An Approved Worker

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, charging them before God^[a] not to fight about words;^(A) this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.^{(B) 16} But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.^{(C) 17} And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus^(D) and Philetus are among them. ¹⁸ They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place,^(E) and are overturning the faith of some.^(F)

Greeting

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

² 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

³ 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 different doctrine ⁴ or to pay attention to myths^(I) and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan,^(J) which operates by faith. ⁵ 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) 6} Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. ⁷ They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on. ⁸ But we know that the law is good,^(O) provided one uses it legitimately. ⁹ 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 homosexuals,^(R) for kidnappers,^[b] liars,^(S) perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching^{(T) 11} based on the glorious gospel^(U) 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 one who 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^[c] 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 them you may strongly engage in battle, ¹⁹ having faith^(AQ) and a good conscience.^(AR) Some^(AS) have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith. ²⁰ Hymenaeus^(AT) and Alexander^(AU) are among them, and I have delivered them to Satan,^(AV) so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

Instructions on Prayer

2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ² 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) 3} This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,^{(AZ) 4} who wants everyone^(BA) to be saved^(BB) and to come to the knowledge of the truth.^(BC)

⁷ For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle^(BH) (I am telling the truth;^[d] I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles^(BI) in faith and truth.

Instructions to Men and Women

⁸ Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.^{(BJ) 9} 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 affirm that they worship God. ¹¹ A woman should learn in silence with full submission.^{(BN) 12} I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to be silent. ¹³ For Adam was created first, then Eve.^(BO)