But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you [setting you on a firm foundation] and will protect and guard you from the evil one.

Now we command you, brothers, in the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you people stay away from every brother [or sister] who lives an idle life [See note on I Thess. 5:14], and not according to the [inspired] tradition which you received from us.

This was not because we had not a claim upon you, but it arose from a desire to set you an example--for you to imitate us.

we command these persons, and exhort them by the Lord Jesus Christ, to stay at home, and earn their bread by labour.

And if any man does not give attention to what we have said in this letter, take note of that man, and keep away from him, so that he may be shamed.

As I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia, stay on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain individuals not to teach any different doctrines,

having known this, that for a righteous man law is not set, but for lawless and insubordinate persons, ungodly and sinners, impious and profane, parricides and matricides, men-slayers,

as set forth in the glorious good news of the blessed God with which I have been intrusted.

And I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, having strengthened me, for he deemed me faithful, having set me in the service;

Though I had said violent words against God, and done cruel acts, causing great trouble: but I was given mercy, because I did it without knowledge, not having faith;

I transmit these instructions to you, Timotheus my son, in accordance with what the prophets said who first directed me to you; fight the good fight on these lines,

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

in regard to which I was set a preacher and apostle -- truth I say in Christ, I do not lie -- a teacher of nations, in faith and truth.

It is a popular saying that "whoever aspires to office is set upon an excellent occupation."

And he is to have a good name among those outside the church, so that nothing may be said against him and he may not be taken by the designs of the Evil One.

in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, 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!

for then it is consecrated by the prayer said over it.

For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.

Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.

But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

Give orders to this effect, so that no evil may be said of anyone.

and so they incur condemnation for having set aside their previous pledge.

Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

The sins of some people are conspicuous, leading the way for them into judgment [so that they are clearly not qualified for ministry]; but the sins of others appear later [for they are hidden and follow behind them].

So also the right actions of some are evident to the world, and those that are not cannot remain for ever out of sight.

Let all who are servants under the yoke give all honour to their masters, so that no evil may be said against the name of God and his teaching.

Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

To which I was set a herald, and sent, teacher of the nations.

Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.

And the things which I have said to you before a number of witnesses, give to those of the faith, so that they may be teachers of others.

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear].

They will hold to an outward form of godliness but deny its power. Stay away from such people.

But in the same manner as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also set themselves in opposition to the truth; men corrupt in mind, reprobate respecting the faith.

I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

preach the message, stay at it in season and out of season; convince, reprove, exhort people with perfect patience as a teacher.

for the time will come when people will decline to be taught sound doctrine and will accumulate teachers to suit themselves and tickle their own fancies;

Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day -- and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.

for he has been bitterly hostile to anything I have said.

At my first defence I had no one at my side, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.

But the Lord was by my side and gave me strength; so that through me the news might be given out in full measure, and all the Gentiles might give ear: and I was taken out of the mouth of the lion.

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

Men having a good record, husbands of one wife, whose children are of the faith, children of whom it may not be said that they are given to loose living or are uncontrolled.

One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

To be wise in mind, clean in heart, kind; working in their houses, living under the authority of their husbands; so that no evil may be said of the word of God.

in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching.

Saying true and right words, against which no protest may be made, so that he who is not on our side may be put to shame, unable to say any evil of us.

He gave himself for us to set us free from every wrong and to cleanse us so that we could be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good deeds.

This is a faithful saying, and on these various points I would have you insist strenuously, in order that those who have their faith fixed on God may be careful to set an example of good actions. For these are not only good in themselves, but are also useful to mankind.

Set forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

And let our people too learn to set a good example in following honest occupations for the supply of their necessities, so that they may not live useless lives.

It was my wish to keep him at my side for him to attend to my wants, as your representative, during my imprisonment for the Good News.

If he injured you, or owes you any thing, set it to my account.

At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.

God, having spoken to the fathers long ago in [the voices and writings of] the prophets in many separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the truth], and in many ways,

At these last days spake to us in the Son, whom he set heir of all things, by whom also he made the times;

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

And again, when God sent the Firstborn One [i.e., Jesus. See Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 1:5] into the world, He said [Deut. 32:43 LXX], "And all of God's angels should worship Him."

But God said [this] about the angels [Psa. 104:4 LXX], "He [i.e., God] makes His angels to be [like] winds and His servants [like] flames of fire." [Note: The idea is probably that angels obediently serve God's purpose similar to the way wind and lightening do].

But of the Son he says, Your seat of power, O God, is for ever and ever; and the rod of your kingdom is a rod of righteousness.

And you will fold them up like a robe, and they will be changed like an article of clothing. But you will stay the same and your years will never end."

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

This is why we must pay much closer attention to the message once heard, to keep from drifting to one side.

But one has [solemnly] testified somewhere [in Scripture], saying,

“What is man, that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man, that You graciously care for him?

Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

Then since the children have inherited blood and flesh, he likewise also received the same, in order that through death he might set at nought him who has the power of death, that is, the devil;

and might set free all those who through fear of death through the whole of their life were subject to bondage.

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, [thoughtfully and attentively] consider the Apostle and High Priest whom we confessed [as ours when we accepted Him as Savior], namely, Jesus;

Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household, as a testimony to what would be said in the future.

the faithfulness of Christ was that of a Son set over the House of God. And we are his House--if only we retain, unshaken to the end, the courage and confidence inspired by our hope.

So, even as the Holy Spirit said [Psa. 95:7-11], "Today, if you hear His [i.e., God's] voice,

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

for we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold fast our first confidence firm unto the end; inasmuch as it is said,

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

For he hath said somewhere of the seventh day on this wise, And God rested on the seventh day from all his works;

and again in this, “They shall not enter My rest.”

Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have said anything about another day.

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Then let us come near to the seat of grace without fear, so that mercy may be given to us, and we may get grace for our help in time of need.

For every chief priest -- out of men taken -- in behalf of men is set in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins,

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

also said in another passage, You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

And have tasted God's utterance to be, sweet, mighty works also of a coming age,

He said, "I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants."

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

And it could be said that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid a tithe through Abraham.

Thus if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood, for on the basis of it the people received the law, what further need [is there] for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek and not said to be according to the order of Aaron?

For he of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar.

For [it is] evident that our Lord is a descendant of Judah, a tribe [with reference] to which Moses said nothing concerning priests.