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 faith: spiritual blessing, mercy, and peace be with you from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,

Or to give attention to stories and long lists of generations, from which come questionings and doubts, in place of God's ordered way of life which is in faith;

But the effect of the order is love coming from a clean heart, and a knowledge of what is right, and true faith:

Some people have stepped aside from these things and turned to fruitless talking.

and the loving-kindness of our Lord was boundless, and filled me with that faith and love which come from union with Christ Jesus.

Now to the King of the ages, the incorruptible, invisible, only wise God, be honor and glory from age to age. Amen.)

Holding faith and a good conscience, - which some, thrusting from them, concerning their faith, have made shipwreck: -

Among these people are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered over to Satan [Note: This probably refers to withdrawing fellowship from them. See I Cor. 5:1-5], so that they would learn not to speak against God [anymore].

I desire therefore the men to pray in every place, lifting up devout hands, apart from anger and argument.

Let the woman, in freedom from care, learn in all subjection.

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

But she [i.e., womankind] will be saved [from condemnation, in spite of the "curse" of suffering pain] through childbearing [See Gen. 3:16], provided they [i.e., all women] continue to have faith and love and holiness, along with discretion.

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of [only] one wife, sober-minded [Note: When this word, used here figuratively, is used in its literal sense, it means to abstain from intoxicating drinks], sensible, respectable, hospitable, capable of teaching.

not given to excesses from wine, not a striker, but mild, not addicted to contention, not fond of money,

He must not be a new convert, or he may grow conceited and incur criticism from slanderous people.

And he must also have good testimony from those outside, lest he may fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Keeping the secret of the faith in a heart free from sin.

their wives must be likewise grave, free from scandal, sober, and always faithful.

For those who have done good work as Deacons get for themselves a good position and become free from fear in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, because they continuously give their attention to deceiving spirits and the things that demons teach

through plausible sophists who are seared in conscience ??3 men who prohibit marriage and insist on abstinence from foods which God created for believing men, who understand the Truth, to partake of with thanksgiving.

who forbid people to marry and teach them to abstain from certain sorts of food which God created for the grateful enjoyment of those who have faith and a clear knowledge of the truth.

But, from the profane and old-wives' stories, excuse thyself, and be training thyself unto godliness;

don't neglect the gift you have, which was given you with the ministerial charge, when you receiv'd imposition of hands from the presbytery.

Widows who really need it must be supported from the funds.

Press these facts upon them, so that they may live lives free from reproach.

But to the younger widows say No: for when their love is turned away from Christ, they have a desire to be married;

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.

For some [young widows] have already turned away [from their commitment to God] to serve Satan.

If a Christian woman has widowed relatives, she should help them, and let the church be free from the burden, so that it can help the widows who are really dependent.

For the Writings say, It is not right to keep the ox from taking the grain when he is crushing it. And, The worker has a right to his reward.

Against an elder receive not an accusation from without, except from two or three witnesses.

I solemnly testify before God, and Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen agents, that thou keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing from partiality.

Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.

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.

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 any one deviate from this doctrine, not adhering to the wholesome instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true doctrine of piety,

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

constant frictions of men corrupted in mind, and destitute of the truth, supposing piety to be a means of gain. Withdraw from such.

Nothing to this world we bring; from it take we nothing.

For the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some men in reaching after riches have wandered from the faith and pierced their hearts with many a pang.

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.

To keep the word untouched by evil, clear from all shame, till the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ:

He alone possesses immortality [absolute exemption from death] and lives in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal power and dominion! Amen.

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you; continue to turn away from the worldly, futile phrases and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge,"

Through which some, who gave their minds to it, have been turned away from the faith. Grace be with you.