1 But the Spirit says expressly, that in the last times some shall apostatize from the faith, attending to lying spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 [misled] by the hypocrisy of false teachers, whose consciences are cauterized,
3 who forbid to marry, [command] to abstain from meat, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful and those who know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected, [but] to be received with thanksgiving;
5 for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.
6 Suggesting these things to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished with the words of the faith and the good instruction which you have followed;
7 but avoid profane and silly myths; exercise yourself in piety;
8 for bodily exercise profits little; but piety is profitable in all things, having a promise of the present life and of the life to come.
9 It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation.
10 For to this end we also labor and suffer reproach, because we hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of the faithful.
11 These things command and teach.
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the faithful, in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come attend to reading, exhortation, teaching.
14 Neglect not the gift which is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the imposition of hands of the eldership.
15 Study these things, be much in them, that your improvement may be manifest to all.
16 Attend to yourself, and to teaching; continue in it, for doing this you will both save yourself and those that hear you.