1 First of all, then, I urge you to offer [special] requests, prayers, intercessions [Note: "Intercessions" probably refers to praying on behalf of others], and thanksgivings for all people.
2 [Offer them] for kings and for all people in prominent [governmental] positions, so that we can live a peaceful and quiet life in all reverence [toward God] and respectability [toward people].
3 This is good and acceptable [behavior] in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who wants all people to be saved and come to a [full] knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind --- the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave Himself as a ransom on behalf of all people [i.e., as a substitute in place of others]. The proper time for the testimony [of this event to be proclaimed] has arrived. [Note: The correct meaning of the foregoing sentence is very difficult to determine].
7 I was appointed to be a preacher [of this testimony] and an apostle and teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. (I am telling the truth and not lying).
8 Therefore, I want the men to pray in every place [i.e., in all worship assemblies. See verses 1-2], lifting up holy hands without being angry or argumentative. [Note: This passage stresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of prayer].
9 I also want the women to dress themselves in proper clothing, with modesty and discretion, not with [elaborately] braided hair, or gold [ornaments], or pearls, or expensive clothing,
10 but with good deeds, which are [more] appropriate for women who claim to be godly.
11 A woman should learn [the Scriptures] in quietness, being fully submissive.
12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man [in the assembly], but she should remain quiet.
13 For Adam was created first, and then Eve was. [See Gen. 1:27; 2:21-22].
14 And Adam was not [the one] deceived, but [it was] the woman who, when deceived, fell into sin.
15 But she [i.e., womankind] will be saved [from condemnation, in spite of the "curse" of suffering pain] through childbearing [See Gen. 3:16], provided they [i.e., all women] continue to have faith and love and holiness, along with discretion.