When I was on my way to Macedonia, I urged you to stay in Ephesus so that you could instruct certain people to stop teaching false doctrine

and occupying themselves with myths and endless genealogies. These things promote controversies rather than God's ongoing purpose, which involves faith.

They want to be teachers of the Law, yet they do not understand either what they are talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently.

I am the worst of them. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the worst sinner, the Messiah Jesus might demonstrate all of his patience as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life.

Timothy, my child, I am instructing you in keeping with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may continue to fight the good fight

These include Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme.

for kings, and for everyone who has authority, so that we might lead a quiet and peaceful life with all godliness and dignity.

For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?

He must not be a recent convert, so that he won't become arrogant and fall into the Devil's condemnation.

He must be well thought of by outsiders, so he doesn't fall into disgrace and the trap set for him by the Devil.

in case I am delayed, so that you may know how to behave in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

By common confession, the secret of our godly worship is great: In flesh was he revealed to sight, kept righteous by the Spirit's might, adored by angels singing. To nations was he manifest, believing souls found peace and rest, our Lord in heaven reigning!

Think on these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress.

Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in these things, because if you do so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to respect their own family by repaying their parents, for this is pleasing in God's sight.

Continue to give these instructions, so that they may be blameless.

At the same time, they also learn how to be lazy while going from house to house. Not only this, but they even become gossips and keep busy by interfering in other people's lives, saying things they should not say.

If any woman is a believer and has relatives who are widows, she should help them. The church should not be burdened, so it can help those widows who have no other family members to care for them.

As for those who keep on sinning, rebuke them in front of everyone so that the rest will also be afraid.

All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their own masters as deserving of the highest respect, so that the name of God and our teaching may not be discredited.

He alone has endless life and lives in inaccessible light. No one has ever seen him, nor can anyone see him. Honor and eternal power belong to him! Amen.

By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future, so that they can keep their hold on the life that is real.