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Instructions concerning Prayer

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.(A) This is right and acceptable before God our Savior,(B) who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.(C) For

there is one God;
    there is also one mediator between God and humankind,
Christ Jesus, himself human,(D)
    who gave himself a ransom for all

—this was attested at the right time.(E) For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth;[a] I am not lying), a teacher of the gentiles in faith and truth.(F)

I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument, also that the women should dress themselves in moderate clothing with reverence and self-control, not with their hair braided or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. 11 Let a woman[b] learn in silence with full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman[c] to teach or to have authority over a man;[d] she is to keep silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve,(G) 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.(H) 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Qualifications of Bishops

The saying is sure:[e] whoever aspires to the office of bishop[f] desires a noble task.(I) Now a bishop[g] must be above reproach, married only once,[h] temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,(J) not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.(K) He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert,[i] or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.(L)

Qualifications of Deacons

Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;(M) they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. 11 Women[j] likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be married only once,[k] and let them manage their children and their households well; 13 for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Our Religion

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, 15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.(N) 16 Without any doubt, the mystery of godliness is great:

He[l] was revealed in flesh,
    vindicated[m] in spirit,[n]
        seen by angels,
proclaimed among gentiles,
    believed in throughout the world,
        taken up in glory.(O)

Footnotes

  1. 2.7 Other ancient authorities add in Christ
  2. 2.11 Or wife
  3. 2.12 Or wife
  4. 2.12 Or her husband
  5. 3.1 Some interpreters place these words at the end of the previous paragraph. Other ancient authorities read The saying is commonly accepted
  6. 3.1 Or overseer
  7. 3.2 Or an overseer
  8. 3.2 Gk the husband of one wife
  9. 3.6 Gk neophyte
  10. 3.11 Or Women deacons or Wives
  11. 3.12 Gk be husbands of one wife
  12. 3.16 Gk Who; other ancient authorities read God or Which
  13. 3.16 Or justified
  14. 3.16 Or by the Spirit