1 Timothy 2:1-3:13

Christian Standard Bible

Instructions on Prayer

2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ² for kings and all those who are in authority,^(A) so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness^(B) and dignity.^{(C) 3} This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,^{(D) 4} who wants everyone^(E) to be saved^(F) and to come to the knowledge of the truth.^(G)

⁵ For there is one God^(H) and one mediator^(I) between God and mankind, the man^(J) Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all,^(K) a testimony at the proper time.

⁷ For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle^(L) (I am telling the truth;^[a] I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles^(M) in faith and truth.

Instructions to Men and Women

⁸ Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.^{(N) 9} Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing,^(O) with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold,^(P) pearls, or expensive apparel, ¹⁰ but with good works,^(Q) as is proper for women who profess to worship God. ¹¹ A woman is to learn quietly with full submission.^{(R) 12} I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve.^{(S) 14} And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed.^{(T) 15} But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness,^(U) with good sense.

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 This saying is trustworthy:^(V) “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,^[b](W) he desires a noble work.” ² An overseer,^(X) therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,^(Y) respectable, hospitable,^(Z) able to teach, ³ not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.^{(AA) 4} He must manage his own household competently and have 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 incur the same condemnation as the devil.^{(AB) 7} Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s^(AC) trap.

⁸ Deacons,^(AD) 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^(AE) with a clear conscience.^{(AF) 10} They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. ¹¹ Wives,^[c](AG) likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,^(AH) faithful in everything. ¹² Deacons are to 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.