New Testament in a Year

A Call to Prayer

2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, ² for ^[a]kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who ^[b]wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. ⁵ For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone] for all, the testimony given at the right and proper time. ⁷ And for this matter I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying [when I say this]—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

⁸ Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind].

Women Instructed

⁹ Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and discreetly in proper clothing, not with [elaborately] braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰ but instead adorned by good deeds [helping others], as is proper for women who profess to worship God. ¹¹ A woman must quietly receive instruction with all submissiveness. ¹² I do not allow a woman to ^[c]teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet [in the congregation]. ¹³ For Adam was formed first [by God from the earth], then Eve;^{(A) 14} and it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was led astray and ^[d]fell into sin.^{(B) 15} But women will be ^[e]preserved (saved) through [the pain and dangers of] the bearing of children ^[f]if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control and discretion.