From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

to Timothy, my genuine child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!

nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. Such things promote useless speculations rather than God's redemptive plan that operates by faith.

But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately,

This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me.

Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight.

To do this you must hold firmly to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith.

even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior,

For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human,

who gave himself as a ransom for all, revealing God's purpose at his appointed time.

but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God.

But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet.

This saying is trustworthy: "If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work."

But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?

Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households.

For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, because it is the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth.

They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

For every creation of God is good and no food is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.

For it is sanctified by God's word and by prayer.

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God.

But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day.

and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress -- as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works.

Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.

Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.

Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.

But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.

I charge you before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession before Pontius Pilate,

Command those who are rich in this world's goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others.