This is the charge which I entrust to you, my son Timothy, in accordance with the inspired instructions concerning you which were given me long ago, that being equipped with them as your armour you may be continually fighting the good fight,

This is right, and is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour,

All this I write to you, though I am hoping before long to come to see you.

But, for fear I may be hindered, I now write, so that you may have rules to guide you in dealing with God's household. For this is what the Church of the ever-living God is, and it is the pillar and foundation-stone of the truth.

Faithful is this saying and deserving of universal acceptance:

Command this and teach this.

Be on your guard as to yourself and your teaching. Persevere in these things; for by doing this you will make certain your own salvation and that of your hearers.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let these learn first to show piety towards their own homes and to prove their gratitude to their parents; for this is well pleasing in the sight of God.

For, as its appointed time, this will be brought about by the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,