Bible in 90 Days

Greeting

1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Believers

² We give thanks to God always concerning all of you, making mention constantly in our prayers, ³ because we^[a] remember your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, ⁴ knowing, brothers dearly loved by God, that he has chosen you^[b], ⁵ because our gospel did not come to you with word only, but also with power and with the Holy Spirit and with much certainty, just as you know what sort of people we became among you for your sake. ⁶ And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became an example to all those who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia, ⁸ for from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia,^[c] but in every place your faith toward God has gone out, so that we have no need to say anything. ⁹ For they themselves report about us, what sort of welcome we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰ and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, the one who delivers us from the coming wrath.

Paul’s Approach to Ministry in Thessalonica

2 For you yourselves know, brothers, our reception with you, that it was not in vain, ² but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, just as you know, we had the courage in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. ³ For our exhortation is not from error or from impurity or with deceit, ⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, thus we speak, not as pleasing people but God, who examines our hearts. ⁵ For never^[d] did we come with a word of flattery, just as you know, nor with a pretext of greediness (God is witness), ⁶ nor seeking glory from people, neither from you nor from others. ⁷ Although we could have insisted on our own importance^[e][f] as apostles of Christ, yet we became infants in your midst, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children. ⁸ Longing for you in this way, we determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls, because you had become dear to us.

⁹ For you remember, brothers, our labor and hardship: working by night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and righteously and blamelessly we became to you who believe, ¹¹ just as you know how we treated each one of you, like a father his own children, ¹² exhorting and consoling you and insisting that you live in a manner worthy of God, who calls you to his own kingdom and glory.

The Thessalonians’ Response to Paul’s Message

¹³ And because of this we also give thanks to God constantly, that when you^[g] received God’s word that you heard^[h] from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you became imitators, brothers, of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus, because you also suffered the same things at the hands of your own people, just as they themselves did also at the hands of the Jews, ¹⁵ who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and who persecuted us, and who are not pleasing to God and are opposed to all people, ¹⁶ hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles in order that they may be saved, so that they always fill up their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the end.^[i]

Paul’s Desire to Revisit the Thessalonians

¹⁷ But when^[j] we were made orphans by separation from you, brothers, for a short time^[k] (in face, not in heart), we were even more eager with great desire to see your face, ¹⁸ because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, on more than one occasion^[l]—and Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

Paul Sends Timothy to Thessalonica

3 Therefore when we^[m] could bear it no longer, we determined to be left behind in Athens alone, ² and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen and to encourage you about your faith, ³ so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed for this, ⁴ for indeed when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were about to be afflicted, just as indeed it happened, and you know. ⁵ Because of this, I also, when I^[n] could endure it no longer, sent in order to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter tempted you and our labor should be in vain.

Timothy’s Positive Report

⁶ But now, because^[o] Timothy has come to us from you and has brought good news to us of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us^[p], desiring to see us just as also we desire to see you, ⁷ because of this, brothers, we have been comforted because of you in all our distress and affliction through your faith, ⁸ because now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanks can we repay to God concerning you, because of all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God, ¹⁰ night and day praying beyond all measure that we may see your face and complete what is lacking in your faith?

¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, ¹² and may the Lord cause you to increase and to abound in love for one another and for all, just as also we do for you, ¹³ so that your hearts may be established blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.^[q]

Appeal for Continuing Sanctification

4 Finally therefore, brothers, we ask you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus that, just as you have received from us how it is necessary for you to live and to please God, just as indeed you are living, that you progress even more. ² For you know what commands we gave to you through the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵ not in lustful passion, just as also the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ not to transgress and to exploit his brother in the matter, because the Lord is the one who avenges concerning all these things, just as also we told you beforehand and testified solemnly. ⁷ For God did not call us to impurity, but in holiness. ⁸ Therefore the one who rejects this is not rejecting man, but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Affirmation of Continuing Love

⁹ But concerning brotherly love, I do not have need to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, ¹⁰ for indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to progress even more, ¹¹ and to aspire to live a quiet life, and to attend to your own business,^[r] and to work with your hands,^[s] just as we commanded you, ¹² so that you may live decently toward those outside, and may have need of nothing.

The Comfort of the Lord’s Return

¹³ Now we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you will not grieve as also the rest, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, thus also God will bring those who have fallen asleep through Jesus together with him. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain until the Lord’s coming, will not possibly precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive, who remain, will be snatched away at the same time together with them in the clouds for a meeting with the Lord in the air, and thus we will be together with the Lord always. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

The Sudden Arrival of the Day of the Lord

5 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need of anything to be written to you, ² for you yourselves well know that the day of the Lord is coming in the same way as a thief in the night. ³ Whenever they say “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction will overtake them like the birth pains of a pregnant woman^[t], and they will not possibly escape. ⁴ But you, brothers, are not in the darkness, so that the day should catch you like a thief, ⁵ for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

⁶ So then, we must not sleep like the rest, but must be on the alert and be self-controlled. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. ⁸ But because^[u] we are of the day, we must be sober, by^[v] putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation, ⁹ because God did not appoint us for wrath, but for the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live at the same time with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build up each other^[w], just as indeed you are doing.

Final Exhortations and Benediction

¹² Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and rule over you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them beyond all measure in love, because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, console the discouraged, help the sick, be patient toward all people. ¹⁵ See to it that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue good toward^[x] one another and toward all people.

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray constantly, ¹⁸ give thanks in everything; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies, ²¹ but examine all things; hold fast to what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil. ²³ Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, who also will do this.

²⁵ Brothers, pray for us.^{[y] 26} Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I adjure you by the Lord, have this letter read aloud to all the brothers. ²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Greeting

1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ² Grace to you and peace from God the Father^[z] and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Believers

³ We ought to give thanks to God always concerning you, brothers, just as it is fitting, because your faith is flourishing and the love of each one of you all toward one another is increasing ⁴ so that we ourselves boast in you in the churches of God about your patient endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring, ⁵ a proof of the righteous judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, on behalf of which also you are suffering, ⁶ since it is righteous in the sight of God to pay back those who are afflicting you with affliction, ⁷ and to you who are being afflicted, rest with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels, ⁸ with burning flame^[aa] giving punishment to those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus, ⁹ who will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his strength, ¹⁰ whenever he should come to be glorified on that day by his saints and to be marveled at by all who believe, because our testimony was believed among you, ¹¹ for which purpose we also pray always for you, that you may be considered worthy of the calling of our God, and he might fulfill every desire for goodness and work of faith with power,^{[ab] 12} in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Man of Lawlessness Will Be Revealed

2 Now we ask you, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to him, ² that you not be easily shaken from your composure, nor be troubled either by a spirit or by a message or by a letter alleged to be from us^[ac], to the effect that the day of the Lord has arrived. ³ Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, ⁴ who opposes and who exalts himself over every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the temple of God, proclaiming that he himself is God.

⁵ Do you not remember that while^[ad] we were still with you, we were saying these things to you? ⁶ And you know that which restrains him now, so that he will be revealed in his own time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is at work already; only the one who now restrains^[ae] will do so until he is out of the way,^{[af] 8} and then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of his mouth, and wipe out by the appearance of his coming, ⁹ whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with every unrighteous deception against those who are perishing, in place of which they did not accept the love of the truth, so that they would be saved. ¹¹ And because of this, God sends them a powerful delusion^[ag] so that they will believe the lie, ¹² in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth, but delighted in unrighteousness.

Stand Firm and Hold Fast

¹³ But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you, brothers dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you as first fruits for salvation by the sanctification of the Spirit and faith in the truth, ¹⁴ for which purpose he called^[ah] you through our gospel for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions which you were taught, whether by spoken word or by letter from us. ¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

Paul’s Prayer Request

3 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may progress and be honored, just as also it was with you, ² and that we may be delivered from evil and wicked people, for not all have the faith^[ai]. ³ But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are both doing and you will do the things that we are commanding. ⁵ Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God and toward the patient endurance of Christ.

Warning Against Lazy, Irresponsible Behavior

⁶ But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who lives irresponsibly and not according to the tradition that they received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate us, that we did not behave irresponsibly among you, ⁸ nor did we eat bread from anyone without paying, but with toil and labor, we were working night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you, ⁹ not that we do not have the right, but so that we may give ourselves as an example to you, so that you may imitate us. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we used to command this to you: that if anyone does not want to work, neither should he eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you are living irresponsibly, working at nothing, but being busybodies. ¹² Now we command and we exhort such people in the Lord Jesus Christ that, working with quietness, they eat their own bread. ¹³ But as for you, brothers, do not be discouraged while^[aj] doing what is right. ¹⁴ But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note not to associate with him, in order that he may be put to shame. ¹⁵ And do not consider him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Final Greeting and Benediction

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself grant you peace through everything in every way. May the Lord be with all of you. ¹⁷ The greeting is by my hand, Paul’s, which is a sign of genuineness^[ak] in every letter: this is how I write^[al]. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, ² to Timothy, my true child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Instructions for Timothy in Ephesus

³ Just as I urged you when I^[am] traveled to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus, so that you may instruct certain people not to teach other doctrine, ⁴ and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God’s plan that is by faith. ⁵ But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a faith without hypocrisy, ⁶ from which some have deviated, and have turned away into fruitless discussion, ⁷ wanting to be teachers of the law, although they^[an] do not understand either the things which they are saying or the things concerning which they are speaking confidently.

⁸ But we know that the law is good, if anyone makes use of it lawfully, ⁹ knowing this, that the law is not given for a righteous person but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and totally worldly, for the one who kills his father and the one who kills his mother, for murderers, ¹⁰ sexually immoral people, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and whatever^[ao] else is opposed to sound teaching, ¹¹ according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God that I was entrusted with.

Paul’s Thankfulness for the Mercy Shown to Him

¹² I give thanks^[ap] to the one who strengthens me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful, placing me into ministry,^{[aq] 13} although I^[ar] was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, but I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, ¹⁴ and the grace of our Lord abounded with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ The saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. ¹⁶ But because of this I was shown mercy, in order that in me foremost, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his total patience, for an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, to the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever^[as]. Amen.

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

¹⁸ I am setting before you this instruction, Timothy my child, in accordance with the prophecies spoken long ago about you, in order that by them you may fight the good fight, ¹⁹ having faith and a good conscience, which some, because they^[at] have rejected these, have suffered shipwreck concerning their faith, ²⁰ among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, in order that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

Instructions to Pray for All People

2 Therefore, I urge first of all that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people, ² on behalf of kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we may live a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and acceptable before God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time, ⁷ for which I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am speaking the truth, I am not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. ⁸ Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and dispute.

Instructions for Women

⁹ Likewise also the women should adorn themselves in appropriate clothing, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold jewelry or pearls or expensive clothing, ¹⁰ but with good deeds which are fitting for women who profess godliness. ¹¹ A woman must learn in quietness with all submission. ¹² But I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet^[au]. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve, ¹⁴ and Adam was not deceived, but the woman, because she^[av] was deceived, came into transgression. ¹⁵ But she will be saved through the bearing of children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness with self-control.

Qualifications for Overseers

3 The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to supervision, he desires a good work. ² Therefore the overseer must be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, ³ not addicted to wine, not a violent person, but gentle, peaceable, not loving money, ⁴ managing his own household well, having children in submission with all dignity ⁵ (but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), ⁶ not newly converted, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ But he must also have a good testimony from those outside, in order that he may not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

⁸ Deacons likewise must be dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, ⁹ holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, ¹⁰ and these also must be tested first; then let them serve if they^[aw] are above reproach. ¹¹ The wives^[ax] likewise must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things. ¹² Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness Described

¹⁴ I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you in a short time. ¹⁵ But if I am delayed, I am writing^[ay] in order that you may know how one must conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay^[az] of the truth. ¹⁶ And most certainly, great is the mystery of godliness:

The Coming Apostasy

4 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ² by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience, ³ who forbid marrying and insist on abstaining from foods that God created for sharing in with thankfulness by those who believe and who know the truth, ⁴ because everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is^[bc] received with thankfulness, ⁵ for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

The Good Servant of Christ

⁶ By^[bd] teaching these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, trained in the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed faithfully. ⁷ But reject those worthless myths told by elderly women^[be], and train yourself for godliness. ⁸ For the training of the body is somewhat^[bf] profitable, but godliness is profitable for everything, because it^[bg] holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. ⁹ The statement is trustworthy and deserving of complete acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we labor and suffer reproach,^[bh] because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

¹¹ Command these things and teach them. ¹² Let no one look down on your youth, but be an example for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Until I come, pay attention to the public reading,^[bi] to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, that was granted to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵ Practice these things. Be diligent^[bj] in these things, in order that your progress may be evident to everyone. ¹⁶ Fix your attention on yourself and on your teaching. Continue in them, for by^[bk] doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Instructions About Widows

5 Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father, younger men as brothers, ² older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. ³ Honor widows who are truly widows. ⁴ But if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must learn to show profound respect for their own household first, and to pay back recompense to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. ⁵ But the widow who is one truly, and is left alone, has put her hope in God and continues in her petitions and prayers night and day. ⁶ But the one who lives for sensual pleasure is dead even though she^[bl] lives. ⁷ And command these things, in order that they may be irreproachable. ⁸ But if someone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially the members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ Let a widow be put on the list if she^[bm] is not less than sixty years old, the wife of one husband, ¹⁰ being well-attested by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has helped those who are oppressed, if she has devoted herself to every good work. ¹¹ But refuse younger widows, for whenever their physical desires lead them away from Christ, they want to marry, ¹² thus incurring condemnation because they have broken their former pledge. ¹³ And at the same time also, going around from house to house, they learn to be idle, and not only idle, but also gossipy and busybodies, saying the things that are not necessary. ¹⁴ Therefore I want younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage a household, to give the adversary no opportunity for reproach. ¹⁵ For already some have turned away and followed after Satan. ¹⁶ If any believing woman has widows, she must help them, and the church must not be burdened, in order that it may help those who are truly widows.

Honoring Worthy Elders and Dealing With Sinners

¹⁷ The elders who lead well must be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor by speaking and teaching. ¹⁸ For the scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox while it^[bn] is threshing,”^[bo] and “The worker is worthy of his wages.”^{[bp] 19} Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Reprove those who sin in the presence of all, in order that the rest also may experience fear. ²¹ I testify solemnly before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality. ²² Lay hands on no one hastily, and do not participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. ²³ (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent illnesses.) ²⁴ The sins of some people are evident, preceding them to judgment, but for some also they follow after them. ²⁵ Likewise also good works are evident, and those considered otherwise are not able to be hidden.

Slaves and Masters

6 All those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, lest the name of God and the teaching be slandered. ² And those who have believing masters must not look down on them because they are brothers, but rather they must serve, because those who benefit by their service are believers and dearly loved.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

Teach and encourage these things. ³ If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not devote himself to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness, ⁴ he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a morbid interest concerning controversies and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, slanders, evil suspicions, ⁵ constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain. ⁶ But godliness with contentment is a great means of gain. ⁷ For we have brought nothing into the world, so that neither can we bring anything out. ⁸ But if we^[bq] have food and clothing, with these things we will be content. ⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge those people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all evil, by which some, because they^[br] desire it, have gone astray from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.

Renewed Charge to Timothy

¹¹ But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patient endurance, gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ I command you, in the sight of God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ that you observe the commandment without fault, irreproachable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which he will make known in his own time, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, ¹⁶ the one who alone possesses immortality, who lives in unapproachable light, whom no human being has seen nor is able to see, to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Instructions to the Rich

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present age not to be proud and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who provides us all things richly for enjoyment, ¹⁸ to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, sharing freely, ¹⁹ storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, in order that they may take hold of what is truly life.

Final Charge and Benediction

²⁰ O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Turn away from pointless empty talk and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, ²¹ which some, by^[bs] professing it, have deviated concerning the faith. Grace be with you all.

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, ² to Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Timothy’s Spiritual Heritage

³ I am thankful^[bt] to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did^[bu], when I remember you constantly^[bv] in my prayers night and day, ⁴ longing to see you as I^[bw] remember your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, ⁵ remembering the^[bx] sincere faith in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that is in you also, ⁶ for which reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and self-discipline.

Exhortation to Share Paul’s Suffering

⁸ Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor me his prisoner, but suffer along with me for the gospel, according to the power of God, ⁹ who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began^[by], ¹⁰ but has now been disclosed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ,^[bz] who has abolished death and brought to light life and immortality through the gospel, ¹¹ for which I was appointed a proclaimer and an apostle and a teacher, ¹² for which reason also I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know in whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted until that day. ¹³ Hold fast to the pattern of sound words which you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

¹⁵ You know this, that all those in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. ¹⁶ May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he refreshed me many times, and was not ashamed of my imprisonment, ¹⁷ but when he^[ca] was in Rome, he diligently sought me and found me. ¹⁸ May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord in that day! And how much he served me in Ephesus you know very well.

Exhortation to Be Strong in Grace

2 You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, ² and the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these things to faithful people who will be competent to teach others also. ³ Suffer together with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one who serves as a soldier is entangled in the activities of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. ⁵ And also if anyone competes he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The farmer who works hard must be the first to receive a share of the crops. ⁷ Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will grant you understanding in all these things.

A Trustworthy Saying

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David according to my gospel, ⁹ in connection with which I suffer misfortune to the point of imprisonment^[cb] as a criminal, but the word of God is not bound. ¹⁰ Because of this, I endure all things for the sake of the chosen, in order that they also may obtain salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. ¹¹ The saying is trustworthy:

A Worker Approved to God and Not Ashamed

¹⁴ Remind people of these things, solemnly urging them before the Lord^[ce] not to dispute about words. This is in no way beneficial and leads to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵ Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, a worker having no need to be ashamed, guiding the word of truth along a straight path. ¹⁶ But avoid pointless chatter, for it will progress to greater ungodliness, ¹⁷ and their message will spread^[cf] like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have deviated concerning the truth by^[cg] saying the resurrection has already taken place, and they are upsetting the faith of some. ¹⁹ However, the solid foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”^[ch] and “Everyone who names the name of the Lord must abstain from unrighteousness.”

²⁰ Now in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthenware ones, some of which are for honorable use, and some of which are for ordinary use. ²¹ Therefore, if someone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

²² But flee from youthful desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, in company with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. ²³ But avoid foolish and uninformed controversies, because you^[ci] know that they produce quarrels. ²⁴ And the slave of the Lord must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, skillful in teaching, tolerant, ²⁵ correcting those who are opposed with gentleness, seeing whether perhaps God may grant them repentance to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they will come to their senses again and escape from the trap of the devil, being held captive by him to do his will.

Difficult Times Ahead in the Last Days

3 But know this, that in the last days difficult times will come, ² for people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ hardhearted, irreconcilable, slanderous, without self-control, savage, with no interest for what is good, ⁴ traitors, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God, ⁵ maintaining a form of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid these people. ⁶ For from these are those who slip into houses and captivate foolish women loaded down with sins, led by various kinds of desires, ⁷ always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁸ And just as^[cj] Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these oppose the truth, people corrupted in mind, disqualified concerning the faith. ⁹ But they will not progress to a greater extent, for their folly will be quite evident to everyone, as also the folly of those two was.

The Value of the Scriptures

¹⁰ But you have faithfully followed my teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹ persecutions, and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra, what sort of persecutions I endured, and the Lord delivered me from all of them. ¹² And indeed, all those who want to live in a godly manner in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. ¹³ But evil people and imposters will progress to the worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴ But you continue in the things which you have learned and are convinced of, because you^[ck] know from whom you learned them, ¹⁵ and that from childhood you have known the holy writings that are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

4 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, ² preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and instruction. ³ For there will be a time when they will not put up with sound teaching, but in accordance with their own desires, they will accumulate for themselves teachers, because they have an insatiable curiosity^[cl], ⁴ and they will turn away from the hearing of the truth, but will turn to myths. ⁵ But you, be self-controlled in all things, bear hardship patiently, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is imminent. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Finally, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Final Instructions to Timothy

⁹ Make haste to come to me quickly. ¹⁰ For Demas deserted me, because he^[cm] loved the present age, and went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia; Titus went to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Luke alone is with me. Take along Mark and^[cn] bring him with you, because he is useful to me for ministry. ¹² But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ When you^[co] come, bring the cloak that I left behind in Troas with Carpus, and the scrolls, especially the parchments. ¹⁴ Alexander the metalworker did me much harm; may the Lord pay back to him according to his deeds, ¹⁵ against whom you also be on guard, because he vehemently opposed our words. ¹⁶ At my first defense, no one came to my aid, but they all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. ¹⁷ But the Lord helped me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fulfilled and all the Gentiles might hear, and he rescued me from the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will save me for his heavenly kingdom, to whom be the glory forever and ever^[cp]. Amen.

Final Greetings and Benediction

¹⁹ Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. ²⁰ Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left behind in Miletus because he^[cq] was sick. ²¹ Make haste to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers greet you. ²² The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Greeting

1 Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of the chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth that is according to godliness, ² in the hope of eternal life which God, who does not lie, promised before eternal ages, ³ but at the proper time has disclosed his message in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior, ⁴ to Titus, my true child according to a common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Instructions to Titus in Crete

⁵ On account of this, I left you behind in Crete, in order that what remains may be set in order and you may appoint elders in every town, as I ordered you. ⁶ If anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful^[cr] children, not accused of dissipation^[cs] or rebellious. ⁷ For it is necessary for the overseer to be blameless as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain, ⁸ but hospitable, loving what is good, prudent, just, devout, self-controlled, ⁹ holding fast to the faithful message according to the teaching, in order that he may be able both to exhort with sound instruction and to reprove those who speak against it.

¹⁰ For there are many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹ whom it is necessary to silence, whoever are ruining whole families by^[ct] teaching things which must not be taught for the sake of dishonest gain. ¹² A certain one of them, one of their own prophets, has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true, for which reason reprove them severely, in order that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who turn away from the truth. ¹⁵ To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure, but both their mind and conscience are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny him, because they^[cu] are detestable and disobedient, and unfit for every good deed.

Sound Instruction and Consistent Behavior

2 But you, speak the things which are fitting for sound instruction. ² Older men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. ³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderous, not enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, ⁴ in order that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, ⁵ to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, good, being subject to their own husbands, in order that the word of God may not be slandered. ⁶ Likewise, exhort the young men to be self-controlled, ⁷ concerning everything showing yourself to be an example of good deeds, in your teaching demonstrating soundness, dignity, ⁸ a sound message beyond reproach, in order that an opponent^[cv] may be put to shame, because he^[cw] has nothing bad to say concerning us.

⁹ Slaves must be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not to talk back, ¹⁰ not stealing, but demonstrating all good faith, in order that they may do credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything. ¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, ¹² training us in order that, denying impiety and worldly desires, we may live self-controlled and righteously and godly in the present age, ¹³ looking forward to the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us, in order that he might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good deeds. ¹⁵ Speak these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Conduct Toward All People

3 Remind them to be subject to the rulers and to the authorities, to obey, to be prepared for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all courtesy to all people. ³ For we also were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, enslaved to various desires and pleasures, spending our lives in wickedness and envy, despicable, hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love for mankind of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not by deeds of righteousness that we have done, but because of his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Final Instructions to Titus

⁸ The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist concerning these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people. ⁹ But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and contentions and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and fruitless. ¹⁰ Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

¹² When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make haste to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Diligently send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they may lack nothing^[cx]. ¹⁴ But also our people must learn to engage in good deeds for necessary needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. ¹⁵ All those with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

Greeting

¹ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our dear friend and fellow worker, ² and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house. ³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer for Philemon

⁴ I thank my God, always making mention of you in my prayers, ⁵ because I^[cy] hear about your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. ⁶ I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing that is in us for Christ. ⁷ For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

⁸ Therefore, although I^[cz] have great confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, ⁹ instead I appeal to you because of love, since I^[da] am such a one as Paul, now an old man and also a prisoner of Christ Jesus. ¹⁰ I am appealing to you concerning my child whom I became the father of during my imprisonment, Onesimus. ¹¹ Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful to you^[db] and to me, ¹² whom I have sent back to you himself, that is, my heart, ¹³ whom I wanted to keep with me, in order that he might serve me on behalf of you during my imprisonment for the gospel. ¹⁴ But apart from your consent, I wanted to do nothing, in order that your good deed might be not as according to necessity, but according to your own free will. ¹⁵ For perhaps because of this, he was separated from you for a time, in order that you might have him back forever, ¹⁶ no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Paul’s Request to Philemon

¹⁷ If therefore you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me. ¹⁸ But if in anything he has caused you loss or owes you anything, charge this to my account^[dc]. ¹⁹ I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will pay it back, lest I mention to you that you owe me even your very self besides^[dd]. ²⁰ Yes, brother, I ought to have some benefit of you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

²¹ Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you because I^[de] know that you will do even beyond what I say. ²² At the same time also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

Final Greetings and Benediction

²³ Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, ²⁴ and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. ²⁵ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.