⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart^(A) and a good conscience^(B) and a sincere faith.^{(C) 6} Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. ⁷ They want to be teachers^(D) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.^(E)

⁸ We know that the law is good^(F) if one uses it properly. ⁹ We also know that the law is made not for the righteous^(G) but for lawbreakers and rebels,^(H) 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^{(I) 11} that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.^(J)

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,^(K) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.^{(L) 13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(M) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(N) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^{(O) 14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(P) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(Q)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(R) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(S)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(T) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(U) as an example for those who would believe^(V) in him and receive eternal life.^{(W) 17} Now to the King^(X) eternal, immortal,^(Y) invisible,^(Z) the only God,^(AA) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(AB)