As I begged you to do when I was on my way to Macedonia, I still beg you to stay on in Ephesus to warn certain teachers

Now we know [without any doubt] that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully and appropriately,

it being plain, that the law was not design'd against the just, but against the lawless and refractory, against irreligion and vice, impiety and prophaneness, parricide and man-slaughter,

according to the good-news of the glory of the blessed God, of which I was entrusted.

though I once used to abuse, persecute, and insult Him. But mercy was shown me by Him, because I did it in ignorance and unbelief,

And the grace of our Lord was filled to overflowing with the faith and love in Christ Jesus.

Yet, mercy was shown me for the very purpose that in my case as the foremost of sinners Jesus might display His perfect patience, to make me an example to those who in the future might believe on Him to obtain eternal life.

This, then, is the charge that I lay upon you, Timothy, my Child, in accordance with what was predicted of you--Fight the good fight in the spirit of those predictions,

holding on to [your] faith and a good conscience. Some people have rejected these things, resulting in the "shipwreck" of their faith [i.e., their spiritual life was ruined].

who gave Himself as a ransom for all, a fact that was testified to at the proper time,

and for which purpose I was appointed a preacher and an apostle -- I am telling the truth, I am not lying, -- a teacher of the heathen in the realm of faith and truth.

For Adam was formed first, and then Eve;

and it was not Adam who was deceived, but it was the woman who was utterly deceived and fell into transgression.

Similarly, deacons should be serious-minded [i.e., dignified], not saying one thing while meaning another, not drinking a lot of wine [Note: The wine of Paul's day was used as a common drink, and was either non-intoxicating or far less intoxicating than wine today], not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means.

Undoubtedly the mystery of our religion is a great wonder: "He was made visible in human form; He was vindicated by the Spirit; He was seen by angels; He was proclaimed among the heathen; He was trusted in throughout the world; He was taken up to glory."

Stop neglecting the gift you received, which was given you through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you.

Let no widow be chosen under sixty years old, and such a one as was the wife of one man,

Be contesting the noble contest of the faith, - lay hold of the age-abiding life - unto which thou wast called, and didst make the noble confession before many witnesses.