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

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,

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.

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.

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.