2 Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them.
2 Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord.[a] 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth: 5 That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them to bring them together, 6 by giving his life for all mankind.
This is the message that at the proper time God gave to the world. 7 And I have been chosen—this is the absolute truth—as God’s minister and missionary to teach this truth to the Gentiles and to show them God’s plan of salvation through faith.
8 So I want men everywhere to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from sin and anger and resentment. 9-10 And the women should be the same way, quiet and sensible in manner and clothing. Christian women should be noticed for being kind and good, not for the way they fix their hair or because of their jewels or fancy clothes. 11 Women should listen and learn quietly and humbly.
12 I never let women teach men or lord it over them. Let them be silent in your church meetings. 13 Why? Because God made Adam first, and afterwards he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was fooled by Satan, but Eve, and sin was the result. 15 So God sent pain and suffering to women when their children are born, but he will save their souls if they trust in him, living quiet, good, and loving lives.
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 2:2 in godly living and thinking much about the Lord, literally, “in gravity.”