Paul’s Greeting to Timothy

(2 Timothy 1:1–2)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by [the] command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

2 To Timothy, [my] true child in [the] faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace from God [the] Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Correcting False Teachers

(Titus 1:10–16)

3 As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines 4 [or] devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than [the] stewardship of God’s [work], which [is] by faith.[fn]

5 The goal of [our] instruction is [the] love [that comes] from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. 6 Some have strayed from [ these ways ] [and] turned aside to empty talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, [but] they do not understand what they are saying [or] [that] which they so confidently assert.

8 Now we know that the law [is] good, if one uses it legitimately. 9 We realize that law is not enacted for [the] righteous, but for [the] lawless and rebellious, for [the] ungodly and sinful, for [the] unholy and profane, for killers of father [or] mother, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders[fn] [and] liars [and] perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching 11 that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

God’s Grace to Paul

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful [and] appointed [me] to service. 13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent [man]; yet because I had acted in ignorance [and] unbelief, I was shown mercy. 14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed [to me], along with [the] faith and love that [are] in Christ Jesus.

15 [This is a] trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am [the] worst. 16 But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, [the] worst [ of sinners ], Christ Jesus might display [His] perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to [the] King eternal, immortal, [and] invisible, [the] only God, [be] honor and glory forever [and] ever. Amen.

18 Timothy, [my] child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected [and thereby] shipwrecked [their] faith. 20 Among [them] are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

A Call to Prayer

2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgiving be offered for everyone 2 for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. 3 This [is] good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to [the] knowledge of [the] truth.

5 For [there is] one God, and [there is] one mediator between God and men, [the] man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself [as] a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

7 For [this reason] I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, [and] a faithful and true teacher of [the] Gentiles. I am telling [the] truth; [I am] not lying [ about anything ]. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere[fn] to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger [or] dissension.

Instructions to Women

9 Likewise, [I want] [the] women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and [with] self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, [as] is proper for women [who] profess to worship God.

11 A woman[fn] must learn in quietness [and] full submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach [or] to exercise authority over a man;[fn] she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, and then Eve. 14 And [it was] not Adam [who] was deceived, but the woman [who] was deceived [and] fell into transgression. 15 Women, however, will be saved[fn] through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

Qualifications for Overseers

(Titus 1:5–9, 1 Peter 5:1–4)

3 [This is] a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, [the] husband of but one wife,[fn] temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, [and] free of the love of money.

4 [An overseer must] manage [his] own household well [and] keep [his] children under control, with complete dignity. 5 [For] if someone {does} not know how to manage [his] own household, [how] can he care for [the] church of God? 6 [He must] not [be] a recent convert, or he may become conceited [and] fall under [ the same ] condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and [into the] snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

(Acts 6:1–7)

8 Deacons likewise [must be] dignified, not double-tongued [or] given to much wine [or] greedy for money. 9 They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 Additionally they must first be tested Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, [the] women[fn] [must be] dignified, not slanderers, [but] temperate [and] faithful in all things.

12 A deacon must be [the] husband of but one wife, a good manager [of his] children and [of his] own household. 13 For those who have served well [as deacons] acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in [the] faith that [is] in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

14 [Although] I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things 15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is [the] church of [the] living God, [the] pillar and foundation of the truth.

16 By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: [He] appeared[fn] in [the] flesh, was vindicated by [the] Spirit,[fn] was seen by angels, was proclaimed among [the] nations, was believed in throughout [the] world, was taken up in glory.

A Warning against Apostasy

4 Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and [the] teachings of demons, 2 influenced by [the] hypocrisy of liars, [whose] consciences are seared with a hot iron.

3 They will prohibit marriage [and require] abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creation of God [is] good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, 5 because it is sanctified by [the] word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6 By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.

7 But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. 8 For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every [way], holding promise for the present life and for the [one] to come. 9 [This is] a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.

10 To this [end] we labor and strive,[fn] because we have set our hope on [the] living God, who is [the] Savior of everyone [and] especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things.

12 {Let} no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, [and] to teaching.

14 {Do} not neglect the gift [that is] in you, which was given you through [the] prophecy spoken [over you] at [the] laying on of the hands of the elders. 15 Be diligent in these matters [and] absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your [life] and to [your] teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Reproof and Respect

5 {Do} not rebuke an older man, but appeal to [him] as to a father. [Treat] younger [men] as brothers, 2 older [women] as mothers, [and] younger [women] as sisters, with absolute purity.

Honoring True Widows

(Ruth 1:1–5)

3 Honor [the] widows who [are] truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to [their] own family and repay [their] parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

5 [The widow] who [is] truly [in need] and left all alone puts [her] hope in God and continues night and day in [her] petitions and prayers. 6 But she who lives for pleasure is dead [even while she] is still alive.

7 Give these instructions [to the believers] so that they will be above reproach. 8 If anyone does not provide for [his] own, and especially [his own] household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 A widow should be enrolled if she is [at least] sixty years [old], faithful to her husband, 10 [and] well known for good deeds [such as] bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing [the] feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, [and] devoting herself to every good work.

11 But refuse [to enroll] younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry, 12 [and thus] will incur judgment because they are setting aside [their] first faith. 13 At the same time they will also learn [to be] idle, going from house to house and {being} not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not [ mention ].

14 So I advise [the] younger [widows] to marry, have children, [and] manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. 15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.

16 If any believing [woman] has [dependent] widows, she must assist them and not {allow} the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows [who are] truly [ in need ].

Honoring Elders

17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”[fn] and, “The worker [is] worthy of his wages.”[fn]

19 {Do} not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on [the testimony of] two or three witnesses. 20 But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear [of sin].

A Charge to Timothy

21 I solemnly charge [you] before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these [principles] without bias, [and] to do nothing out of partiality.

22 Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands [and thereby] share in [the] sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

23 Stop drinking [only] water [and] use a little wine instead, because of [your] stomach and your frequent ailments.

24 The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of [them] to judgment; but [the sins] of others do [not] surface until later. 25 In the same way good deeds [are] obvious, and even the [ones that] are [inconspicuous] cannot remain hidden.

Serving with Honor

(Ephesians 6:5–9, Colossians 3:22–25)

6 All who are under [the] yoke of slavery should regard [their] masters {as} fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and [our] teaching will not be discredited. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve [them] all the more, since those receiving [their] good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these [principles].

Reject False Doctrines

3 If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees [with the] sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, 4 he is conceited [and] understands nothing. Instead, [he has] an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, 5 [and] constant friction between men of depraved mind [who are] devoid of the truth. [These men] regard godliness as a means of gain.[fn]

Godliness with Contentment

6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, so[fn] we cannot carry anything {out of it}. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

9 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge [them] into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is [the] root of all kinds of evil. By craving [it], some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Fight the Good Fight

11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, [and] gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called [when you made] the good confession before many witnesses.

13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who {made} the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate: 14 Keep [this] commandment without stain [or] reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which the blessed and only Sovereign [One]—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. 16 [He] alone is immortal [and] dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen [Him], nor can [anyone] see [Him]. To [Him be] honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

A Charge to the Rich

(Proverbs 23:1–5, James 5:1–6)

17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited [and] not to put their hope in [the] uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. 18 [Instruct them] to do good, to be rich in good works, [and] to be generous [and] ready to share, 19 treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Guard the Faith

20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted [to you]. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”

21 which some have professed and [thus] swerved away from the faith. Grace [be] with you all.[fn]