1From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, | 1From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, |
2to Timothy, my genuine child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord! | 2to Timothy, my genuine child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord! |
3As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings, | 3As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings, |
4nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. Such things promote useless speculations rather than God's redemptive plan that operates by faith. | 4nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. Such things promote useless speculations rather than God's redemptive plan that operates by faith. |
5But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. | 5But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. |
6Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion. | 6Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion. |
7They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently. | 7They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently. |
8But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately, | 8But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately, |
9realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, | 9realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, |
10sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers--in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. | 10sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers--in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. |
11This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me. | 11This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me. |
12I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, | 12I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, |
13even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, | 13even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, |
14and our Lord's grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. | 14and our Lord's grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. |
15This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them! | 15This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them! |
16But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. | 16But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. |
17Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen. | 17Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen. |
18I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight. | 18I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight. |
19To do this you must hold firmly to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith. | 19To do this you must hold firmly to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith. |
20Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. | 20Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. |
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