1 Timothy 2:1-7

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 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 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.