A Call to Prayer

1First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, 2for [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. 3This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who [b]desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. 5For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone] for all, the testimony given at the right and proper time. 7And 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.

8Therefore 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

9Likewise, 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, 10but instead adorned by good deeds [helping others], as is proper for women who profess to worship God. 11A woman must quietly receive instruction with all submissiveness. 12I do not allow a woman to [c]teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet [in the congregation]. 13For Adam was formed first [by God from the earth], then Eve; 14and it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was led astray and [d]fell into sin. 15But 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.

[a] 2 Nero ruled as emperor of Rome at this time.
[b] 4 Salvation is offered to everyone, but each individual must choose to accept or reject God’s gracious offer.
[c] 12 The early church evidently followed Jewish practices in religious education. In Israel, mothers taught their daughters, and it was the father’s responsibility to teach his sons in all areas, including religious education. So Paul’s prohibitions here are consistent with the practices of his day.
[d] 14 Lit has come to be in.
[e] 15 This is considered one of the more difficult verses in the NT to interpret. Part of the difficulty is that the Greek verb rendered “preserved” is literally “saved,” which could refer either to physical preservation or to salvation. Some expositors interpret the verb as referring to the blessings of a woman’s role as wife and mother, especially in regard to raising godly children. However, the wording of the verse seen here reflects the interpretation that Paul is speaking, in broad terms, of protection from the dangers of childbirth.
[f] 15 The blessings on a woman are the result of her adherence to the virtues listed.