As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings,

They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently.

realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle -- I am telling the truth; I am not lying -- and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Likewise the women are to dress in suitable apparel, with modesty and self-control. Their adornment must not be with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothing,

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

And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, because she was fully deceived, fell into transgression.

not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

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

He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact.

And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil's trap.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain,

Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you.

Do not address an older man harshly but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers,

Honor widows who are truly in need.

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.

But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry,

And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.

If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.

For the scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and, "The worker deserves his pay."

Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.

Do not lay hands on anyone hastily and so identify with the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

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

But those who have believing masters must not show them less respectTeach them and exhort them about these things.

If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,

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.