This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!

But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.

but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God.

And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, because she was fully deceived, fell into transgression.

But she will be delivered through childbearing, if she continues in faith and love and holiness with self-control.

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

This saying is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.”

He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact.

And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain,

And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.

Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households.

For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, because it is the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth.

Timothy’s Ministry in the Later Times

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings,

This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.

But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.

But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry,

For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker deserves his pay.”

Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.

But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

Summary of Timothy’s Duties

Teach them and exhort them about these things.

and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.

Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others.