Bible in 90 Days
Thanksgiving for These Believers
1 (A)Paul and (B)Silvanus and (C)Timothy,
To the (D)church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: (E)Grace to you and peace.
2 (F)We give thanks to God always for all of you, (G)making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your (H)work of faith and labor of (I)love and [a](J)steadfastness of hope [b]in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of (K)our God and Father, 4 knowing, (L)brethren beloved by God, (M)His choice of you; 5 for our (N)gospel did not come to you in word only, but also (O)in power and in the Holy Spirit and with (P)full conviction; just as you know (Q)what kind of men we [c]proved to be among you for your sake. 6 You also became (R)imitators of us and of the Lord, (S)having received (T)the word in much tribulation with the (U)joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in (V)Macedonia and in (W)Achaia. 8 For (X)the word of the Lord has (Y)sounded forth from you, not only in (Z)Macedonia and (AA)Achaia, but also (AB)in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. 9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a [d](AC)reception we had [e]with you, and how you (AD)turned to God (AE)from [f]idols to serve [g](AF)a living and true God, 10 and to (AG)wait for His Son from [h]heaven, whom He (AH)raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who (AI)rescues us from (AJ)the wrath to come.
Paul’s Ministry
2 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our [i](AK)coming to you (AL)was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been (AM)mistreated in (AN)Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God (AO)to speak to you the (AP)gospel of God amid much [j](AQ)opposition. 3 For our (AR)exhortation does not come from (AS)error or (AT)impurity or [k]by way of (AU)deceit; 4 (AV)but just as we have been approved by God to be (AW)entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, (AX)not as pleasing men, but God who [l](AY)examines our hearts. 5 For we never came [m]with flattering speech, as you know, nor with (AZ)a pretext for greed—(BA)God is witness— 6 nor did we (BB)seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as (BC)apostles of Christ [n]we might have [o]asserted our authority. 7 But we [p]proved to be [q](BD)gentle [r]among you, (BE)as a nursing mother [s]tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to (BF)impart to you not only the (BG)gospel of God but also our own [t]lives, because you had become [u]very dear to us.
9 For you recall, brethren, our (BH)labor and hardship, how (BI)working night and day so as not to be a (BJ)burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the (BK)gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is (BL)God, (BM)how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we [v]behaved toward you [w]believers; 11 just as you know how we were (BN)exhorting and encouraging and [x](BO)imploring each one of you as (BP)a father would his own children, 12 so that you would (BQ)walk in a manner worthy of the God who (BR)calls you into His own kingdom and (BS)glory.
13 For this reason we also constantly (BT)thank God that when you received the (BU)word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it (BV)not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, (BW)which also performs its work in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became (BX)imitators of (BY)the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are (BZ)in Judea, for (CA)you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, (CB)even as they did from the Jews, 15 (CC)who both killed the Lord Jesus and (CD)the prophets, and [y]drove us out. [z]They are not pleasing to God, [aa]but hostile to all men, 16 (CE)hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles (CF)so that they may be saved; with the result that they always (CG)fill up the measure of their sins. But (CH)wrath has come upon them [ab]to the utmost.
17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a [ac]short while—(CI)in [ad]person, not in [ae]spirit—were all the more eager with great desire (CJ)to see your face. 18 [af]For (CK)we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, [ag](CL)more than once—and yet (CM)Satan (CN)hindered us. 19 For who is our hope or (CO)joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His [ah](CP)coming? 20 For you are (CQ)our glory and joy.
Encouragement of Timothy’s Visit
3 Therefore (CR)when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at (CS)Athens alone, 2 and we sent (CT)Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3 so that no one would be [ai]disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that (CU)we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; [aj](CV)and so it came to pass, [ak]as you know. 5 For this reason, (CW)when I could endure it no longer, I also (CX)sent to [al]find out about your faith, for fear that (CY)the tempter might have tempted you, and (CZ)our labor would be in vain.
6 But now that (DA)Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of (DB)your faith and love, and that you always (DC)think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we really live, if you (DD)stand firm in the Lord. 9 For (DE)what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we (DF)night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may (DG)see your face, and may (DH)complete what is lacking in your faith?
11 (DI)Now may (DJ)our God and Father (DK)Himself and Jesus our Lord (DL)direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and (DM)abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may (DN)establish your hearts (DO)without blame in holiness before (DP)our God and Father at the [am](DQ)coming of our Lord Jesus (DR)with all His [an]saints.
Sanctification and Love
4 (DS)Finally then, (DT)brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to [ao](DU)walk and (DV)please God (just as you actually do [ap]walk), that you (DW)excel still more. 2 For you know what commandments we gave you [aq]by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you (DX)abstain from [ar]sexual immorality; 4 that (DY)each of you know how to [as]possess his own [at](DZ)vessel in sanctification and (EA)honor, 5 not in [au](EB)lustful passion, like the Gentiles who (EC)do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and (ED)defraud his brother (EE)in the matter because (EF)the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also (EG)told you before and solemnly warned you. 7 For (EH)God has not called us for (EI)the purpose of impurity, but [av]in sanctification. 8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who (EJ)gives His Holy Spirit to you.
9 Now as to the (EK)love of the brethren, you (EL)have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are (EM)taught by God to love one another; 10 for indeed (EN)you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to (EO)excel still more, 11 and to make it your ambition (EP)to lead a quiet life and (EQ)attend to your own business and (ER)work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you will [aw](ES)behave properly toward (ET)outsiders and [ax](EU)not be in any need.
Those Who Died in Christ
13 But (EV)we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who (EW)are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do (EX)the rest who have (EY)no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, (EZ)even so God will bring with Him (FA)those who have fallen asleep [ay]in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you (FB)by the word of the Lord, that (FC)we who are alive [az]and remain until (FD)the coming of the Lord, will not precede (FE)those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord (FF)Himself (FG)will descend from heaven with a [ba](FH)shout, with the voice of (FI)the archangel and with the (FJ)trumpet of God, and (FK)the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then (FL)we who are alive [bb]and remain will be (FM)caught up together with them (FN)in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always (FO)be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
The Day of the Lord
5 Now as to the (FP)times and the epochs, brethren, you (FQ)have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that (FR)the day of the Lord [bc]will come (FS)just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, “(FT)Peace and safety!” then [bd](FU)destruction [be]will come upon them suddenly like (FV)labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in (FW)darkness, that the day would overtake you [bf](FX)like a thief; 5 for you are all (FY)sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of (FZ)darkness; 6 so then let us not (GA)sleep as [bg](GB)others do, but let us be alert and [bh](GC)sober. 7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get (GD)drunk at night. 8 But since (GE)we are of the day, let us (GF)be [bi]sober, having put on the (GG)breastplate of (GH)faith and love, and as a (GI)helmet, the (GJ)hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for (GK)wrath, but for (GL)obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 (GM)who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11 Therefore [bj]encourage one another and (GN)build up one another, just as you also are doing.
Christian Conduct
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you [bk](GO)appreciate those (GP)who diligently labor among you, and (GQ)have charge over you in the Lord and give you [bl]instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. (GR)Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish (GS)the [bm]unruly, encourage (GT)the fainthearted, help (GU)the weak, be (GV)patient with everyone. 15 See that (GW)no one repays another with evil for evil, but always (GX)seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 (GY)Rejoice always; 17 (GZ)pray without ceasing; 18 in everything (HA)give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 (HB)Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise (HC)prophetic [bn]utterances. 21 But (HD)examine everything carefully; (HE)hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every [bo]form of evil.
23 Now (HF)may the God of peace (HG)Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your (HH)spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, (HI)without blame at (HJ)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 (HK)Faithful is He who (HL)calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
25 Brethren, (HM)pray for us[bp].
26 (HN)Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I adjure you by the Lord to (HO)have this letter read to all the (HP)brethren.
28 (HQ)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance
1 (HR)Paul and (HS)Silvanus and (HT)Timothy,
To the (HU)church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 (HV)Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We ought always (HW)to give thanks to God for you, (HX)brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the (HY)love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4 therefore, we ourselves (HZ)speak proudly of you among (IA)the churches of God for your [bq]perseverance and faith (IB)in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5 This is a (IC)plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be (ID)considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6 [br]For after all (IE)it is only just [bs]for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted [bt]and to us as well [bu](IF)when the Lord Jesus will be revealed (IG)from heaven (IH)with [bv]His mighty angels (II)in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who (IJ)do not know God and to those who (IK)do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of (IL)eternal destruction, (IM)away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be (IN)glorified [bw]in His [bx]saints on that (IO)day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our (IP)testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end also we (IQ)pray for you always, that our God will [by](IR)count you worthy of your (IS)calling, and fulfill every desire for (IT)goodness and the (IU)work of faith with power, 12 so that the (IV)name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Man of Lawlessness
2 Now we request you, (IW)brethren, with regard to the [bz](IX)coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our (IY)gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your [ca]composure or be disturbed either by a (IZ)spirit or a [cb](JA)message or a (JB)letter as if from us, to the effect that (JC)the day of the Lord (JD)has come. 3 (JE)Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the [cc](JF)apostasy comes first, and the (JG)man of lawlessness is revealed, the (JH)son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above [cd](JI)every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, (JJ)displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that (JK)while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know (JL)what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For (JM)the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only (JN)he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one (JO)will be revealed whom the Lord will slay (JP)with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the (JQ)appearance of His [ce]coming; 9 that is, the one whose [cf]coming is in accord with the activity of (JR)Satan, with all power and [cg](JS)signs and false wonders, 10 and with [ch]all the deception of wickedness for (JT)those who perish, because they did not receive the love of (JU)the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason (JV)God [ci]will send upon them [cj]a (JW)deluding influence so that they will believe [ck]what is false, 12 in order that they all may be [cl]judged who (JX)did not believe the truth, but [cm](JY)took pleasure in wickedness.
13 (JZ)But we should always give thanks to God for you, (KA)brethren beloved by the Lord, because (KB)God has chosen you [cn]from the beginning (KC)for salvation [co](KD)through sanctification [cp]by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He (KE)called you through (KF)our gospel, [cq]that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, (KG)stand firm and (KH)hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether (KI)by word of mouth or (KJ)by letter [cr]from us.
16 (KK)Now may our Lord Jesus Christ (KL)Himself and God our Father, who has (KM)loved us and given us eternal comfort and (KN)good hope by grace, 17 (KO)comfort and (KP)strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
Exhortation
3 (KQ)Finally, brethren, (KR)pray for us that (KS)the word of the Lord will [cs]spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we will be (KT)rescued from [ct]perverse and evil men; for not all have [cu]faith. 3 But (KU)the Lord is faithful, [cv]and He will strengthen and protect you [cw]from (KV)the evil one. 4 We have (KW)confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you (KX)are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5 May the Lord (KY)direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brethren, (KZ)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you [cx](LA)keep away from every brother who [cy]leads an [cz](LB)unruly life and not according to (LC)the tradition which [da]you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to [db](LD)follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we (LE)eat [dc]anyone’s bread [dd]without paying for it, but with (LF)labor and hardship we kept (LG)working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have (LH)the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves (LI)as a model for you, so that you would [de]follow our example. 10 For even (LJ)when we were with you, we used to give you this order: (LK)if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are (LL)leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like (LM)busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and (LN)exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to (LO)work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, (LP)brethren, (LQ)do not grow weary of doing good.
14 If anyone does not obey our [df]instruction [dg](LR)in this letter, take special note of that person [dh](LS)and do not associate with him, so that he will be (LT)put to shame. 15 Yet (LU)do not regard him as an enemy, but [di](LV)admonish him as a (LW)brother.
16 Now (LX)may the Lord of peace (LY)Himself continually grant you peace in every [dj]circumstance. (LZ)The Lord be with you all!
17 [dk]I, Paul, write this greeting (MA)with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18 (MB)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Misleadings in Doctrine and Living
1 Paul, (MC)an apostle of (MD)Christ Jesus (ME)according to the commandment of (MF)God our Savior, and of (MG)Christ Jesus, who is our (MH)hope,
2 To (MI)Timothy, (MJ)my true child in the faith: (MK)Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and (ML)Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I urged you [dl]upon my departure for (MM)Macedonia, [dm]remain on at (MN)Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to (MO)teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to [dn]pay attention to (MP)myths and endless (MQ)genealogies, which give rise to mere (MR)speculation rather than (MS)furthering [do]the administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our [dp](MT)instruction is love (MU)from a pure heart and a (MV)good conscience and a sincere (MW)faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to (MX)fruitless discussion, 7 (MY)wanting to be (MZ)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 (NA)the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that (NB)law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and (NC)rebellious, for the (ND)ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and (NE)profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 [dq]and [dr](NF)immoral men [ds]and (NG)homosexuals [dt]and (NH)kidnappers [du]and (NI)liars [dv]and (NJ)perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to (NK)sound teaching, 11 according to (NL)the glorious gospel of (NM)the blessed God, with which I have been (NN)entrusted.
12 I thank (NO)Christ Jesus our Lord, who has (NP)strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, (NQ)putting me into service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a (NR)persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was (NS)shown mercy because (NT)I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the (NU)grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the (NV)faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 (NW)It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that (NX)Christ Jesus came into the world to (NY)save sinners, among whom (NZ)I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I (OA)found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might (OB)demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those [dw]who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the (OC)King [dx]eternal, (OD)immortal, (OE)invisible, the (OF)only God, (OG)be honor and glory [dy]forever and ever. Amen.
18 This (OH)command I entrust to you, Timothy, (OI)my [dz]son, in accordance with the (OJ)prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you (OK)fight the good fight, 19 keeping (OL)faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to [ea](OM)their faith. 20 [eb]Among these are (ON)Hymenaeus and (OO)Alexander, whom I have (OP)handed over to Satan, so that they will be (OQ)taught not to blaspheme.
A Call to Prayer
2 First of all, then, I urge that (OR)entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 (OS)for kings and all who are in [ec]authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and [ed]dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of (OT)God our Savior, 4 (OU)who desires all men to be (OV)saved and to (OW)come to the [ee]knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is (OX)one God, and (OY)one mediator also between God and men, the (OZ)man Christ Jesus, 6 who (PA)gave Himself as a ransom for all, the (PB)testimony [ef]given at [eg](PC)the proper time. 7 (PD)For this I was appointed a [eh]preacher and (PE)an apostle ((PF)I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of (PG)the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 Therefore (PH)I want the men (PI)in every place to pray, (PJ)lifting up (PK)holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
Women Instructed
9 Likewise, I want (PL)women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, [ei]modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11 (PM)A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 (PN)But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 (PO)For it was Adam who was first [ej]created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but (PP)the woman being deceived, [ek]fell into transgression. 15 But women will be [el]preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in (PQ)faith and love and sanctity with [em]self-restraint.
Overseers and Deacons
3 (PR)It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the (PS)office of [en]overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 [eo](PT)An overseer, then, must be above reproach, (PU)the husband of one wife, (PV)temperate, prudent, respectable, (PW)hospitable, (PX)able to teach, 3 (PY)not addicted to wine [ep]or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, (PZ)free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who (QA)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 (QB)the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become (QC)conceited and fall into the (QD)condemnation [eq]incurred by the devil. 7 And he must (QE)have a good reputation with (QF)those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and (QG)the snare of the devil.
8 (QH)Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not [er]double-tongued, [es](QI)or addicted to much wine [et](QJ)or fond of sordid gain, 9 (QK)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 (QL)These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [eu]Women must likewise be dignified, (QM)not malicious gossips, but (QN)temperate, faithful in all things. 12 (QO)Deacons must be (QP)husbands of only one wife, and [ev](QQ)good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons (QR)obtain for themselves a [ew]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 [ex]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how [ey]one ought to conduct himself in (QS)the household of God, which is the (QT)church of (QU)the living God, the (QV)pillar and support of the truth. 16 By common confession, great is (QW)the mystery of godliness:
He who was (QX)revealed in the flesh,
Was [ez](QY)vindicated [fa]in the Spirit,
(QZ)Seen by angels,
(RA)Proclaimed among the nations,
(RB)Believed on in the world,
(RC)Taken up in glory.
Apostasy
4 But (RD)the Spirit explicitly says that (RE)in later times some will [fb]fall away from the faith, paying attention to (RF)deceitful spirits and (RG)doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars (RH)seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who (RI)forbid marriage and advocate (RJ)abstaining from foods which (RK)God has created to be (RL)gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For (RM)everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is (RN)received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of (RO)the word of God and prayer.
A Good Minister’s Discipline
6 In pointing out these things to (RP)the brethren, you will be a good (RQ)servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the [fc](RR)sound doctrine which you (RS)have been following. 7 But [fd]have nothing to do with (RT)worldly (RU)fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of (RV)godliness; 8 for (RW)bodily discipline is only of little profit, but (RX)godliness is profitable for all things, since it (RY)holds promise for the (RZ)present life and also for the life to come. 9 (SA)It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed (SB)our hope on (SC)the living God, who is (SD)the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
11 [fe](SE)Prescribe and teach these things. 12 (SF)Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, (SG)love, faith and purity, show yourself (SH)an example [ff]of those who believe. 13 (SI)Until I come, give attention to the public (SJ)reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through (SK)prophetic utterance with (SL)the laying on of hands by the [fg](SM)presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 (SN)Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will [fh](SO)ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
Honor Widows
5 (SP)Do not sharply rebuke an (SQ)older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to (SR)the younger men as brothers, 2 the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are (SS)widows indeed; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, (ST)they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to [fi]make some return to their parents; for this is (SU)acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is a (SV)widow indeed and who has been left alone, (SW)has fixed her hope on God and continues in (SX)entreaties and prayers night and day. 6 But she who (SY)gives herself to wanton pleasure is (SZ)dead even while she lives. 7 [fj](TA)Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has (TB)denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 A widow is to be (TC)put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been (TD)the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for (TE)good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has (TF)shown hospitality to strangers, if she (TG)has washed the [fk]saints’ feet, if she has (TH)assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel (TI)sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous [fl]pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also (TJ)gossips and (TK)busybodies, talking about (TL)things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get (TM)married, bear children, (TN)keep house, and (TO)give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 15 for some (TP)have already turned aside to follow (TQ)Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer (TR)has dependent widows, she must (TS)assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are (TT)widows indeed.
Concerning Elders
17 (TU)The elders who (TV)rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who (TW)work hard [fm]at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “(TX)You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “(TY)The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an (TZ)elder except on the basis of (UA)two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, (UB)rebuke in the presence of all, (UC)so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21 (UD)I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22 (UE)Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and [fn]thereby share (UF)responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself [fo]free from sin.
23 No longer drink water exclusively, but (UG)use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
24 The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins (UH)follow after. 25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and (UI)those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
Instructions to Those Who Minister
6 (UJ)All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so (UK)that the name of God and our doctrine will not be [fp]spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are (UL)brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who [fq]partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. (UM)Teach and [fr]preach these principles.
3 If anyone (UN)advocates a different doctrine and does not [fs]agree with (UO)sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine (UP)conforming to godliness, 4 he is (UQ)conceited and understands nothing; but he [ft]has a morbid interest in (UR)controversial questions and (US)disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between (UT)men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who (UU)suppose that [fu]godliness is a means of gain. 6 (UV)But godliness actually is a means of (UW)great gain when accompanied by (UX)contentment. 7 For (UY)we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we (UZ)have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 (VA)But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and (VB)a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For (VC)the love of money is a root of all [fv]sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have (VD)wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11 But (VE)flee from these things, you (VF)man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, (VG)faith, (VH)love, [fw]perseverance and gentleness. 12 (VI)Fight the good fight of (VJ)faith; (VK)take hold of the eternal life (VL)to which you were called, and you made the good (VM)confession in the presence of (VN)many witnesses. 13 (VO)I charge you in the presence of God, who [fx]gives life to all things, and of (VP)Christ Jesus, who testified the (VQ)good confession (VR)before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the (VS)appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will [fy]bring about at (VT)the proper time—He who is (VU)the blessed and (VV)only Sovereign, (VW)the King of [fz]kings and (VX)Lord of [ga]lords, 16 (VY)who alone possesses immortality and (VZ)dwells in unapproachable light, (WA)whom no man has seen or can see. (WB)To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
17 Instruct those who are rich in (WC)this present world (WD)not to be conceited or to (WE)fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, (WF)who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in (WG)good [gb]works, (WH)to be generous and ready to share, 19 (WI)storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may (WJ)take hold of that which is life indeed.
20 O (WK)Timothy, guard (WL)what has been entrusted to you, avoiding (WM)worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21 which some have professed and thus (WN)gone astray [gc]from (WO)the faith.
(WP)Grace be with you.
Timothy Charged to Guard His Trust
1 Paul, (WQ)an apostle of (WR)Christ Jesus [gd](WS)by the will of God, according to the promise of (WT)life in Christ Jesus,
2 To (WU)Timothy, my beloved [ge](WV)son: (WW)Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 (WX)I thank God, whom I (WY)serve with a (WZ)clear conscience [gf]the way my forefathers did, (XA)as I constantly remember you in my [gg]prayers night and day, 4 (XB)longing to see you, (XC)even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 [gh]For I am mindful of the (XD)sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and (XE)your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh (XF)the gift of God which is in you through (XG)the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a (XH)spirit of [gi]timidity, but of power and love and [gj]discipline.
8 Therefore (XI)do not be ashamed of the (XJ)testimony of our Lord or of me (XK)His prisoner, but join with me in (XL)suffering for the (XM)gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has (XN)saved us and (XO)called us with a holy (XP)calling, (XQ)not according to our works, but according to His own (XR)purpose and grace which was granted us in (XS)Christ Jesus from (XT)all eternity, 10 but (XU)now has been revealed by the (XV)appearing of our Savior (XW)Christ Jesus, who (XX)abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 (XY)for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but (XZ)I am not ashamed; for I know (YA)whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to (YB)guard what I have entrusted to Him [gk]until (YC)that day. 13 [gl](YD)Retain the (YE)standard of (YF)sound words (YG)which you have heard from me, in the (YH)faith and love which are in (YI)Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who (YJ)dwells in us, the [gm](YK)treasure which has been entrusted to you.
15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in [gn](YL)Asia (YM)turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to (YN)the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and (YO)was not ashamed of my [go](YP)chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on (YQ)that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at (YR)Ephesus.
Be Strong
2 You therefore, my [gp](YS)son, (YT)be strong in the grace that is in (YU)Christ Jesus. 2 The things (YV)which you have heard from me in the presence of (YW)many witnesses, (YX)entrust these to (YY)faithful men who will be (YZ)able to teach others also. 3 (ZA)Suffer hardship with me, as a good (ZB)soldier of (ZC)Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service (ZD)entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 Also if anyone (ZE)competes as an athlete, he [gq]does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 (ZF)The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, (ZG)risen from the dead, (ZH)descendant of David, (ZI)according to my gospel, 9 [gr]for which I (ZJ)suffer hardship even to (ZK)imprisonment as a (ZL)criminal; but (ZM)the word of God (ZN)is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason (ZO)I endure all things for (ZP)the sake of those who are chosen, (ZQ)so that they also may obtain the (ZR)salvation which is in (ZS)Christ Jesus and with it (ZT)eternal glory. 11 (ZU)It is a trustworthy statement:
For (ZV)if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12 If we endure, (ZW)we will also reign with Him;
If we [gs](ZX)deny Him, He also will deny us;
13 If we are faithless, (ZY)He remains faithful, for (ZZ)He cannot deny Himself.
An Unashamed Workman
14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly (AAA)charge them in the presence of God not to (AAB)wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to (AAC)present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling (AAD)the word of truth. 16 But (AAE)avoid (AAF)worldly and empty chatter, for [gt]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their [gu]talk will spread like [gv]gangrene. Among them are (AAG)Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that (AAH)the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset (AAI)the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the (AAJ)firm foundation of God stands, having this (AAK)seal, “(AAL)The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “(AAM)Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”
20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and (AAN)some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from (AAO)these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, (AAP)prepared for every good work. 22 Now (AAQ)flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, (AAR)faith, love and peace, with those who (AAS)call on the Lord (AAT)from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant (AAU)speculations, knowing that they (AAV)produce [gw]quarrels. 24 (AAW)The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, (AAX)able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 (AAY)with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, (AAZ)if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to (ABA)the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from (ABB)the snare of the devil, having been (ABC)held captive [gx]by him to do his will.
“Difficult Times Will Come”
3 But realize this, that (ABD)in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be (ABE)lovers of self, (ABF)lovers of money, (ABG)boastful, (ABH)arrogant, (ABI)revilers, (ABJ)disobedient to parents, (ABK)ungrateful, (ABL)unholy, 3 (ABM)unloving, irreconcilable, (ABN)malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, [gy](ABO)haters of good, 4 (ABP)treacherous, (ABQ)reckless, (ABR)conceited, (ABS)lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of [gz](ABT)godliness, although they have (ABU)denied its power; (ABV)Avoid such men as these. 6 For among them are those who [ha](ABW)enter into households and captivate [hb](ABX)weak women weighed down with sins, led on by (ABY)various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to (ABZ)come to the [hc]knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as (ACA)Jannes and Jambres (ACB)opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, (ACC)men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their (ACD)folly will be obvious to all, just (ACE)as [hd]Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.
10 Now you (ACF)followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, (ACG)love, [he]perseverance, 11 (ACH)persecutions, and (ACI)sufferings, such as happened to me at (ACJ)Antioch, at (ACK)Iconium and at (ACL)Lystra; what (ACM)persecutions I endured, and out of them all (ACN)the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus (ACO)will be persecuted. 13 But evil men and impostors (ACP)will proceed from bad to worse, (ACQ)deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, (ACR)continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that (ACS)from childhood you have known (ACT)the sacred writings which are able to (ACU)give you the wisdom that leads to (ACV)salvation through faith which is in (ACW)Christ Jesus. 16 (ACX)All Scripture is [hf]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [hg]training in righteousness; 17 so that (ACY)the man of God may be adequate, (ACZ)equipped for every good work.
“Preach the Word”
4 (ADA)I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to (ADB)judge the living and the dead, and by His (ADC)appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach (ADD)the word; be ready in season and out of season; (ADE)reprove, rebuke, exhort, with [hh]great (ADF)patience and instruction. 3 For (ADG)the time will come when they will not endure (ADH)sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and (ADI)will turn away their ears from the truth and (ADJ)will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, (ADK)be sober in all things, (ADL)endure hardship, do the work of an (ADM)evangelist, fulfill your (ADN)ministry.
6 For I am already being (ADO)poured out as a drink offering, and the time of (ADP)my departure has come. 7 (ADQ)I have fought the good fight, I have finished (ADR)the course, I have kept (ADS)the faith; 8 in the future there (ADT)is laid up for me (ADU)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on (ADV)that day; and not only to me, but also to (ADW)all who have loved His (ADX)appearing.
Personal Concerns
9 (ADY)Make every effort to come to me soon; 10 for (ADZ)Demas, having loved (AEA)this present [hi]world, has deserted me and gone to (AEB)Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to [hj](AEC)Galatia, (AED)Titus to Dalmatia. 11 (AEE)Only (AEF)Luke is with me. Pick up (AEG)Mark and bring him with you, (AEH)for he is useful to me for service. 12 But (AEI)Tychicus I have sent to (AEJ)Ephesus. 13 When you come bring the cloak which I left at (AEK)Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 (AEL)Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; (AEM)the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our [hk]teaching.
16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; (AEN)may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and (AEO)strengthened me, so that through me (AEP)the proclamation might [hl]be (AEQ)fully accomplished, and that all (AER)the Gentiles might hear; and I was (AES)rescued out of (AET)the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will [hm](AEU)bring me safely to His (AEV)heavenly kingdom; (AEW)to [hn]Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
19 Greet Prisca and (AEX)Aquila, and (AEY)the household of Onesiphorus. 20 (AEZ)Erastus remained at (AFA)Corinth, but (AFB)Trophimus I left sick at (AFC)Miletus. 21 (AFD)Make every effort to come before (AFE)winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren.
22 (AFF)The Lord be with your spirit. (AFG)Grace be with you.
Salutation
1 Paul, (AFH)a bond-servant of God and an (AFI)apostle of Jesus Christ, [ho]for the faith of those (AFJ)chosen of God and (AFK)the knowledge of the truth which is (AFL)according to godliness, 2 in (AFM)the hope of eternal life, which God, (AFN)who cannot lie, (AFO)promised [hp](AFP)long ages ago, 3 but (AFQ)at the proper time manifested, even His word, in (AFR)the proclamation (AFS)with which I was entrusted (AFT)according to the commandment of (AFU)God our Savior,
4 To (AFV)Titus, (AFW)my true child [hq]in a (AFX)common faith: (AFY)Grace and peace from God the Father and (AFZ)Christ Jesus our Savior.
Qualifications of Elders
5 For this reason I left you in (AGA)Crete, that you would set in order what remains and (AGB)appoint (AGC)elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, (AGD)if any man is above reproach, the (AGE)husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of (AGF)dissipation or (AGG)rebellion. 7 For the [hr](AGH)overseer must be above reproach as (AGI)God’s steward, not (AGJ)self-willed, not quick-tempered, not (AGK)addicted to wine, not pugnacious, (AGL)not fond of sordid gain, 8 but (AGM)hospitable, (AGN)loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 (AGO)holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in (AGP)sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
10 (AGQ)For there are many (AGR)rebellious men, (AGS)empty talkers and deceivers, especially (AGT)those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting (AGU)whole families, teaching (AGV)things they should not teach (AGW)for the sake of sordid gain. 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “(AGX)Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason (AGY)reprove them (AGZ)severely so that they may be (AHA)sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish (AHB)myths and (AHC)commandments of men who (AHD)turn away from the truth. 15 (AHE)To the pure, all things are pure; but (AHF)to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their (AHG)mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 (AHH)They profess to know God, but by their deeds they (AHI)deny Him, being (AHJ)detestable and (AHK)disobedient and (AHL)worthless (AHM)for any good deed.
Duties of the Older and Younger
2 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for (AHN)sound doctrine. 2 (AHO)Older men are to be (AHP)temperate, dignified, sensible, (AHQ)sound (AHR)in faith, in love, in [hs]perseverance.
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, (AHS)not malicious gossips nor (AHT)enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may [ht]encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, (AHU)workers at home, kind, being (AHV)subject to their own husbands, (AHW)so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
6 Likewise urge (AHX)the young men to be [hu]sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be (AHY)an example of good deeds, with [hv]purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so (AHZ)that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
9 Urge (AIA)bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not [hw]argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of (AIB)God our Savior in every respect.
11 For the grace of God has (AIC)appeared, [hx](AID)bringing salvation to all men, 12 [hy]instructing us to deny ungodliness and (AIE)worldly desires and (AIF)to live sensibly, righteously and godly (AIG)in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the (AIH)appearing of the glory of [hz](AII)our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who (AIJ)gave Himself for us (AIK)to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to (AIL)purify for Himself a (AIM)people for His own possession, (AIN)zealous for good deeds.
15 These things speak and (AIO)exhort and (AIP)reprove with all [ia]authority. (AIQ)Let no one disregard you.
Godly Living
3 (AIR)Remind them (AIS)to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be (AIT)ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, (AIU)to be peaceable, (AIV)gentle, (AIW)showing every consideration for all men. 3 (AIX)For we also once were foolish ourselves, (AIY)disobedient, (AIZ)deceived, (AJA)enslaved to (AJB)various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in (AJC)malice and (AJD)envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the (AJE)kindness of (AJF)God our Savior and His love for mankind (AJG)appeared, 5 (AJH)He saved us, (AJI)not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but (AJJ)according to His mercy, by the (AJK)washing of regeneration and (AJL)renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 (AJM)whom He poured out upon us (AJN)richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made (AJO)heirs [ib]according to the hope of eternal life. 8 (AJP)This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I (AJQ)want you to speak confidently, so that those who have (AJR)believed God will be careful to (AJS)engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. 9 But (AJT)avoid (AJU)foolish controversies and (AJV)genealogies and strife and (AJW)disputes about the Law, for they are (AJX)unprofitable and worthless. 10 (AJY)Reject a (AJZ)factious man (AKA)after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is (AKB)perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Personal Concerns
12 When I send Artemas or (AKC)Tychicus to you, (AKD)make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to (AKE)spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the (AKF)lawyer and (AKG)Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. 14 (AKH)Our people must also learn to (AKI)engage in good [ic]deeds to meet (AKJ)pressing needs, so that they will not be (AKK)unfruitful.
15 (AKL)All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us (AKM)in the faith.
(AKN)Grace be with you all.
Salutation
1 (AKO)Paul, (AKP)a prisoner of (AKQ)Christ Jesus, and (AKR)Timothy [id]our brother,
To Philemon our beloved brother and (AKS)fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia [ie](AKT)our sister, and to (AKU)Archippus our (AKV)fellow soldier, and to (AKW)the church in your house: 3 (AKX)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon’s Love and Faith
4 (AKY)I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 because I (AKZ)hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the [if]saints; 6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective [ig]through the (ALA)knowledge of every good thing which is in you [ih]for Christ’s sake. 7 For I have come to have much (ALB)joy and comfort in your love, because the [ii]hearts of the [ij]saints have been (ALC)refreshed through you, brother.
8 Therefore, (ALD)though I have [ik]enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is (ALE)proper, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather (ALF)appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, [il]the (ALG)aged, and now also (ALH)a prisoner of (ALI)Christ Jesus—
Plea for Onesimus, a Free Man
10 I (ALJ)appeal to you for my (ALK)child [im](ALL)Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my [in]imprisonment, 11 who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. 12 I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my [io](ALM)imprisonment for the gospel; 14 but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would (ALN)not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will. 15 For perhaps (ALO)he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 (ALP)no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, (ALQ)a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both (ALR)in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If then you regard me a (ALS)partner, accept him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; 19 (ALT)I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it ((ALU)not to [ip]mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). 20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; (ALV)refresh my heart in Christ.
21 (ALW)Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.
22 At the same time also prepare me a (ALX)lodging, for (ALY)I hope that through (ALZ)your prayers (AMA)I will be given to you.
23 (AMB)Epaphras, my (AMC)fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do (AMD)Mark, (AME)Aristarchus, (AMF)Demas, (AMG)Luke, my (AMH)fellow workers.
25 (AMI)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be (AMJ)with your spirit.[iq]
New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.