Greeting

Paul,(A) an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command(B) of God our Savior(C) and of Christ Jesus our hope:(D)

To Timothy,(E) my true son in the faith.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the[a] Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

False Doctrine and Misuse of the Law

As I urged you when I went to Macedonia,(F) remain in Ephesus(G) so that you may instruct certain people(H) not to teach false doctrine or to pay attention to myths(I) and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan,(J) which operates by faith. Now the goal of our instruction is love(K) that comes from a pure heart,(L) a good conscience,(M) and a sincere faith.(N) Some have departed from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on. But we know that the law is good,(O) provided one uses it legitimately. We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious,(P) for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral(Q) and males who have sex with males,(R) for slave traders, liars,(S) perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching(T) 11 that conforms to the gospel(U) concerning the glory of the blessed God,(V) which was entrusted to me.(W)

Paul’s Testimony

12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened(X) me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer,(Y) a persecutor,(Z) and an arrogant man.(AA) But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy(AB) and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world(AC) to save sinners”(AD)—and I am the worst of them.(AE) 16 But I received mercy(AF) for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience(AG) as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.(AH) 17 Now to the King(AI) eternal,(AJ) immortal,(AK) invisible, the only[b] God,(AL) be honor(AM) and glory(AN) forever and ever. Amen.(AO)

Engage in Battle

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies(AP) previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith(AQ) and a good conscience,(AR) which some(AS) have rejected and have shipwrecked the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus(AT) and Alexander,(AU) whom I have delivered to Satan,(AV) so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

Instructions on Prayer

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority,(AW) so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness(AX) and dignity.(AY) This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,(AZ) who wants everyone(BA) to be saved(BB) and to come to the knowledge of the truth.(BC)

For there is one God(BD) and one mediator(BE) between God and mankind, the man(BF) Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all,(BG) a testimony at the proper time.

For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle(BH) (I am telling the truth;[c] I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles(BI) in faith and truth.

Instructions to Men and Women

Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.(BJ) Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing,(BK) with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold,(BL) pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works,(BM) as is proper for women who profess to worship God. 11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission.(BN) 12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.(BO) 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed.(BP) 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness,(BQ) with good sense.

Footnotes

  1. 1:2 Other mss read our
  2. 1:17 Other mss add wise
  3. 2:7 Other mss add in Christ

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