that is, if he understands that the Law is not intended for righteous people but for lawbreakers and rebels, for ungodly people and sinners, for those who are unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers, their mothers, or other people,

that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

though I once used to abuse, persecute, and insult him. But he had mercy on me, because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief,

How true the saying is, and worthy of the fullest acceptance, that 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'! And there is no greater sinner than I!

This then I exhort thee first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings he made for all men;

for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.

since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

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

He gave himself as a ransom for everyone, the testimony at the proper time.

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or love money.

He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [keeping them respectful and well-behaved]

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

How true that saying is and worthy of the fullest acceptance!

Let no one have cause to despise thy youth; but he thou an example to believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Have a care for these things; give yourself to them with all your heart, so that all may see how you go forward.

Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Never administer a sharp reprimand to a man older than yourself; but entreat him as if he were your father, and the younger men as brothers;

But if any widow has children or grandchildren, these should first learn [how] to show respectful consideration for their own family members, and [thus] to repay their parents [i.e., for bringing them up and caring for their material needs], for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

At the same time, they also learn how to be lazy while going from house to house. Not only this, but they even become gossips and keep busy by interfering in other people's lives, saying things they should not say.

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath.

I [solemnly] urge you in the presence of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession when He testified in front of Pontius Pilate [See John 18:37; Matt. 27:17],

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

He alone has endless life and lives in inaccessible light. No one has ever seen him, nor can anyone see him. Honor and eternal power belong to him! Amen.

Enjoin on those rich in the present age not to be high-minded, nor to trust on the uncertainty of riches; but in the God who affords us all things richly for our enjoyment;