whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 I give you this command, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies once made about you, that by them you may fight the good fight, 19 holding faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and made shipwreck of their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan so that they will be taught not to blaspheme. 2 1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for allóthe testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as 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 or quarreling. 9 I also want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and sensibly, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess godliness. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 But women will be saved through the bearing of children, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-restraint. 3 1 It is a trustworthy saying: if any one aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (If a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?). 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued,