11 Paul , an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior , and of Christ Jesus , who is our hope , 2 To Timothy , my true child in the faith : Grace , mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord .
3 As I urged you [1]upon my departure for Macedonia , [2]remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines , 4 nor to [3]pay attention to myths and endless genealogies , which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering [4]the administration of God which is by faith .
5 But the goal of our [5] instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith . 6 For some men , straying from these things , have turned aside to fruitless discussion , 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law , even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions . 8 But we know that the Law is good , if one uses it lawfully , 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person , but for those who are lawless and rebellious , for the ungodly and sinners , for the unholy and profane , for those who kill e their fathers or mothers , for murderers 10 [6]and [7] immoral men [6]and homosexuals [6]and kidnappers [6]and liars [6]and perjurers , and whatever e else is contrary to sound teaching , 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God , with which I have been entrusted .
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord , who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful , putting me into service , 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor . Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief ; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant , with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus . 15 It is a trustworthy statement , deserving full acceptance , that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners , among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy , so that in me as the foremost , Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those [12]who would believe in Him for eternal life . 17 Now to the King [13]eternal , immortal , invisible , the only God , be honor and glory [14]forever and ever . Amen .
18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy , my [15]son , in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight , 19 keeping faith and a good conscience , which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to [16] their faith . 20 [17]Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander , whom I have handed over to Satan , so that they will be taught not to blaspheme .
31 It is a trustworthy statement : if any man aspires to the office of overseer , it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer , then , must be above reproach , the husband of one wife , temperate , prudent , respectable , hospitable , able to teach , 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious , but gentle , peaceable , free from the love of money . 4 He must be one who manages his own household well , keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household , how will he take care of the church of God ?), 6 and not a new convert , so e that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil . 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil .
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity , not double-tongued , or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain , 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience . 10 These men must also first be tested ; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach . 11 Women must likewise be dignified , not malicious gossips , but temperate , faithful in all things . 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife , and good managers of their children and their own households . 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus .
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long ; 15 but in case I am delayed , I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God , which is the church of the living God , the pillar and support of the truth . 16 By common confession , great is the mystery of godliness : He who was revealed in the flesh , Was vindicated in the Spirit , Seen by angels , Proclaimed among the nations , Believed on in the world , Taken up in glory .
