And it is because they have not aimed at these things that the attention of certain people has been diverted to unprofitable subjects.

They want to be Teachers of the Law, and yet do not understand either the words they use, or the subjects on which they speak so confidently.

with faith, and with a clear conscience; and it is because they have thrust this aside, that, as regards the Faith, some have wrecked their lives.

Hymenaeus and Alexander are instances--the men whom I delivered over to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

But women will find their salvation in motherhood, if they never abandon faith, love, or holiness, and behave with modesty.

They should be tested first, and only appointed to their Office if no objection is raised against them.

It should be the same with the women. They should be serious, not gossips, sober, and trustworthy in all respects.

Those who have filled that post with honour gain for themselves an honorable position, as well as great confidence through the faith that they place in Christ Jesus.

and they discourage marriage and enjoin abstinence from certain kinds of food; though God created these foods to be enjoyed thankfully by those who hold the Faith and have attained a full knowledge of the Truth.

But you should exclude the younger widows from the list; for, when they grow restive under the yoke of the Christ, they want to marry,

and so they bring condemnation upon themselves for having broken their previous promise.

And not only that, but they learn to be idle as they go about from house to house. Nor are they merely idle, but they also become gossips and busy-bodies, and talk of what they ought not.

Those who have Christian masters should not think less of them because they are their Brothers, but on the contrary they should serve them all the better, because those who are to benefit by their good work are dear to them as their fellow Christians. Those are the things to insist upon in your teaching.

storing up for themselves what in the future will prove to be a good foundation, that they may gain the only true Life.