As I begged you when I was setting out for Macedonia, stay where you are at Ephesus, and instruct certain individuals there not to be teaching heterodoxy,

as laid down in the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which has been entrusted to me.

Yet for this very cause I obtained mercy, so that in me, the chief of sinners, Jesus Christ might display all his boundless patience as an illustration for those who should later believe in him, and so gain life eternal.

who gave himself as a ransom in behalf of all, to be attested in due time.

but (as becomes women proclaiming godliness) with the ornament of good deeds.

They should first be tested, and after that, if they are found irreproachable, let them serve as deacons.

For those who have well discharged the duties of a deacon are gaining an honorable position for themselves, as well as much fearless confidence in the faith of Christ Jesus.

speaking lies in hypocrisy. These are men whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron,

As you lay all these things before the brothers, you will be a noble minister of Christ Jesus, nourishing yourself in the precepts of the faith and that noble teaching which you have followed.

Do not reprimand an aged man, but continue pleading with him as if he were your father. Treat the young men as brothers,

the older women as mothers, the younger women as sisters in all purity.

She must be well reputed for good works, as one who has brought up a family, received strangers with hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, relieved the distressed, and diligently followed every good work.

Let those who are under the yoke as slaves esteem their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teachings be not blasphemed.