As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine,

We know, of course, that the Law is excellent, when used legitimately,

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

And for this matter I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying [when I say this]—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

And Adam was not [the one] deceived, but [it was] the woman who, when deceived, fell into sin.

How true is that saying! When a man aspires to be a Presiding-Officer in the Church, he is ambitious for a noble task.

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of [only] one wife, sober-minded [Note: When this word, used here figuratively, is used in its literal sense, it means to abstain from intoxicating drinks], sensible, respectable, hospitable, capable of teaching.

And they must also be well-tried men, and when found to be of unblemished character then let them serve as deacons.

Because every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, when it is received with thanksgiving;

Make use of that grace in you, which was given to you by the word of the prophets, when the rulers of the church put their hands on you.

(When a widow has children or grandchildren, they must learn that the first duty of religion is to their own household, and that they should make some return to those who have brought them up. In God's sight this is an acceptable thing.)

Let a widow be put on the list when not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband,

But to the younger widows say No: for when their love is turned away from Christ, they have a desire to be married;

For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain." And, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."

Say sharp words to sinners when all are present, so that the rest may be in fear.

Good deeds too are evident enough, or when they are not, they cannot be wholly concealed.

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.

When we have food and raiment, let us therewith be content.

Keep up the good fight for the faith. Keep your hold on eternal life, to which God called you, when before many witnesses you made the good profession of faith.

I [solemnly] urge you in the presence of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession when He testified in front of Pontius Pilate [See John 18:37; Matt. 27:17],

which appearing, when the time is come, he shall show that is blessed and mighty only, King of Kings, and Lord of lords,