1 Timothy 3:14-4:10
English Standard Version
The Mystery of Godliness
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
(A)He[a] was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated[b] by the Spirit,[c]
(B)seen by angels,
(C)proclaimed among the nations,
(D)believed on in the world,
(E)taken up in glory.
Some Will Depart from the Faith
4 Now (F)the Spirit expressly says that (G)in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to (H)deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of (I)liars whose consciences are seared, 3 (J)who forbid marriage and (K)require abstinence from foods (L)that God created (M)to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For (N)everything created by God is good, and (O)nothing is to be rejected if it is (P)received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy (Q)by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6 (R)If you put these things before the brothers,[d] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have (S)followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, (T)silly myths. Rather (U)train yourself for godliness; 8 for while (V)bodily training is of some value, godliness (W)is of value in every way, as (X)it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is (Y)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive,[e] because we have our hope set on the living God, (Z)who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 3:16 Greek Who; some manuscripts God; others Which
- 1 Timothy 3:16 Or justified
- 1 Timothy 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit
- 1 Timothy 4:6 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
- 1 Timothy 4:10 Some manuscripts and suffer reproach
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.