Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, through the command of God, our Saviour, and Christ Jesus, our hope,

When I was on my journey to Macedonia I begged you to remain on in Ephesus that you might remonstrate with certain persons because of their erroneous teaching

nor to turn their minds to fables and interminable genealogies, which bring questionings rather than further God's dispensation, which is in faith.

They are ambitious to be teachers of the Law, although they do not understand either their own words or what the things are about which they make such confident assertions.

We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers,

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

when before I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and a tyrant. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly, through unbelief:

It is a true saying, in which all may put their faith, that Christ Jesus came into the world to give salvation to sinners, of whom I am the chief:

But mercy was shown me in order that in me as the foremost of sinners Christ Jesus might display the fulness of His long-suffering patience as an example to encourage those who would afterwards be resting their faith on Him with a view to the Life of the Ages.

Now, may there be honor and praise forever and ever to the eternal King, the immortal, invisible, only God. May it be so.

These are the instructions that I intrust to you, my son Timothy, and they are in accordance with the predictions made long ago about you. Fight the good fight with their aid,

keeping your faith [leaning completely on God with absolute trust and confidence in His guidance] and having a good conscience; for some [people] have rejected [their moral compass] and have made a shipwreck of their faith.

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have turned over to Satan to be so disciplined that they will stop their abusive speech.

I exhort, then, first of all, there be made supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, for all men:

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony for their own times.

Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind].

Women, for their part, should display their beauty by dressing modestly and decently in appropriate clothes, not with elaborate hairstyles or by wearing gold, pearls, or expensive clothes,

but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works.

but she shall be saved through her child-bearing, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety.

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

Not one newly taken into the church, for fear that, through his high opinion of himself, he may come into the same sin as the Evil One.

Deacons, in the same way, are to be serious in their behaviour, not false in word, not given to taking much wine or greatly desiring the wealth of this world;

but by their integrity maintain the reverence due to the gospel.

And let these first be put to the test; then let them become Deacons if there is nothing against them.

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Those ministers who serve well gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance by their faith in the Messiah Jesus.

But the Spirit speaks expressly, that in latter times some shall apostatise from the faith, giving their mind to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Everything created by God is good, and there in nothing that need be rejected--provided only that it is received thankfully;

for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

Physical exercise is of limited value, but Godliness is very dear, a pledge of life, both there and here.

This is a true saying, in which all may put their faith.

Be not negligent of the gift that is in thee, which has been given to thee through prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the elderhood.

Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all.

But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

Command these things also, so that they [i.e., the widows and their families] can live above reproach.

If there be any that provideth not for his own, and namely for them of his household, the same denieth the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Let a widow not be taken into account under three score years, the wife of one husband,

such as have been recommended by their good actions, by the education of their children, by their hospitality, by their officiousness to the faithful, by relieving the afflicted, and by the practice of every virtue.

But refuse [to enroll the] younger widows, for when they feel their natural desires in disregard of Christ, they wish to marry again,

Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

Therefore, I want younger women to marry, have children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity to accuse us.

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

If a believing woman has widows dependent on her, she should relieve their wants, and save the Church from being burdened--so that the Church may relieve the widows who are really in need.

The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor (financial support), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ].

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

The sins of some people are conspicuous, leading the way for them into judgment [so that they are clearly not qualified for ministry]; but the sins of others appear later [for they are hidden and follow behind them].

In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

Those who have believing masters are not to be disrespectful toward them because they are brothers [in Christ], but they should serve them even better, because those who benefit from their kindly service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these [duties and principles].

incessant quarrellings of men wholly corrupt in their mind and bereft of the truth, - supposing godliness to be, a means of gain!

But those who have a desire for wealth are falling into danger, and are taken as in a net by a number of foolish and damaging desires, through which men are overtaken by death and destruction.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

He alone possesses immortality [Note: That is, only God possesses an eternal existence, with neither beginning nor ending. See John 5:26], and lives in unapproachable light. No one has seen Him, or can see Him. May there be honor and never ending power to Him. May it be so.

Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal in distributing, disposed to communicate of their substance,

By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future, so that they can keep their hold on the life that is real.

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