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1 Timothy 1-6
American Standard Version

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Saviour, and Christ Jesus our hope; 2 unto Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine, 4 neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a [a]dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now. 5 But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned: 6 from which things some having [b]swerved have turned aside unto vain talking; 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully, 9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for [c]murderers of fathers and [d]murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for menstealers, for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to the [e]sound [f]doctrine; 11 according to the [g]gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

12 I thank him that [h]enabled me, even Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to his service; 13 though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: 16 howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life. 17 Now unto the King [i]eternal, [j]immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory [k]for ever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare; 19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith: 20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

2 I exhort therefore, first of all, [l]that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; 2 for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony to be borne in its own times; 7 whereunto I was appointed a [m]preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and [n]disputing. 9 In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; 10 but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. 11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. 12 But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not beguiled, but the woman being beguiled hath fallen into transgression: 15 but she shall be saved through [o]her child-bearing, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety.

3 [p]Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 The [q]bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 [r]no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money; 4 one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the [s]condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless. 11 Women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly; 15 but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know [t]how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and [u]ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness;

[v]He who was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the spirit,
Seen of angels,
Preached among the [w]nations,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.

4 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, [x]branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

6 If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now: 7 but refuse profane and old wives’ fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness: 8 for bodily exercise is profitable [y]for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come. 9 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation. 10 For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe. 11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all. 16 Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

5 Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: 2 the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7 These things also command, that they may be without reproach. 8 But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work. 11 But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; 12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first [z]pledge. 13 And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I desire therefore that the younger [aa]widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling: 15 for already some are turned aside after Satan. 16 If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 18 For the scripture saith, [ab]Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. 21 I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without [ac]prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. 23 Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. 24 Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after. 25 In like manner also [ad]there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

6 Let as many as are [ae]servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that [af]partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.

3 If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to [ag]sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but [ah]doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain: 7 for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; 8 but having food and covering [ai]we shall be therewith content. 9 But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all [aj]kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, [ak]patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. 13 I charge thee in the sight of God, who [al]giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession; 14 that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 which in [am]its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of [an]kings, and Lord of [ao]lords; 16 who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.

17 Charge them that are rich in this present [ap]world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, [aq]willing to communicate; 19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

20 O Timothy, guard [ar]that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called; 21 which some professing have [as]erred concerning the faith.

Grace be with you.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 1:4 Or, stewardship. See 1 Cor. 9:17.
  2. 1 Timothy 1:6 Greek missed the mark. 6:21; 2 Tim. 2:18.
  3. 1 Timothy 1:9 Or, smiters
  4. 1 Timothy 1:9 Or, smiters
  5. 1 Timothy 1:10 Greek healthful.
  6. 1 Timothy 1:10 Or, teaching
  7. 1 Timothy 1:11 Greek good tidings. See Mt. 4:23 margin.
  8. 1 Timothy 1:12 Some ancient authorities read enableth.
  9. 1 Timothy 1:17 Greek of the ages. Compare Heb. 1:2; Rev. 15:3.
  10. 1 Timothy 1:17 Greek incorruptible.
  11. 1 Timothy 1:17 Greek unto the ages of the ages.
  12. 1 Timothy 2:1 Greek to make supplications etc.
  13. 1 Timothy 2:7 Greek herald.
  14. 1 Timothy 2:8 Or, doubting
  15. 1 Timothy 2:15 Or, the childbearing. Compare Gal. 4:4.
  16. 1 Timothy 3:1 Some connect the words Faithful is the saying with the preceding paragraph.
  17. 1 Timothy 3:2 Or, overseer
  18. 1 Timothy 3:3 Or, not quarrelsome over wine
  19. 1 Timothy 3:6 Greek judgment.
  20. 1 Timothy 3:15 Or, how thou oughtest to behave thyself
  21. 1 Timothy 3:15 Or, stay
  22. 1 Timothy 3:16 The word God, in place of He who, rests on no sufficient ancient evidence. Some ancient authorities read which.
  23. 1 Timothy 3:16 Or, Gentiles
  24. 1 Timothy 4:2 Or, seared
  25. 1 Timothy 4:8 Or, for little
  26. 1 Timothy 5:12 Greek faith.
  27. 1 Timothy 5:14 Or, women
  28. 1 Timothy 5:18 Dt. 25:4.
  29. 1 Timothy 5:21 Or, preference
  30. 1 Timothy 5:25 Greek the works that are good are evident.
  31. 1 Timothy 6:1 Greek bondservants.
  32. 1 Timothy 6:2 Or, lay hold of
  33. 1 Timothy 6:3 Greek healthful.
  34. 1 Timothy 6:4 Greek sick.
  35. 1 Timothy 6:8 Or, in these we shall have enough
  36. 1 Timothy 6:10 Greek evils.
  37. 1 Timothy 6:11 Or, stedfastness
  38. 1 Timothy 6:13 Or, preserveth all things alive
  39. 1 Timothy 6:15 Or, his
  40. 1 Timothy 6:15 Greek them that reign as kings.
  41. 1 Timothy 6:15 Greek them that rule as lords.
  42. 1 Timothy 6:17 Or, age
  43. 1 Timothy 6:18 Or, ready to sympathize
  44. 1 Timothy 6:20 Greek the deposit.
  45. 1 Timothy 6:21 Greek missed the mark.
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1 Timothy 1-6
New International Version

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

2 To Timothy(D) my true son(E) in the faith:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.(F)

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,(G) stay there in Ephesus(H) so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines(I) any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths(J) and endless genealogies.(K) Such things promote controversial speculations(L) rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart(M) and a good conscience(N) and a sincere faith.(O) 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers(P) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.(Q)

8 We know that the law is good(R) if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous(S) but for lawbreakers and rebels,(T) the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine(U) 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.(V)

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,(W) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.(X) 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor(Y) and a violent man, I was shown mercy(Z) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.(AA) 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,(AB) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.(AC)

15 Here is a trustworthy saying(AD) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners(AE)—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy(AF) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience(AG) as an example for those who would believe(AH) in him and receive eternal life.(AI) 17 Now to the King(AJ) eternal, immortal,(AK) invisible,(AL) the only God,(AM) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.(AN)

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

18 Timothy, my son,(AO) I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,(AP) so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,(AQ) 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience,(AR) which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.(AS) 20 Among them are Hymenaeus(AT) and Alexander,(AU) whom I have handed over to Satan(AV) to be taught not to blaspheme.

Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,(AW) intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority,(AX) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness(AY) and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases(AZ) God our Savior,(BA) 4 who wants(BB) all people(BC) to be saved(BD) and to come to a knowledge of the truth.(BE) 5 For there is one God(BF) and one mediator(BG) between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,(BH) 6 who gave himself as a ransom(BI) for all people. This has now been witnessed to(BJ) at the proper time.(BK) 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying(BL)—and a true and faithful teacher(BM) of the Gentiles.(BN)

8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands(BO) without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,(BP) 10 but with good deeds,(BQ) appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

11 A woman[a] should learn in quietness and full submission.(BR) 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;[b] she must be quiet.(BS) 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.(BT) 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.(BU) 15 But women[c] will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love(BV) and holiness with propriety.

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:(BW) Whoever aspires to be an overseer(BX) desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach,(BY) faithful to his wife,(BZ) temperate,(CA) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,(CB) able to teach,(CC) 3 not given to drunkenness,(CD) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,(CE) not a lover of money.(CF) 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[d] respect.(CG) 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)(CH) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited(CI) and fall under the same judgment(CJ) as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,(CK) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.(CL)

8 In the same way, deacons[e](CM) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,(CN) and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.(CO) 10 They must first be tested;(CP) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women[f] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers(CQ) but temperate(CR) and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife(CS) and must manage his children and his household well.(CT) 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church(CU) of the living God,(CV) the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery(CW) from which true godliness(CX) springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,(CY)
    was vindicated by the Spirit,[g]
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,(CZ)
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory.(DA)

4 The Spirit(DB) clearly says that in later times(DC) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits(DD) and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.(DE) 3 They forbid people to marry(DF) and order them to abstain from certain foods,(DG) which God created(DH) to be received with thanksgiving(DI) by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good,(DJ) and nothing is to be rejected(DK) if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God(DL) and prayer.

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[h] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith(DM) and of the good teaching that you have followed.(DN) 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;(DO) rather, train yourself to be godly.(DP) 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,(DQ) holding promise for both the present life(DR) and the life to come.(DS) 9 This is a trustworthy saying(DT) that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,(DU) who is the Savior of all people,(DV) and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.(DW) 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you(DX) because you are young, but set an example(DY) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith(DZ) and in purity. 13 Until I come,(EA) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,(EB) to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy(EC) when the body of elders(ED) laid their hands on you.(EE)

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save(EF) both yourself and your hearers.

Widows, Elders and Slaves

5 Do not rebuke an older man(EG) harshly,(EH) but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men(EI) as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.(EJ) 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents,(EK) for this is pleasing to God.(EL) 5 The widow who is really in need(EM) and left all alone puts her hope in God(EN) and continues night and day to pray(EO) and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.(EP) 7 Give the people these instructions,(EQ) so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied(ER) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds,(ES) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,(ET) washing the feet(EU) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble(EV) and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies(EW) who talk nonsense,(EX) saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry,(EY) to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.(EZ) 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.(FA)

16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.(FB)

17 The elders(FC) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,(FD) especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”[i](FE) and “The worker deserves his wages.”[j](FF) 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder(FG) unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.(FH) 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove(FI) before everyone, so that the others may take warning.(FJ) 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus(FK) and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,(FL) and do not share in the sins of others.(FM) Keep yourself pure.(FN)

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine(FO) because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,(FP) so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.(FQ) 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.(FR) Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare[k] of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on.(FS) 3 If anyone teaches otherwise(FT) and does not agree to the sound instruction(FU) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited(FV) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words(FW) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth(FX) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment(FY) is great gain.(FZ) 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.(GA) 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.(GB) 9 Those who want to get rich(GC) fall into temptation and a trap(GD) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money(GE) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith(GF) and pierced themselves with many griefs.(GG)

Final Charge to Timothy

11 But you, man of God,(GH) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,(GI) faith, love,(GJ) endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight(GK) of the faith. Take hold of(GL) the eternal life(GM) to which you were called when you made your good confession(GN) in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate(GO) made the good confession,(GP) I charge you(GQ) 14 to keep this command without spot or blame(GR) until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,(GS) 15 which God will bring about in his own time(GT)—God, the blessed(GU) and only Ruler,(GV) the King of kings and Lord of lords,(GW) 16 who alone is immortal(GX) and who lives in unapproachable light,(GY) whom no one has seen or can see.(GZ) To him be honor and might forever. Amen.(HA)

17 Command those who are rich(HB) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,(HC) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,(HD) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.(HE) 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,(HF) and to be generous and willing to share.(HG) 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves(HH) as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of(HI) the life that is truly life.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted(HJ) to your care. Turn away from godless chatter(HK) and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.(HL)

Grace be with you all.(HM)

Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 2:11 Or wife; also in verse 12
  2. 1 Timothy 2:12 Or over her husband
  3. 1 Timothy 2:15 Greek she
  4. 1 Timothy 3:4 Or him with proper
  5. 1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
  6. 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
  7. 1 Timothy 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit
  8. 1 Timothy 4:6 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
  9. 1 Timothy 5:18 Deut. 25:4
  10. 1 Timothy 5:18 Luke 10:7
  11. 1 Timothy 6:2 Or and benefit from the service
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