They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.

Hymenaeus and Alexander are among them, and I have delivered them to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

but with good works, as is proper for women who affirm that they worship God.

And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons.

They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth.

But if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God.

Command this also, so they won’t be blamed.

But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry

and will therefore receive condemnation because they have renounced their original pledge.

At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say.

Those who have believing masters should not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but should serve them better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

Teach and encourage these things.

storing up for themselves a good reserve for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.