Prayer for everyone

2 First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people. ² Pray for kings and everyone who is in authority so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life in complete godliness and dignity. ³ This is right and it pleases God our savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ There is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the human Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a payment to set all people free. This was a testimony that was given at the right time. ⁷ I was appointed to be a preacher and apostle of this testimony—I’m telling the truth and I’m not lying! I’m a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Instructions for men and women

⁸ Therefore, I want men to pray everywhere by lifting up hands that are holy, without anger or argument. ⁹ In the same way, I want women to enhance their appearance with clothing that is modest and sensible, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. ¹⁰ They should make themselves attractive by doing good, which is appropriate for women who claim to honor God.

¹¹ A wife^[a] should learn quietly with complete submission. ¹² I don’t allow a wife^[b] to teach or to control her husband.^[c] Instead, she should be a quiet listener. ¹³ Adam was formed first, and then Eve. ¹⁴ Adam wasn’t deceived, but rather his wife^[d] became the one who stepped over the line because she was completely deceived. ¹⁵ But a wife^[e] will be brought safely through childbirth,^[f] if they both continue in faith, love, and holiness, together with self-control.