Widows, Elders and Slaves

5 Do not rebuke an older man^(A) harshly,^(B) but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men^(C) 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.^{(D) 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,^(E) for this is pleasing to God.^{(F) 5} The widow who is really in need^(G) and left all alone puts her hope in God^(H) and continues night and day to pray^(I) and to ask God for help. ⁶ But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.^{(J) 7} Give the people these instructions,^(K) 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^(L) 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,^(M) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,^(N) washing the feet^(O) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble^(P) 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^(Q) who talk nonsense,^(R) saying things they ought not to. ¹⁴ So I counsel younger widows to marry,^(S) to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.^{(T) 15} Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.^(U)

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.^(V)

¹⁷ The elders^(W) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,^(X) especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”^[a](Y) and “The worker deserves his wages.”^{[b](Z) 19} Do not entertain an accusation against an elder^(AA) unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.^{(AB) 20} But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove^(AC) before everyone, so that the others may take warning.^{(AD) 21} I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus^(AE) 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,^(AF) and do not share in the sins of others.^(AG) Keep yourself pure.^(AH)

²³ Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine^(AI) 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,^(AJ) so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.^{(AK) 2} Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.^(AL) Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare^[c] of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on.^{(AM) 3} If anyone teaches otherwise^(AN) and does not agree to the sound instruction^(AO) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited^(AP) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(AQ) 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^(AR) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

⁶ But godliness with contentment^(AS) is great gain.^{(AT) 7} For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.^{(AU) 8} But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.^{(AV) 9} Those who want to get rich^(AW) fall into temptation and a trap^(AX) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money^(AY) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith^(AZ) and pierced themselves with many griefs.^(BA)

Final Charge to Timothy

¹¹ But you, man of God,^(BB) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,^(BC) faith, love,^(BD) endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight^(BE) of the faith. Take hold of^(BF) the eternal life^(BG) to which you were called when you made your good confession^(BH) 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^(BI) made the good confession,^(BJ) I charge you^{(BK) 14} to keep this command without spot or blame^(BL) until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,^{(BM) 15} which God will bring about in his own time^(BN)—God, the blessed^(BO) and only Ruler,^(BP) the King of kings and Lord of lords,^{(BQ) 16} who alone is immortal^(BR) and who lives in unapproachable light,^(BS) whom no one has seen or can see.^(BT) To him be honor and might forever. Amen.^(BU)

¹⁷ Command those who are rich^(BV) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,^(BW) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,^(BX) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^{(BY) 18} Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,^(BZ) and to be generous and willing to share.^{(CA) 19} In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves^(CB) as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of^(CC) the life that is truly life.

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

Grace be with you all.^(CG)

1 Paul, an apostle^(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(B) in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,^(C)

² To Timothy,^(D) my dear son:^(E)

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

Thanksgiving

³ I thank God,^(G) whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,^(H) as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.^{(I) 4} Recalling your tears,^(J) I long to see you,^(K) so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith,^(L) which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice^(M) and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

⁶ 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.^{(N) 7} For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,^(O) but gives us power,^(P) love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed^(Q) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(R) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(S) by the power of God. ⁹ He has saved^(T) us and called^(U) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done^(V) 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^(W) through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus,^(X) who has destroyed death^(Y) and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ¹¹ And of this gospel^(Z) I was appointed^(AA) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.^{(AB) 12} That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,^(AC) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard^(AD) what I have entrusted to him until that day.^(AE)

¹³ What you heard from me,^(AF) keep^(AG) as the pattern^(AH) of sound teaching,^(AI) with faith and love in Christ Jesus.^{(AJ) 14} Guard^(AK) the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.^(AL)

Examples of Disloyalty and Loyalty

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

¹⁶ May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,^(AO) because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed^(AP) of my chains.^{(AQ) 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!^(AR) You know very well in how many ways he helped me^(AS) in Ephesus.^(AT)

The Appeal Renewed

2 You then, my son,^(AU) be strong^(AV) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things you have heard me say^(AW) in the presence of many witnesses^(AX) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. ³ Join with me in suffering,^(AY) like a good soldier^(AZ) of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown^(BA) except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.^{(BB) 7} Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,^(BC) descended from David.^(BD) This is my gospel,^{(BE) 9} for which I am suffering^(BF) even to the point of being chained^(BG) like a criminal. But God’s word^(BH) is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(BI) for the sake of the elect,^(BJ) that they too may obtain the salvation^(BK) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(BL)

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:^(BM)

Dealing With False Teachers

¹⁴ Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;^(BR) 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.^{(BS) 16} Avoid godless chatter,^(BT) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ¹⁷ Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus^(BU) and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,^(BV) and they destroy the faith of some.^{(BW) 19} Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,^(BX) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”^(BY) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord^(BZ) 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.^{(CA) 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.^(CB)

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

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.^{(CJ) 2} People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,^(CK) boastful, proud,^(CL) abusive,^(CM) disobedient to their parents,^(CN) ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous,^(CO) rash, conceited,^(CP) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness^(CQ) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.^(CR)

⁶ They are the kind who worm their way^(CS) into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷ always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.^{(CT) 8} Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses,^(CU) so also these teachers oppose^(CV) the truth. They are men of depraved minds,^(CW) who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ⁹ But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men,^(CX) their folly will be clear to everyone.

A Final Charge to Timothy

¹⁰ You, however, know all about my teaching,^(CY) my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹ persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch,^(CZ) Iconium^(DA) and Lystra,^(DB) the persecutions I endured.^(DC) Yet the Lord rescued^(DD) me from all of them.^{(DE) 12} In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,^{(DF) 13} while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse,^(DG) deceiving and being deceived.^{(DH) 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,^{(DI) 15} and how from infancy^(DJ) you have known the Holy Scriptures,^(DK) which are able to make you wise^(DL) for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed^(DM) and is useful for teaching,^(DN) rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,^{(DO) 17} so that the servant of God^[a](DP) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.^(DQ)

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead,^(DR) and in view of his appearing^(DS) and his kingdom, I give you this charge:^{(DT) 2} Preach^(DU) the word;^(DV) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke^(DW) and encourage^(DX)—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.^(DY) 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.^{(DZ) 4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.^{(EA) 5} But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,^(EB) do the work of an evangelist,^(EC) discharge all the duties of your ministry.

⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,^(ED) and the time for my departure is near.^{(EE) 7} I have fought the good fight,^(EF) I have finished the race,^(EG) I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me^(EH) the crown of righteousness,^(EI) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(EJ)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(EK)

Personal Remarks

⁹ Do your best to come to me quickly,^{(EL) 10} for Demas,^(EM) because he loved this world,^(EN) has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.^(EO) Crescens has gone to Galatia,^(EP) and Titus^(EQ) to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke^(ER) is with me.^(ES) Get Mark^(ET) and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. ¹² I sent Tychicus^(EU) to Ephesus.^{(EV) 13} When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas,^(EW) and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

¹⁴ Alexander^(EX) the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.^{(EY) 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.^{(EZ) 17} But the Lord stood at my side^(FA) and gave me strength,^(FB) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.^(FC) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.^{(FD) 18} The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack^(FE) and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.^(FF) To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(FG)

Final Greetings

¹⁹ Greet Priscilla^[b] and Aquila^(FH) and the household of Onesiphorus.^{(FI) 20} Erastus^(FJ) stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus^(FK) sick in Miletus.^{(FL) 21} Do your best to get here before winter.^(FM) Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.^[c]

²² The Lord be with your spirit.^(FN) Grace be with you all.^(FO)