But the aim of your instruction is to be love that flows out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

Some individuals have wandered away from these things into empty arguments and useless discussions,

wanting to be teachers of the Law [of Moses], even though they do not understand the terms they use or the subjects about which they make [such] confident declarations.

But we know that the law is good, if any man uses it lawfully,

that is, if he understands that law is not enacted for upright people but for the lawless and disorderly, the godless and sinful, the ignorant and profane, people who kill their fathers or mothers, murderers,

though I once used to abuse, persecute, and insult Him. But mercy was shown me by Him, because I did it in ignorance and unbelief,

but the favour of our Lord display'd itself by that faith and charity, which was wrought in me by Jesus Christ.

But because of this I obtained mercy, so that in me, the foremost, Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.

But to the King of the ages, the incorruptible, invisible, only God, be honor and glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.

For there is but one God and one intermediary between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

but with good deeds; for this is appropriate for women who profess to be pious.

Let the woman learn in silence with all submission: but I permit not a woman to teach,

But I do not allow a woman to teach, nor to act autonomously from a man, but to be in quietness.

and it was not Adam who was deceived, but it was the woman who was utterly deceived and fell into transgression.

But women will be saved through motherhood, if they continue to live in faith, love, and purity, blended with good sense.

The minister should be a man of blameless character; he should be husband of but one wife; he should live a sober, self-restrained, orderly life; he should be hospitable, skilled in teaching;

no drunkard, not a fighter, not greedy of base gain, but meek, noncontentious, no lover of money,

ruling well his own house, having his children in subjection with all dignity,??5 but if any one knows not how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God???6 not a novice, lest being inflated with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

(but if any man knows not how to rule his own house, how will he take care of a congregation of God?),

But [he] must also have a good testimony from those outside, in order that he may not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil.

Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain,

but they must continue to hold the open secret of faith with a clear conscience.

But let, these also, be proved first, then, let them be ministering, being, unaccusable:

Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things.

Let deacons be the husband of but one wife, men who rule their children and their household properly.

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you

but if I delay, that thou may know how it is necessary to live in a house of God, which is a congregation of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

But the Spirit says expressly that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected, [but] to be received with thanksgiving;

But make it your habit to let worldly and old women's stories alone. Continue training yourself for the religious life.

Physical training, indeed, is of some service, but religion is of service for everything, for it contains a promise for the present life as well as the future.

For therefore we labour and suffer rebuke, because we believe in the living God, which is the saviour of all men: but specially of those that believe.

Let no one think little of you because you are young, but always set an example for believers, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

Never reprove an older man, but always appeal to him as a father. Treat younger men like brothers,

Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or grand children, let these learn first to shew piety at home,

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in the treatment of their own families, and to pay the debt they owe their parents or grandparents, for this is acceptable to God.

But a woman who is really a widow and lives alone has fixed her hope on God, and night and day devotes herself to prayers and entreaties,

But she who is self-indulgent is dead while she lives.

But if any man does not provide for his own, and especially those belonging his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

No widow under sixty years of age should be put on this roll. A widow must have had but one husband,

But refuse younger widows, for when they are sexually aroused, they desire of the Christ to marry,

Thus, they bring the judgment [for being untrustworthy] on themselves because they have broken their previous pledge. [Note: This probably refers to younger widows who pledged themselves to fulfill some important church activity and then quit suddenly to get married. But some suggest it refers to them leaving the faith and marrying a non-Christian].

Besides, as they get the habit of gadding about from house to house, they learn to be idle, and not only idle but gossips and busybodies, talking of things they ought not to mention.

If any convert has widow-relations, let such relieve them, that the church may not be charged, but with the relief of such as are entirely destitute.

Do not take as true any statement made against one in authority, but only if two or three give witness to it.

But, them who are sinning, before all, do thou reprove, that, the rest also, may have, fear: -

Stop drinking water only, but take a little wine to strengthen your stomach and relieve its frequent attacks.

Some men's sins are very evident and clearly lead them on to judgment, but the sins of others lag behind.

They, however, that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are, brethren but, the more, be doing them service, because, believing and beloved, are they who, from the good workmanship, receive advantage. These things, be teaching, and exhorting: -

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine and teaching which is in agreement with godliness (personal integrity, upright behavior),

he is puffed up, understanding nothing, but doting about disputes and word controversies, from which develop envy, strife, revilings, evil surmisings,

But piety with contentment is great gain,

but having food and covering we will be content with these.

But men who keep planning to get rich fall into temptations and snares and many foolish, hurtful desires which plunge people into destruction and ruin.

But you, as a man of God, must be fleeing always from these things; you must constantly strive for uprightness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Continue charging the rich of this world to stop being haughty and not to fix their hope on a thing so uncertain as riches, but on God who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment;