nor to be paying attention to myths and interminable genealogies, which tend to promote discussions rather than a stewardship entrusted by God, a stewardship which is in faith.

I know well that "the Law is good" if a man use it lawfully;

but he must remember that the Law is not enacted for a good man, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the irreligious and sinful, for the godless and profane, for parricides and murderers,

And I am thankful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has thus enabled me, that he accounted me faithful, and appointed me to his service,

And the grace of our Lord overflowed with faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.

Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners"! And there is no greater sinner than I!

Yet for this very cause I obtained mercy, so that in me, the chief of sinners, Jesus Christ might display all his boundless patience as an illustration for those who should later believe in him, and so gain life eternal.

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given over to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

First of all then, I am urging that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered regularly for all men;

for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and peaceful life in all godliness an gravity.

whose will it is that all men should be saved, and come into full knowledge of the truth.

It was for this testimony that I myself was appointed a herald and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), to be a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

My wish, then, is that in every place the men should offer prayer, lifting up holy hands, free from anger and disputation;

They should first be tested, and after that, if they are found irreproachable, let them serve as deacons.

Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in latter days there will be some who will fall away from the faith, by listening to spirits of error, and to teachings of demons

For everything that God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if only it is received with thankfulness.

As you lay all these things before the brothers, you will be a noble minister of Christ Jesus, nourishing yourself in the precepts of the faith and that noble teaching which you have followed.

Let these things be your care, give yourself wholly to them, so that your progress may be manifest to all.

but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let these learn to show their piety first toward their own household, and to make some return to their parents, for that is pleasing in God's sight.

Keep admonishing them regarding these things, so that they may be irreproachable.

But if any one fails to provide for his own, and especially for his kindred, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.

A widow, to be placed upon the list, must be not less than sixty years old, and one who has been the wife of but one husband.

It is my wish, then, that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule their houses, and give no occasion to our adversary for railing.

Any believing woman, who has widowed relatives, ought to relieve them and not let the church be burdened with them; so that the church may relieve the really destitute widows.

Rebuke offenders publicly, so that others also may take warning.

I charge you solemnly in the presence of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ and of the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice against any man, and do nothing out of partiality.

Let those who are under the yoke as slaves esteem their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teachings be not blasphemed.

and wrangling between men whose minds are corrupt and destitute of the truth; who suppose that godliness is a source of gain.

So if we have food and shelter, let us be content with that.

For in his own good time this will be brought about by that blessed and only potentate, King of kings and Lord of lords,

who alone possesses immortality, who dwells in light that none can approach, whom no man has ever seen or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

laying up right good treasure for themselves in the world to come, in order that they may obtain the Life which is life indeed.