Bible in 90 Days

I. Address

Chapter 1

Greeting. ^1 [a](A)Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace.

Thanksgiving for Their Faith. ² We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly^{(B) 3} calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope^[b] of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, ⁴ knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen.^{(C) 5} For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the holy Spirit and [with] much conviction. You know what sort of people we were [among] you for your sake.^{(D) 6} And you became imitators^[c] of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.^{(E) 8} For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth not only in Macedonia and [in] Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.^{(F) 9} For they themselves openly declare about us what sort of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God^{(G) 10} and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from [the] dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.^(H)

II. Previous Relations with the Thessalonians

Chapter 2

Paul’s Ministry Among Them. ¹ For you yourselves know, brothers, that our reception among you was not without effect. ² Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated, as you know, in Philippi, we drew courage through our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much struggle.^{(I) 3} Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives, nor did it work through deception. ⁴ But as we were judged worthy^[d] by God to be entrusted with the gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please human beings, but rather God, who judges our hearts.^{(J) 5} Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know, or with a pretext for greed—God is witness— ⁶ nor did we seek praise from human beings, either from you or from others,^{(K) 7} although we were able to impose our weight as apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle^[e] among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. ⁸ With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us. ⁹ You recall, brothers, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.^{(L) 10} You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers. ¹¹ As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children,^{(M) 12} exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you conduct yourselves as worthy of the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.^(N)

Further Thanksgiving. ¹³ And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe. ^14 [f]For you, brothers, have become imitators of the churches of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you suffer the same things from your compatriots as they did from the Jews, ^15 [g]who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us; they do not please God, and are opposed to everyone,^{(O) 16} trying to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles that they may be saved, thus constantly filling up the measure of their sins. But the wrath of God has finally begun to come upon them.^(P)

Paul’s Recent Travel Plans. ¹⁷ Brothers, when we were bereft of you for a short time, in person, not in heart, we were all the more eager in our great desire to see you in person.^{(Q) 18} We decided to go to you—I, Paul, not only once but more than once—yet Satan thwarted us.^{(R) 19} For what is our hope or joy or crown to boast of in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming if not you yourselves?^{(S) 20} For you are our glory and joy.

Chapter 3

¹ That is why, when we could bear it no longer, we decided to remain alone in Athens^{(T) 2} and sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,^{(U) 3} so that no one be disturbed in these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined^[h] for this. ⁴ For even when we were among you, we used to warn you in advance that we would undergo affliction, just as has happened, as you know.^{(V) 5} For this reason, when I too could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had put you to the test and our toil might come to nothing.

⁶ But just now Timothy has returned to us from you, bringing us the good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us and long to see us as we long to see you. ⁷ Because of this, we have been reassured about you, brothers, in our every distress and affliction, through your faith. ⁸ For we now live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

Concluding Thanksgiving and Prayer. ^9 [i]What thanksgiving, then, can we render to God for you, for all the joy we feel on your account before our God? ¹⁰ Night and day we pray beyond measure to see you in person and to remedy the deficiencies of your faith. ¹¹ Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, ¹² and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you,^{(W) 13} so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. [Amen.]^(X)

III. Specific Exhortations

Chapter 4

General Exhortations. ¹ Finally, brothers, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God—and as you are conducting yourselves—you do so even more. ² For you know what instructions^[j] we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Holiness in Sexual Conduct.^{[k] 3} This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality, ⁴ that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor, ⁵ not in lustful passion as do the Gentiles who do not know God;^{(Y) 6} not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you before and solemnly affirmed. ⁷ For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness. ⁸ Therefore, whoever disregards this, disregards not a human being but God, who [also] gives his holy Spirit to you.^(Z)

Mutual Charity. ⁹ On the subject of mutual charity you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.^{(AA) 10} Indeed, you do this for all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Nevertheless we urge you, brothers, to progress even more,^{(AB) 11} and to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your [own] hands, as we instructed you, ¹² that you may conduct yourselves properly toward outsiders and not depend on anyone.

Hope for the Christian Dead. ¹³ We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.^{(AC) 15} Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,^[l] will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep.^{(AD) 16} For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.^{(AE) 17} Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together^[m] with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore, console one another with these words.

Chapter 5

Vigilance. ¹ Concerning times and seasons, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written to you.^{(AF) 2} For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.^{(AG) 3} When people are saying, “Peace and security,” then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

⁴ But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.^{(AH) 5} For all of you are children of the light^[n] and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. ⁶ Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.^{(AI) 7} Those who sleep go to sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet that is hope for salvation.^{(AJ) 9} For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him.^{[o] 11} Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.^(AK)

Church Order. ¹² We ask you, brothers, to respect those who are laboring among you and who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you, ¹³ and to show esteem for them with special love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

¹⁴ We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. ¹⁵ See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good [both] for each other and for all.^{(AL) 16} Rejoice always. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.^{(AM) 19 [p]}Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophetic utterances. ²¹ Test everything; retain what is good. ²² Refrain from every kind of evil.

Concluding Prayer. ^23 [q]May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(AN) 24} The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it. ²⁵ Brothers, pray for us [too].

IV. Final Greeting

²⁶ Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.^{[r] 27} I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers. ²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

I. Address

Chapter 1

Greeting.^{[s] 1} Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:^{(AO) 2} grace to you and peace from God [our] Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving. ^3 [t]We ought to thank God always for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater.^{(AP) 4} Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure.

⁵ This is evidence of the just judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are suffering.^{(AQ) 6} For it is surely just on God’s part to repay with afflictions those who are afflicting you, ⁷ and to grant rest along with us to you who are undergoing afflictions, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his mighty angels, ⁸ in blazing fire, inflicting punishment on those who do not acknowledge God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.^{(AR) 9} These will pay the penalty of eternal ruin, separated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power,^{(AS) 10} when he comes to be glorified among his holy ones^[u] and to be marveled at on that day among all who have believed, for our testimony to you was believed.^(AT)

Prayer. ¹¹ To this end, we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith,^{(AU) 12 [v]}that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him,^(AV) in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.

II. Warning Against Deception Concerning the Parousia

Chapter 2

Christ and the Lawless One.^{[w] 1} We ask you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him,^{(AW) 2} not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,”^[x] or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.^{(AX) 3} Let no one deceive you in any way. For unless the apostasy comes first and the lawless one is revealed,^[y] the one doomed to perdition, ^4 (AY)who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god and object of worship, so as to seat himself in the temple of God,^[z] claiming that he is a god— ⁵ do you not recall that while I was still with you I told you these things? ⁶ And now you know what is restraining,^[aa] that he may be revealed in his time. ^7 [ab]For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. But the one who restrains is to do so only for the present, until he is removed from the scene.^{(AZ) 8} And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord [Jesus] will kill with the breath of his mouth and render powerless by the manifestation of his coming,^{(BA) 9} the one whose coming springs from the power of Satan in every mighty deed and in signs and wonders that lie,^{(BB) 10} and in every wicked deceit for those who are perishing because they have not accepted the love of truth so that they may be saved. ¹¹ Therefore, God is sending them a deceiving power so that they may believe the lie, ¹² that all who have not believed the truth but have approved wrongdoing may be condemned.

¹³ But we ought to give thanks to God for you always, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits^[ac] for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in truth.^{(BC) 14} To this end he has [also] called you through our gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(BD) 15} Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.^[ad]

¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, ¹⁷ encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.

III. Concluding Exhortations

Chapter 3^[ae]

Request for Prayers. ¹ Finally, brothers, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you,^{(BE) 2} and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people, for not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.^{(BF) 4} We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you, you [both] are doing and will continue to do.^{(BG) 5} May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.

Neglect of Work. ⁶ We instruct you, brothers, in the name of [our] Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us.^{[af] 7} For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, ⁸ nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you.^{(BH) 9} Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.^{(BI) 10} In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.^{(BJ) 11} We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.^{(BK) 12} Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food. ¹³ But you, brothers, do not be remiss in doing good. ¹⁴ If anyone does not obey our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not to associate with him, that he may be put to shame. ¹⁵ Do not regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother.^{(BL) 16} May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.^(BM)

IV. Final Greetings

¹⁷ This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write.^{(BN) 18} The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

I. Address

Chapter 1

Greeting.^{[ag] 1} Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,^{(BO) 2} to Timothy, my true child in faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.^(BP)

II. Sound Teaching

Warning Against False Doctrine. ^3 [ah]I repeat the request I made of you when I was on my way to Macedonia,^(BQ) that you stay in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to teach false doctrines ^4 [ai]or to concern themselves with myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the plan of God that is to be received by faith.^{(BR) 5} The aim of this instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.^{(BS) 6} Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless talk,^{(BT) 7} wanting to be teachers of the law, but without understanding either what they are saying or what they assert with such assurance.

^8 [aj]We know that the law is good, provided that one uses it as law,^{(BU) 9} with the understanding that law is meant not for a righteous person but for the lawless and unruly, the godless and sinful, the unholy and profane, those who kill their fathers or mothers, murderers, ¹⁰ the unchaste, sodomites,^[ak] kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is opposed to sound teaching,^{(BV) 11} according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.^(BW)

Gratitude for God’s Mercy.^{[al] 12} I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry.^{(BX) 13} I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief.^{(BY) 14} Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^{(BZ) 15} This saying is trustworthy^[am] and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost.^{(CA) 16} But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life. ¹⁷ To the king of ages,^[an] incorruptible, invisible, the only God, honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.^(CB)

Responsibility of Timothy.^{[ao] 18} I entrust this charge to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophetic words once spoken about you.^[ap] Through them may you fight a good fight^{(CC) 19} by having faith and a good conscience. Some, by rejecting conscience, have made a shipwreck of their faith,^{(CD) 20} among them Hymenaeus^[aq] and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.^(CE)

III. Problems of Discipline

Chapter 2

Prayer and Conduct. ^1 [ar]First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,^{(CF) 2} for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. ³ This is good and pleasing to God our savior,^{(CG) 4} who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.^(CH)

This was the testimony^[as] at the proper time.^{(CJ) 7} For this I was appointed preacher and apostle (I am speaking the truth, I am not lying), teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.^(CK)

^8 [at]It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument. ⁹ Similarly, [too,] women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes,^{(CL) 10} but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds.^{(CM) 11} A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control.^{(CN) 12} I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man.^[au] She must be quiet. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve.^{(CO) 14} Further, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed.^{(CP) 15} But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.^(CQ)

Chapter 3

Qualifications of Various Ministers. ^1 [av]This saying is trustworthy:^[aw] whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.^{(CR) 2} Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money.^{(CS) 4} He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; ⁵ for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God? ⁶ He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil’s punishment.^{[ax] 7} He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the devil’s trap.^(CT)

^8 [ay]Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, ⁹ holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ Women,^[az] similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything.^{(CU) 12} Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. ¹³ Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Our Religion.^{[ba] 14} I am writing you about these matters, although I hope to visit you soon. ¹⁵ But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.^{(CV) 16} Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion,

Chapter 4

False Asceticism.^{[bc] 1} Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions^{(CX) 2} through the hypocrisy of liars with branded consciences. ³ They forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.^{(CY) 4} For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving,^{(CZ) 5} for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer.^[bd]

Counsel to Timothy. ^6 [be]If you will give these instructions to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching you have followed. ⁷ Avoid profane and silly myths. Train yourself for devotion,^{(DA) 8} for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.^{(DB) 9} This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.^{(DC) 10} For this we toil and struggle,^[bf] because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the savior of all, especially of those who believe.^(DD)

^11 [bg]Command and teach these things. ¹² Let no one have contempt for your youth,^[bh] but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.^{(DE) 13} Until I arrive, attend to the reading,^[bi] exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word^[bj] with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate.^{(DF) 15} Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. ¹⁶ Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

IV. Duties Toward Others

Chapter 5

^1 [bk]Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father. Treat younger men as brothers,^{(DG) 2} older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters with complete purity.

Rules for Widows. ³ Honor widows who are truly widows. ⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let these first learn to perform their religious duty to their own family and to make recompense to their parents, for this is pleasing to God. ⁵ The real widow, who is all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.^{(DH) 6} But the one who is self-indulgent is dead while she lives. ⁷ Command this, so that they may be irreproachable. ⁸ And whoever does not provide for relatives and especially family members has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years old, married only once, ¹⁰ with a reputation for good works, namely, that she has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the holy ones, helped those in distress, involved herself in every good work.^{(DI) 11} But exclude younger widows, for when their sensuality estranges them from Christ, they want to marry ¹² and will incur condemnation for breaking their first pledge. ¹³ And furthermore, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers but gossips and busybodies as well, talking about things that ought not to be mentioned.^{(DJ) 14} So I would like younger widows to marry, have children, and manage a home, so as to give the adversary no pretext for maligning us.^{(DK) 15} For some have already turned away to follow Satan. ¹⁶ If any woman believer^[bl] has widowed relatives, she must assist them; the church is not to be burdened, so that it will be able to help those who are truly widows.

Rules for Presbyters.^{[bm] 17} Presbyters who preside well deserve double honor, especially those who toil in preaching and teaching.^{(DL) 18} For the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is threshing,” and, “A worker deserves his pay.”^{(DM) 19} Do not accept an accusation against a presbyter unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.^{(DN) 20} Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid.^{(DO) 21} I charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to keep these rules without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism. ²² Do not lay hands too readily on anyone, and do not share in another’s sins. Keep yourself pure.^{(DP) 23} Stop drinking only water, but have a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

²⁴ Some people’s sins are public, preceding them to judgment; but other people are followed by their sins. ²⁵ Similarly, good works are also public; and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Chapter 6

Rules for Slaves. ^1 [bn]Those who are under the yoke of slavery must regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that the name of God and our teaching^[bo] may not suffer abuse.^{(DQ) 2} Those whose masters are believers must not take advantage of them because they are brothers but must give better service because those who will profit from their work are believers and are beloved.^(DR)

V. False Teaching and True Wealth

Teach and urge these things.^{[bp] 3} Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching^{(DS) 4} is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, ⁵ and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain.^{(DT) 6 [bq]}Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain.^{(DU) 7} For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.^{(DV) 8} If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.^{(DW) 9} Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction.^{(DX) 10} For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.

Exhortations to Timothy.^{[br] 11} But you, man of God,^[bs] avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.^{(DY) 12} Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.^{(DZ) 13} I charge [you] before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession,^{(EA) 14} to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ ¹⁵ that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords,^{(EB) 16} who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.^(EC)

Right Use of Wealth.^{[bt] 17} Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.^{(ED) 18} Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, ¹⁹ thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life.^(EE)

VI. Final Recommendation and Warning^[bu]

²⁰ O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid profane babbling and the absurdities of so-called knowledge.^{(EF) 21} By professing it, some people have deviated from the faith.

Grace be with all of you.^(EG)

I. Address

Chapter 1

Greeting.^{[bv] 1} Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God^(EH) for the promise of life in Christ Jesus,^{[bw] 2} to Timothy, my dear child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thanksgiving. ^3 (EI)I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did,^[bx] as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day. ^4 [by]I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, ⁵ as I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you.^(EJ)

II. Exhortations to Timothy

The Gifts Timothy Has Received. ⁶ For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God^[bz] that you have through the imposition of my hands.^{(EK) 7} For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.^{(EL) 8} So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,^[ca] nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.^(EM)

^9 [cb]He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,^{(EN) 10} but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,^{(EO) 11 [cc]}for which I was appointed preacher and apostle^(EP) and teacher. ^12 [cd]On this account I am suffering these things; but I am not ashamed,^(EQ) for I know him in whom I have believed and am confident that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day. ¹³ Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^{(ER) 14} Guard this rich trust with the help of the holy Spirit that dwells within us.^(ES)

Paul’s Suffering. ^15 [ce](ET)You know that everyone in Asia deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. ^16 [cf]May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus^(EU) because he often gave me new heart and was not ashamed of my chains. ¹⁷ But when he came to Rome, he promptly searched for me and found me. ¹⁸ May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord^[cg] on that day. And you know very well the services he rendered in Ephesus.^(EV)

Chapter 2

Timothy’s Conduct. ^1 [ch]So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well. ³ Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.^{(EW) 4} To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life.^{(EX) 5} Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner’s crown except by competing according to the rules.^{(EY) 6} The hardworking farmer ought to have the first share of the crop.^{(EZ) 7} Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.^(FA)

^8 [ci]Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel,^{(FB) 9} for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.^{(FC) 10} Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.^{(FD) 11} This saying is trustworthy:

III. Instructions Concerning False Teaching

Warning Against Useless Disputes. ^14 [cj]Remind people of these things and charge them before God^[ck] to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.^{(FH) 15} Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.^{(FI) 16} Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless,^{(FJ) 17} and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,^{(FK) 18} who have deviated from the truth by saying that [the] resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some.^{(FL) 19} Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, “The Lord knows those who are his”; and, “Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil.”^(FM)

²⁰ In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use. ²¹ If anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work.^{(FN) 22} So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord^[cl] with purity of heart.^{(FO) 23} Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels.^{(FP) 24} A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant,^{(FQ) 25} correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth,^{(FR) 26 [cm]}and that they may return to their senses out of the devil’s snare,^(FS) where they are entrapped by him, for his will.

Chapter 3

The Dangers of the Last Days.^{[cn] 1} But understand this: there will be terrifying times in the last days.^{(FT) 2} People will be self-centered and lovers of money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, irreligious,^{(FU) 3} callous, implacable, slanderous, licentious, brutal, hating what is good, ⁴ traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ as they make a pretense of religion but deny its power. Reject them.^{(FV) 6} For some of these slip into homes and make captives of women weighed down by sins, led by various desires,^{(FW) 7} always trying to learn but never able to reach a knowledge of the truth.^{(FX) 8} Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so they also oppose the truth—people of depraved mind, unqualified in the faith.^{(FY) 9} But they will not make further progress, for their foolishness will be plain to all, as it was with those two.

Paul’s Example and Teaching.^{[co] 10} You have followed my teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹ persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, persecutions that I endured. Yet from all these things the Lord delivered me.^{(FZ) 12} In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.^{(GA) 13} But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. ¹⁴ But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it,^{(GB) 15} and that from infancy you have known [the] sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.^{(GC) 16 [cp]}All scripture^(GD) is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness,^{[cq] 17} so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.^(GE)

Chapter 4

Solemn Charge.^{[cr] 1} I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power:^{(GF) 2} proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.^{(GG) 3} For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity,^[cs] will accumulate teachers^{(GH) 4} and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.^{(GI) 5} But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.

Reward for Fidelity. ^6 [ct](GJ)For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. ^7 [cu]I have competed well; I have finished the race;^(GK) I have kept the faith. ^8 [cv]From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day,^(GL) and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.

IV. Personal Requests and Final Greetings

Paul’s Loneliness. ^9 [cw]Try to join me soon, ¹⁰ for Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia,^[cx] and Titus to Dalmatia.^{(GM) 11} Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry.^{(GN) 12} I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.^{(GO) 13} When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.^(GP)

¹⁴ Alexander^[cy] the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.^{(GQ) 15} You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching.

¹⁶ At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them!^{(GR) 17} But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.^{(GS) 18} The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.^(GT)

Final Greeting. ¹⁹ Greet Prisca and Aquila^[cz] and the family of Onesiphorus.^{(GU) 20} Erastus^[da] remained in Corinth, while I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.^{(GV) 21} Try to get here before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus,^[db] Claudia, and all the brothers send greetings.

²² The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you.^(GW)

I. Address

Chapter 1

Greeting.^{[dc] 1} Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ for the sake of the faith of God’s chosen ones and the recognition of religious truth,^{(GX) 2} in the hope of eternal life that God, who does not lie, promised before time began,^{(GY) 3} who indeed at the proper time revealed his word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted by the command of God our savior,^{(GZ) 4} to Titus, my true child in our common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our savior.^(HA)

II. Pastoral Charge

Titus in Crete. ^5 [dd]For this reason I left you in Crete so that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you, ^6 (HB)on condition that a man be blameless, married only once, with believing children who are not accused of licentiousness or rebellious. ⁷ For a bishop as God’s steward must be blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of goodness, temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled, ⁹ holding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents.^{(HC) 10 [de]}For there are also many rebels, idle talkers and deceivers, especially the Jewish Christians.^{[df] 11} It is imperative to silence them, as they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what they should not. ¹² One of them, a prophet of their own, once said, “Cretans have always been liars, vicious beasts, and lazy gluttons.”^{[dg] 13} That testimony is true. Therefore, admonish them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith,^{(HD) 14} instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and regulations of people who have repudiated the truth.^{(HE) 15} To the clean all things are clean, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is clean; in fact, both their minds and their consciences are tainted.^{(HF) 16} They claim to know God, but by their deeds they deny him. They are vile and disobedient and unqualified for any good deed.

III. Teaching the Christian Life

Chapter 2

Christian Behavior.^{[dh] 1} As for yourself, you must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely,^{(HG) 2} that older men should be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. ³ Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, ⁴ so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.^(HH)

⁶ Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves, ⁷ showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, ⁸ and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say about us.

⁹ Slaves are to be under the control of their masters in all respects, giving them satisfaction, not talking back to them^{(HI) 10} or stealing from them, but exhibiting complete good faith, so as to adorn the doctrine of God our savior in every way.^(HJ)

Transformation of Life. ^11 [di]For the grace of God has appeared, saving all^{(HK) 12} and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, ¹³ as we await the blessed hope, the appearance^[dj] of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ,^{(HL) 14} who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.^(HM)

¹⁵ Say these things. Exhort and correct with all authority. Let no one look down on you.^(HN)

Chapter 3

^1 [dk]Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities,^[dl] to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise.^{(HO) 2} They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.^(HP)

⁸ This saying is trustworthy.

Advice to Titus.^[dm] I want you to insist on these points, that those who have believed in God be careful to devote themselves to good works; these are excellent and beneficial to others.^{(HU) 9 [dn]}Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law,^(HV) for they are useless and futile. ¹⁰ After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic,^{(HW) 11} realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned.

Directives, Greetings, and Blessing.^{[do] 12} When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, try to join me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter.^{(HX) 13} Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey soon, and see to it that they have everything they need.^{(HY) 14} But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.^(HZ)

¹⁵ All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with all of you.^(IA)

Address and Greeting. ^1 [dp]Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved and our co-worker,^{(IB) 2} to Apphia our sister,^[dq] to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church at your house.^{(IC) 3} Grace to you and peace^[dr] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.^(ID)

Thanksgiving. ^4 [ds](IE)I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers, ⁵ as I hear of the love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the holy ones,^{[dt] 6} so that your partnership in the faith may become effective in recognizing every good there is in us^[du] that leads to Christ.^(IF)

Plea for Onesimus. ⁷ For I have experienced much joy and encouragement^[dv] from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother.^{(IG) 8} Therefore, although I have the full right^[dw] in Christ to order you to do what is proper, ⁹ I rather urge you out of love, being as I am, Paul, an old man,^[dx] and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus.^{(IH) 10} I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment,^{(II) 11} who was once useless to you but is now useful^[dy] to [both] you and me. ¹² I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. ¹³ I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve^[dz] me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel,^{(IJ) 14} but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary.^{(IK) 15} Perhaps this is why he was away from^[ea] you for a while, that you might have him back forever, ¹⁶ no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man^[eb] and in the Lord.^{(IL) 17} So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. ^18 [ec]And if he has done you any injustice or owes you anything, charge it to me. ¹⁹ I, Paul, write this in my own hand: I will pay. May I not tell you that you owe me your very self.^{(IM) 20} Yes, brother, may I profit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

²¹ With trust in your compliance I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. ²² At the same time prepare a guest room for me, for I hope to be granted to you through your prayers.^(IN)

Final Greetings. ²³ Epaphras,^[ed] my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,^{(IO) 24} as well as Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. ²⁵ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^(IP)