False Doctrine and Misuse of the Law

As I urged you when I went to Macedonia,(A) remain in Ephesus(B) so that you may instruct certain people(C) not to teach false doctrine or to pay attention to myths(D) and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan,(E) which operates by faith. Now the goal of our instruction is love(F) that comes from a pure heart,(G) a good conscience,(H) and a sincere faith.(I) Some have departed from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.

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Warnings against False Teachings

When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations,[a] which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.[b]

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:4a Greek in myths and endless genealogies, which cause speculation.
  2. 1:4b Greek a stewardship of God in faith.