Paul’s Testimony

12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened(A) me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer,(B) a persecutor,(C) and an arrogant man.(D) But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy(E) and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world(F) to save sinners”(G)—and I am the worst of them.(H) 16 But I received mercy(I) for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience(J) as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.(K) 17 Now to the King(L) eternal,(M) immortal,(N) invisible, the only[a] God,(O) be honor(P) and glory(Q) forever and ever. Amen.(R)

Engage in Battle

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies(S) previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith(T) and a good conscience,(U) which some(V) have rejected and have shipwrecked the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus(W) and Alexander,(X) whom I have delivered to Satan,(Y) so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:17 Other mss add wise

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

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

15 Here is a trustworthy saying(H) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners(I)—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy(J) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience(K) as an example for those who would believe(L) in him and receive eternal life.(M) 17 Now to the King(N) eternal, immortal,(O) invisible,(P) the only God,(Q) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.(R)

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

18 Timothy, my son,(S) I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,(T) so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,(U) 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience,(V) which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.(W) 20 Among them are Hymenaeus(X) and Alexander,(Y) whom I have handed over to Satan(Z) to be taught not to blaspheme.

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