1 Timothy 1:3-17

New International Version

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

³ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,^(A) stay there in Ephesus^(B) so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines^(C) any longer ⁴ or to devote themselves to myths^(D) and endless genealogies.^(E) Such things promote controversial speculations^(F) rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. ⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart^(G) and a good conscience^(H) and a sincere faith.^{(I) 6} Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. ⁷ They want to be teachers^(J) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.^(K)

⁸ We know that the law is good^(L) if one uses it properly. ⁹ We also know that the law is made not for the righteous^(M) but for lawbreakers and rebels,^(N) the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine^{(O) 11} that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.^(P)

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,^(Q) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.^{(R) 13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(S) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(T) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^{(U) 14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(V) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(W)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(X) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(Y)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(Z) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(AA) as an example for those who would believe^(AB) in him and receive eternal life.^{(AC) 17} Now to the King^(AD) eternal, immortal,^(AE) invisible,^(AF) the only God,^(AG) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(AH)