To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines,

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,

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

Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.

If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.