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Bible in 90 Days

An intensive Bible reading plan that walks through the entire Bible in 90 days.
Duration: 88 days
New International Version (NIV)
Version
1 Thessalonians 1 - Philemon

Paul, Silas[a](A) and Timothy,(B)

To the church of the Thessalonians(C) in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.(D)

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

We always thank God for all of you(E) and continually mention you in our prayers.(F) We remember before our God and Father(G) your work produced by faith,(H) your labor prompted by love,(I) and your endurance inspired by hope(J) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we know, brothers and sisters[b] loved by God,(K) that he has chosen you, because our gospel(L) came to you not simply with words but also with power,(M) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know(N) how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us(O) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering(P) with the joy(Q) given by the Holy Spirit.(R) And so you became a model(S) to all the believers in Macedonia(T) and Achaia.(U) The Lord’s message(V) rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.(W) Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned(X) to God from idols(Y) to serve the living and true God,(Z) 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven,(AA) whom he raised from the dead(AB)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.(AC)

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you(AD) was not without results.(AE) We had previously suffered(AF) and been treated outrageously in Philippi,(AG) as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.(AH) For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,(AI) nor are we trying to trick you.(AJ) On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.(AK) We are not trying to please people(AL) but God, who tests our hearts.(AM) You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed(AN)—God is our witness.(AO) We were not looking for praise from people,(AP) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles(AQ) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.(AR) Instead, we were like young children[c] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,(AS) so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God(AT) but our lives as well.(AU) Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked(AV) night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone(AW) while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses,(AX) and so is God,(AY) of how holy,(AZ) righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,(BA) 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy(BB) of God, who calls(BC) you into his kingdom and glory.

13 And we also thank God continually(BD) because, when you received the word of God,(BE) which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators(BF) of God’s churches in Judea,(BG) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people(BH) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus(BI) and the prophets(BJ) and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles(BK) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.(BL) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.[d]

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),(BM) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.(BN) 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan(BO) blocked our way.(BP) 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown(BQ) in which we will glory(BR) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?(BS) Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory(BT) and joy.

So when we could stand it no longer,(BU) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.(BV) We sent Timothy,(BW) who is our brother and co-worker(BX) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,(BY) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.(BZ) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.(CA) In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.(CB) For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,(CC) I sent to find out about your faith.(CD) I was afraid that in some way the tempter(CE) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.(CF)

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

But Timothy(CG) has just now come to us from you(CH) and has brought good news about your faith and love.(CI) He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.(CJ) Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm(CK) in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you(CL) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?(CM) 10 Night and day we pray(CN) most earnestly that we may see you again(CO) and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father(CP) himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other(CQ) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless(CR) and holy in the presence of our God and Father(CS) when our Lord Jesus comes(CT) with all his holy ones.(CU)

Living to Please God

As for other matters, brothers and sisters,(CV) we instructed you how to live(CW) in order to please God,(CX) as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

It is God’s will(CY) that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;(CZ) that each of you should learn to control your own body[e](DA) in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust(DB) like the pagans,(DC) who do not know God;(DD) and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[f](DE) The Lord will punish(DF) all those who commit such sins,(DG) as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.(DH) Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.(DI)

Now about your love for one another(DJ) we do not need to write to you,(DK) for you yourselves have been taught by God(DL) to love each other.(DM) 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia.(DN) Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,(DO) 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,(DP) just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders(DQ) and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Believers Who Have Died

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed(DR) about those who sleep in death,(DS) so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.(DT) 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,(DU) and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.(DV) 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,(DW) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.(DX) 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,(DY) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel(DZ) and with the trumpet call of God,(EA) and the dead in Christ will rise first.(EB) 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left(EC) will be caught up together with them in the clouds(ED) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord(EE) forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another(EF) with these words.

The Day of the Lord

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates(EG) we do not need to write to you,(EH) for you know very well that the day of the Lord(EI) will come like a thief in the night.(EJ) While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”(EK) destruction will come on them suddenly,(EL) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.(EM)

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness(EN) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.(EO) You are all children of the light(EP) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,(EQ) but let us be awake(ER) and sober.(ES) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.(ET) But since we belong to the day,(EU) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,(EV) and the hope of salvation(EW) as a helmet.(EX) For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath(EY) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.(EZ) 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.(FA) 11 Therefore encourage one another(FB) and build each other up,(FC) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard(FD) among you, who care for you in the Lord(FE) and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.(FF) 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle(FG) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,(FH) be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,(FI) but always strive to do what is good for each other(FJ) and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always,(FK) 17 pray continually,(FL) 18 give thanks in all circumstances;(FM) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.(FN) 20 Do not treat prophecies(FO) with contempt 21 but test them all;(FP) hold on to what is good,(FQ) 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace,(FR) sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul(FS) and body be kept blameless(FT) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.(FU) 24 The one who calls(FV) you is faithful,(FW) and he will do it.(FX)

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.(FY) 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.(FZ) 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.(GA)

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.(GB)

Paul, Silas[g](GC) and Timothy,(GD)

To the church of the Thessalonians(GE) in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(GF)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

We ought always to thank God for you,(GG) brothers and sisters,[h] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.(GH) Therefore, among God’s churches we boast(GI) about your perseverance and faith(GJ) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.(GK)

All this is evidence(GL) that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy(GM) of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just:(GN) He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you(GO) and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven(GP) in blazing fire(GQ) with his powerful angels.(GR) He will punish(GS) those who do not know God(GT) and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.(GU) They will be punished with everlasting destruction(GV) and shut out from the presence of the Lord(GW) and from the glory of his might(GX) 10 on the day(GY) he comes to be glorified(GZ) in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.(HA)

11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you,(HB) that our God may make you worthy(HC) of his calling,(HD) and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness(HE) and your every deed prompted by faith.(HF) 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,(HG) and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.[i]

The Man of Lawlessness

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ(HH) and our being gathered to him,(HI) we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter(HJ)—asserting that the day of the Lord(HK) has already come.(HL) Don’t let anyone deceive you(HM) in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion(HN) occurs and the man of lawlessness[j] is revealed,(HO) the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God(HP) or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.(HQ)

Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?(HR) And now you know what is holding him back,(HS) so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back(HT) will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed,(HU) whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth(HV) and destroy by the splendor of his coming.(HW) The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan(HX) works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders(HY) that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.(HZ) They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.(IA) 11 For this reason God sends them(IB) a powerful delusion(IC) so that they will believe the lie(ID) 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.(IE)

Stand Firm

13 But we ought always to thank God for you,(IF) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[k](IG) to be saved(IH) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit(II) and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you(IJ) to this through our gospel,(IK) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm(IL) and hold fast to the teachings[l] we passed on to you,(IM) whether by word of mouth or by letter.

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,(IN) who loved us(IO) and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage(IP) your hearts and strengthen(IQ) you in every good deed and word.

Request for Prayer

As for other matters, brothers and sisters,(IR) pray for us(IS) that the message of the Lord(IT) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.(IU) And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,(IV) for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful,(IW) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.(IX) We have confidence(IY) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts(IZ) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,(JA) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from(JB) every believer who is idle and disruptive(JC) and does not live according to the teaching[m] you received from us.(JD) For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.(JE) We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked(JF) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,(JG) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.(JH) 10 For even when we were with you,(JI) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work(JJ) shall not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.(JK) 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ(JL) to settle down and earn the food they eat.(JM) 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.(JN)

14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,(JO) in order that they may feel ashamed.(JP) 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.(JQ)

Final Greetings

16 Now may the Lord of peace(JR) himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.(JS)

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand,(JT) which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.(JU)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God(JV) our Savior(JW) and of Christ Jesus our hope,(JX)

To Timothy(JY) my true son(JZ) in the faith:

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

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,(KB) stay there in Ephesus(KC) so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines(KD) any longer or to devote themselves to myths(KE) and endless genealogies.(KF) Such things promote controversial speculations(KG) rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart(KH) and a good conscience(KI) and a sincere faith.(KJ) Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers(KK) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.(KL)

We know that the law is good(KM) if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous(KN) but for lawbreakers and rebels,(KO) 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(KP) 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.(KQ)

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

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

15 Here is a trustworthy saying(KY) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners(KZ)—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy(LA) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience(LB) as an example for those who would believe(LC) in him and receive eternal life.(LD) 17 Now to the King(LE) eternal, immortal,(LF) invisible,(LG) the only God,(LH) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.(LI)

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

18 Timothy, my son,(LJ) I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,(LK) so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,(LL) 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience,(LM) which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.(LN) 20 Among them are Hymenaeus(LO) and Alexander,(LP) whom I have handed over to Satan(LQ) to be taught not to blaspheme.

Instructions on Worship

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,(LR) intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority,(LS) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness(LT) and holiness. This is good, and pleases(LU) God our Savior,(LV) who wants(LW) all people(LX) to be saved(LY) and to come to a knowledge of the truth.(LZ) For there is one God(MA) and one mediator(MB) between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,(MC) who gave himself as a ransom(MD) for all people. This has now been witnessed to(ME) at the proper time.(MF) And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying(MG)—and a true and faithful teacher(MH) of the Gentiles.(MI)

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands(MJ) without anger or disputing. 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,(MK) 10 but with good deeds,(ML) appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

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

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

Here is a trustworthy saying:(MR) Whoever aspires to be an overseer(MS) desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach,(MT) faithful to his wife,(MU) temperate,(MV) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,(MW) able to teach,(MX) not given to drunkenness,(MY) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,(MZ) not a lover of money.(NA) 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[q] respect.(NB) (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)(NC) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited(ND) and fall under the same judgment(NE) as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,(NF) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.(NG)

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

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

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife(NN) and must manage his children and his household well.(NO) 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(NP) of the living God,(NQ) the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery(NR) from which true godliness(NS) springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,(NT)
    was vindicated by the Spirit,[t]
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,(NU)
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory.(NV)

The Spirit(NW) clearly says that in later times(NX) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits(NY) and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.(NZ) They forbid people to marry(OA) and order them to abstain from certain foods,(OB) which God created(OC) to be received with thanksgiving(OD) by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good,(OE) and nothing is to be rejected(OF) if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God(OG) and prayer.

If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[u] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith(OH) and of the good teaching that you have followed.(OI) Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;(OJ) rather, train yourself to be godly.(OK) For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,(OL) holding promise for both the present life(OM) and the life to come.(ON) This is a trustworthy saying(OO) that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,(OP) who is the Savior of all people,(OQ) and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.(OR) 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you(OS) because you are young, but set an example(OT) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith(OU) and in purity. 13 Until I come,(OV) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,(OW) to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy(OX) when the body of elders(OY) laid their hands on you.(OZ)

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(PA) both yourself and your hearers.

Widows, Elders and Slaves

Do not rebuke an older man(PB) harshly,(PC) but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men(PD) as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.(PE) 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,(PF) for this is pleasing to God.(PG) The widow who is really in need(PH) and left all alone puts her hope in God(PI) and continues night and day to pray(PJ) and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.(PK) Give the people these instructions,(PL) so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied(PM) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

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,(PN) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,(PO) washing the feet(PP) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble(PQ) 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(PR) who talk nonsense,(PS) saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry,(PT) to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.(PU) 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.(PV)

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.(PW)

17 The elders(PX) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,(PY) especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”[v](PZ) and “The worker deserves his wages.”[w](QA) 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder(QB) unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.(QC) 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove(QD) before everyone, so that the others may take warning.(QE) 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus(QF) 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,(QG) and do not share in the sins of others.(QH) Keep yourself pure.(QI)

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine(QJ) 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.

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

False Teachers and the Love of Money

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

But godliness with contentment(QT) is great gain.(QU) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.(QV) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.(QW) Those who want to get rich(QX) fall into temptation and a trap(QY) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money(QZ) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith(RA) and pierced themselves with many griefs.(RB)

Final Charge to Timothy

11 But you, man of God,(RC) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,(RD) faith, love,(RE) endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight(RF) of the faith. Take hold of(RG) the eternal life(RH) to which you were called when you made your good confession(RI) 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(RJ) made the good confession,(RK) I charge you(RL) 14 to keep this command without spot or blame(RM) until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,(RN) 15 which God will bring about in his own time(RO)—God, the blessed(RP) and only Ruler,(RQ) the King of kings and Lord of lords,(RR) 16 who alone is immortal(RS) and who lives in unapproachable light,(RT) whom no one has seen or can see.(RU) To him be honor and might forever. Amen.(RV)

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

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

Grace be with you all.(SH)

Paul, an apostle(SI) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,(SJ) in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,(SK)

To Timothy,(SL) my dear son:(SM)

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

Thanksgiving

I thank God,(SO) whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,(SP) as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.(SQ) Recalling your tears,(SR) I long to see you,(SS) so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith,(ST) which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice(SU) and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.(SV) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,(SW) but gives us power,(SX) love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed(SY) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.(SZ) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,(TA) by the power of God. He has saved(TB) us and called(TC) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done(TD) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed(TE) through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus,(TF) who has destroyed death(TG) and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel(TH) I was appointed(TI) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.(TJ) 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,(TK) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard(TL) what I have entrusted to him until that day.(TM)

13 What you heard from me,(TN) keep(TO) as the pattern(TP) of sound teaching,(TQ) with faith and love in Christ Jesus.(TR) 14 Guard(TS) the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.(TT)

Examples of Disloyalty and Loyalty

15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia(TU) has deserted me,(TV) including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,(TW) because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed(TX) of my chains.(TY) 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day!(TZ) You know very well in how many ways he helped me(UA) in Ephesus.(UB)

The Appeal Renewed

You then, my son,(UC) be strong(UD) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say(UE) in the presence of many witnesses(UF) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering,(UG) like a good soldier(UH) of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(UI) except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.(UJ) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,(UK) descended from David.(UL) This is my gospel,(UM) for which I am suffering(UN) even to the point of being chained(UO) like a criminal. But God’s word(UP) is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything(UQ) for the sake of the elect,(UR) that they too may obtain the salvation(US) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.(UT)

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:(UU)

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;(UV)
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.(UW)
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;(UX)
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,(UY)
    for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;(UZ) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.(VA) 16 Avoid godless chatter,(VB) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus(VC) and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,(VD) and they destroy the faith of some.(VE) 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,(VF) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”(VG) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord(VH) must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.(VI) 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.(VJ)

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love(VK) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord(VL) out of a pure heart.(VM) 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(VN) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.(VO) 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,(VP) 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,(VQ) who has taken them captive to do his will.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.(VR) People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,(VS) boastful, proud,(VT) abusive,(VU) disobedient to their parents,(VV) ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous,(VW) rash, conceited,(VX) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness(VY) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.(VZ)

They are the kind who worm their way(WA) into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.(WB) Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses,(WC) so also these teachers oppose(WD) the truth. They are men of depraved minds,(WE) who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men,(WF) their folly will be clear to everyone.

A Final Charge to Timothy

10 You, however, know all about my teaching,(WG) my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch,(WH) Iconium(WI) and Lystra,(WJ) the persecutions I endured.(WK) Yet the Lord rescued(WL) me from all of them.(WM) 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,(WN) 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse,(WO) deceiving and being deceived.(WP) 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,(WQ) 15 and how from infancy(WR) you have known the Holy Scriptures,(WS) which are able to make you wise(WT) for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed(WU) and is useful for teaching,(WV) rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,(WW) 17 so that the servant of God[y](WX) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.(WY)

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead,(WZ) and in view of his appearing(XA) and his kingdom, I give you this charge:(XB) Preach(XC) the word;(XD) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke(XE) and encourage(XF)—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.(XG) Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.(XH) They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.(XI) But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,(XJ) do the work of an evangelist,(XK) discharge all the duties of your ministry.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,(XL) and the time for my departure is near.(XM) I have fought the good fight,(XN) I have finished the race,(XO) I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me(XP) the crown of righteousness,(XQ) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day(XR)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.(XS)

Personal Remarks

Do your best to come to me quickly,(XT) 10 for Demas,(XU) because he loved this world,(XV) has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.(XW) Crescens has gone to Galatia,(XX) and Titus(XY) to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke(XZ) is with me.(YA) Get Mark(YB) and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus(YC) to Ephesus.(YD) 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas,(YE) and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander(YF) the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.(YG) 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.(YH) 17 But the Lord stood at my side(YI) and gave me strength,(YJ) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.(YK) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.(YL) 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack(YM) and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.(YN) To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(YO)

Final Greetings

19 Greet Priscilla[z] and Aquila(YP) and the household of Onesiphorus.(YQ) 20 Erastus(YR) stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus(YS) sick in Miletus.(YT) 21 Do your best to get here before winter.(YU) Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.[aa]

22 The Lord be with your spirit.(YV) Grace be with you all.(YW)

Paul, a servant of God(YX) and an apostle(YY) of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth(YZ) that leads to godliness(ZA) in the hope of eternal life,(ZB) which God, who does not lie,(ZC) promised before the beginning of time,(ZD) and which now at his appointed season(ZE) he has brought to light(ZF) through the preaching entrusted to me(ZG) by the command of God(ZH) our Savior,(ZI)

To Titus,(ZJ) my true son(ZK) in our common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.(ZL)

Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good(ZM)

The reason I left you in Crete(ZN) was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint[ab] elders(ZO) in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless,(ZP) faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe[ac] and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer(ZQ) manages God’s household,(ZR) he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.(ZS) Rather, he must be hospitable,(ZT) one who loves what is good,(ZU) who is self-controlled,(ZV) upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly(ZW) to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine(ZX) and refute those who oppose it.

Rebuking Those Who Fail to Do Good

10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk(ZY) and deception, especially those of the circumcision group.(ZZ) 11 They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households(AAA) by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of Crete’s own prophets(AAB) has said it: “Cretans(AAC) are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”[ad] 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke(AAD) them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith(AAE) 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths(AAF) or to the merely human commands(AAG) of those who reject the truth.(AAH) 15 To the pure, all things are pure,(AAI) but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.(AAJ) In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.(AAK) 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.(AAL) They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.(AAM)

Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.(AAN) Teach the older men(AAO) to be temperate,(AAP) worthy of respect, self-controlled,(AAQ) and sound in faith,(AAR) in love and in endurance.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers(AAS) or addicted to much wine,(AAT) but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women(AAU) to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled(AAV) and pure, to be busy at home,(AAW) to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands,(AAX) so that no one will malign the word of God.(AAY)

Similarly, encourage the young men(AAZ) to be self-controlled.(ABA) In everything set them an example(ABB) by doing what is good.(ABC) In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.(ABD)

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything,(ABE) to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior(ABF) attractive.(ABG)

11 For the grace(ABH) of God has appeared(ABI) that offers salvation to all people.(ABJ) 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,(ABK) and to live self-controlled,(ABL) upright and godly lives(ABM) in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing(ABN) of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,(ABO) 14 who gave himself for us(ABP) to redeem us from all wickedness(ABQ) and to purify(ABR) for himself a people that are his very own,(ABS) eager to do what is good.(ABT)

15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Saved in Order to Do Good

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,(ABU) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,(ABV) to slander no one,(ABW) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At one time(ABX) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness(ABY) and love of God our Savior(ABZ) appeared,(ACA) he saved us,(ACB) not because of righteous things we had done,(ACC) but because of his mercy.(ACD) He saved us through the washing(ACE) of rebirth and renewal(ACF) by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us(ACG) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace,(ACH) we might become heirs(ACI) having the hope(ACJ) of eternal life.(ACK) This is a trustworthy saying.(ACL) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.(ACM) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

But avoid(ACN) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels(ACO) about the law,(ACP) because these are unprofitable and useless.(ACQ) 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.(ACR) 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus(ACS) to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.(ACT) 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos(ACU) on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,(ACV) in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.(ACW)

Grace be with you all.(ACX)

Paul, a prisoner(ACY) of Christ Jesus, and Timothy(ACZ) our brother,(ADA)

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker(ADB) also to Apphia our sister and Archippus(ADC) our fellow soldier(ADD)—and to the church that meets in your home:(ADE)

Grace and peace to you[ae] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(ADF)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

I always thank my God(ADG) as I remember you in my prayers,(ADH) because I hear about your love for all his holy people(ADI) and your faith in the Lord Jesus.(ADJ) I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement,(ADK) because you, brother, have refreshed(ADL) the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you(ADM) on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner(ADN) of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son(ADO) Onesimus,[af](ADP) who became my son while I was in chains.(ADQ) 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains(ADR) for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced(ADS) but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave,(ADT) but better than a slave, as a dear brother.(ADU) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner,(ADV) welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.(ADW) 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand.(ADX) I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh(ADY) my heart in Christ. 21 Confident(ADZ) of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be(AEA) restored to you in answer to your prayers.(AEB)

23 Epaphras,(AEC) my fellow prisoner(AED) in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark,(AEE) Aristarchus,(AEF) Demas(AEG) and Luke, my fellow workers.(AEH)

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.(AEI)

New International Version (NIV)

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