1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God^(A) our Savior^(B) and of Christ Jesus our hope,^(C)

² To Timothy^(D) my true son^(E) in the faith:

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

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

³ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,^(G) stay there in Ephesus^(H) so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines^(I) any longer ⁴ or to devote themselves to myths^(J) and endless genealogies.^(K) Such things promote controversial speculations^(L) rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. ⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart^(M) and a good conscience^(N) and a sincere faith.^{(O) 6} Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. ⁷ They want to be teachers^(P) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.^(Q)

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

¹⁸ Timothy, my son,^(A) I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,^(B) so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,^{(C) 19} holding on to faith and a good conscience,^(D) which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.^{(E) 20} Among them are Hymenaeus^(F) and Alexander,^(G) whom I have handed over to Satan^(H) to be taught not to blaspheme.

Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,^(I) intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority,^(J) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness^(K) and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases^(L) God our Savior,^{(M) 4} who wants^(N) all people^(O) to be saved^(P) and to come to a knowledge of the truth.^{(Q) 5} For there is one God^(R) and one mediator^(S) between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,^{(T) 6} who gave himself as a ransom^(U) for all people. This has now been witnessed to^(V) at the proper time.^{(W) 7} And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying^(X)—and a true and faithful teacher^(Y) of the Gentiles.^(Z)

¹¹ Command and teach these things.^{(A) 12} Don’t let anyone look down on you^(B) because you are young, but set an example^(C) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^(D) and in purity. ¹³ Until I come,^(E) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,^(F) to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy^(G) when the body of elders^(H) laid their hands on you.^(I)

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^(J) both yourself and your hearers.