A Call to Prayer
1 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 forkings 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 acceptableandpleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
4 whowishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledgeandrecognition 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 rightandproper 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 disputingorquarrelingordoubt [in their mind].
Women Instructed
9 Likewise,I wantwomen to adorn themselves modestlyandappropriately and discreetly in proper clothing, not with [elaborately] braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
10 but insteadadornedby 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 toteach 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;
14 and it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was led astray andfell into sin.
15 Butwomenwill bepreserved (saved) through [the pain and dangers of] the bearing of childrenif they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-controlanddiscretion.