although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

for this is right and acceptable before God our Saviour,

I am writing these things to you, though I am hoping to come to you before long;

If you keep these things before the minds of the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, trained in the words of the faith and of the right teaching which has been your guide:

If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to rule their own houses godly, and to recompense their elders. For that is good and acceptable before God.

whereas the widow who plunges into dissipation is dead before ever she dies.

for which they are much to be condemn'd, because they violate the engagements they had before enter'd into:

Let the elders who stand before the people beautifully, be considered worthy of double remuneration, especially those laboring in the word and teaching.

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

I give you orders before God and Christ Jesus and the angels of God's selection, to keep these orders without giving thought to one side more than another.

Do not be in a hurry to lay hands on anyone [i.e., to appoint them to office. See 4:14], and do not participate in the sins of other people. [Note: If Timothy failed to carefully determine the qualifications of a prospective elder before appointing him, it would make him partially responsible for any wrongdoing by that elder]. Keep yourself pure [i.e., of involvement in anyone's sins].

The sins of some men are clearly seen, going before them to be judged; but with others, their sins go after them.

Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hand on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,