² To Timothy^(A) my true son^(B) in the faith:

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

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

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

⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith,^(A) which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice^(B) 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.^{(C) 7} For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,^(D) but gives us power,^(E) love and self-discipline.