Greeting

1 Paul,^(A) an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will,^(B) for the promise of life^(C) in Christ Jesus:

² To Timothy, my dearly loved son.

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

Thanksgiving

³ I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience^(E) as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.^(F)

Christian Living among Outsiders

3 Remind them to be submissive^(A) to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, ² to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness^(B) to all people.

¹⁸ So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;^{(A) 20} for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”^(B)

²⁷ After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, ²⁸ “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name?^(A) And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man’s blood on us!”^(B)

²⁹ But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,^(C) whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree.^{(D) 31} God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.^{(E) 32} We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit^(F) whom God has given to those who obey Him.”