deacons^[e](AQ) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,^(AR) and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.^{(AS) 10} They must first be tested;^(AT) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹ In the same way, the women^[f] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers^(AU) but temperate^(AV) and trustworthy in everything.

¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife^(AW) and must manage his children and his household well.^{(AX) 13} Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^(AY) of the living God,^(AZ) the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery^(BA) from which true godliness^(BB) springs is great: