Bible in 90 Days

Thanksgiving

1 ^(A)Paul and ^(B)Silvanus and ^(C)Timothy,

To the ^(D)church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: ^(E)Grace to you and peace.

^2 (F)We give thanks to God always for all of you, ^(G)making mention of you in our prayers; ³ remembering without ceasing your ^(H)work of faith and labor of ^(I)love and ^[a](J)steadfastness of hope ^[b]in our Lord Jesus Christ before ^(K)our God and Father, ⁴ knowing, ^(L)brothers beloved by God, ^(M)your election, ⁵ for our ^(N)gospel did not come to you in word only, but also ^(O)in power and in the Holy Spirit and with ^(P)full assurance; just as you know ^(Q)what kind of men we ^[c]proved to be among you for your sake. ⁶ You also became ^(R)imitators of us and of the Lord, ^(S)having received ^(T)the word in much affliction with the ^(U)joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became a model to all the believers in ^(V)Macedonia and in ^(W)Achaia. ⁸ For ^(X)the word of the Lord has ^(Y)sounded forth from you, not only in ^(Z)Macedonia and ^(AA)Achaia, but also ^(AB)in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. ⁹ For they themselves report about us what kind of an ^(AC)entrance we had ^[d]with you, and how you ^(AD)turned to God ^(AE)from ^[e]idols to serve ^[f](AF)a living and true God, ¹⁰ and to ^(AG)wait for His Son from ^[g]heaven, whom He ^(AH)raised from the dead, Jesus, who ^(AI)rescues us from ^(AJ)the wrath to come.

Entrusted with the Gospel

2 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our ^(AK)entrance to you ^(AL)was not in vain, ² but after we had already suffered and been ^(AM)mistreated in ^(AN)Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God ^(AO)to speak to you the ^(AP)gospel of God amid much ^(AQ)struggle. ³ For our ^(AR)exhortation does not come from ^(AS)error or ^(AT)impurity or ^[h]by way of ^(AU)deceit; ^4 (AV)but just as we have been approved by God to be ^(AW)entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, ^(AX)not as pleasing men, but God who ^[i](AY)examines our hearts. ⁵ For we never came with a flattering word, as you know, nor with ^(AZ)a pretext for greed—^(BA)God is witness— ⁶ nor ^(BB)seeking glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as ^(BC)apostles of Christ we ^[j]could have been a burden to you. ⁷ But we ^[k]proved to be ^[l](BD)gentle ^[m]among you, ^(BE)as a nursing mother ^[n]tenderly cares for her own children. ⁸ In this way, having fond affection for you, we were pleased to ^(BF)impart to you not only the ^(BG)gospel of God but also our own ^[o]lives, because you had become beloved to us.

⁹ For you remember, brothers, our ^(BH)labor and hardship, how ^(BI)working night and day so as not to be a ^(BJ)burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the ^(BK)gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is ^(BL)God, of ^(BM)how devoutly and righteously and blamelessly we ^[p]behaved toward you ^[q]believers; ¹¹ just as you know how we were ^(BN)exhorting and encouraging and ^(BO)bearing witness to each one of you as ^(BP)a father would his own children, ¹² so that you would ^(BQ)walk in a manner worthy of the God who ^(BR)calls you into His own kingdom and ^(BS)glory.

¹³ And for this reason we also ^(BT)thank God without ceasing that when you received the ^(BU)word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it ^(BV)not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, ^(BW)which also is at work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brothers, became ^(BX)imitators of ^(BY)the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are ^(BZ)in Judea, for ^(CA)you also suffered the same things at the hands of your own countrymen, ^(CB)even as they did from the Jews, ^15 (CC)who both killed the Lord Jesus and ^(CD)the prophets, and ^[r]drove us out, and do not please God, and are hostile to all men, ^16 (CE)hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles ^(CF)so that they may be saved; with the result that they always ^(CG)fill up the measure of their sins. But ^(CH)wrath has come upon them ^[s]to the utmost.

¹⁷ But we, brothers, having been taken away from you for a ^[t]short while—^(CI)in face but not in heart—were all the more eager with great desire ^(CJ)to see your face. ^18 [u]For ^(CK)we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, ^[v](CL)more than once—and yet ^(CM)Satan ^(CN)hindered us. ¹⁹ For who is our hope or ^(CO)joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, before our Lord Jesus at His ^[w](CP)coming? ²⁰ For you are ^(CQ)our glory and joy.

Timothy’s Good Report

3 Therefore ^(CR)when we could endure it no longer, we were pleased to be left behind at ^(CS)Athens alone, ² and we sent ^(CT)Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, ³ so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions, for you yourselves know that ^(CU)we have been destined for this. ⁴ For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction, ^(CV)just as it happened and as you know. ⁵ For this reason, ^(CW)when I could endure it no longer, I also ^(CX)sent to know about your faith, lest somehow ^(CY)the tempter has tempted you, and ^(CZ)our labor be in vain.

⁶ But now that ^(DA)Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of ^(DB)your faith and love, and that you always ^(DC)remember us kindly, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, ⁷ for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; ⁸ for now we really live, if you ^(DD)stand firm in the Lord. ⁹ For ^(DE)what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you, ¹⁰ as we ^(DF)night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may ^(DG)see your face, and may ^(DH)complete what is lacking in your faith?

^11 (DI)Now may ^(DJ)our God and Father ^(DK)Himself and Jesus our Lord ^(DL)direct our way to you, ¹² and may the Lord cause you to increase and ^(DM)abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you, ¹³ so that He may ^(DN)strengthen your hearts ^(DO)blameless in holiness, before ^(DP)our God and Father, at the ^[x](DQ)coming of our Lord Jesus ^(DR)with all His ^[y]saints.

Sanctification and Love

4 ^(DS)Finally then, ^(DT)brothers, we ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us as to how you ought to ^[z](DU)walk and ^(DV)please God (just as you actually do ^[aa]walk), that you ^(DW)excel still more. ² For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you ^(DX)abstain from ^[ab]sexual immorality; ⁴ that ^(DY)each of you know how to ^[ac]possess his own ^[ad](DZ)vessel in sanctification and ^(EA)honor, ⁵ not in ^[ae](EB)lustful passion, like the Gentiles who ^(EC)do not know God; ⁶ and that no man transgress and ^(ED)defraud his brother ^(EE)in the matter because ^(EF)the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also ^(EG)told you before and solemnly warned you. ⁷ For ^(EH)God did not call us to ^(EI)impurity, but ^[af]in sanctification. ⁸ Consequently, he who sets this aside is not setting aside man but the God who ^(EJ)gives His Holy Spirit to you.

⁹ Now concerning ^(EK)love of the brothers, you ^(EL)have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are ^(EM)taught by God to love one another, ¹⁰ for indeed ^(EN)you do practice it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to ^(EO)excel still more, ¹¹ and to make it your ambition ^(EP)to lead a quiet life and ^(EQ)attend to your own business and ^(ER)work with your hands, just as we commanded you, ¹² so that you will ^(ES)walk properly toward ^(ET)outsiders and ^[ag](EU)not be in any need.

The Dead in Christ Will Rise

¹³ But ^(EV)we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who ^(EW)are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do ^(EX)the rest who have ^(EY)no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, ^(EZ)even so God will bring with Him ^(FA)those who have fallen asleep ^[ah]in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you ^(FB)by the word of the Lord, that ^(FC)we who are alive ^[ai]and remain until ^(FD)the coming of the Lord, will not precede ^(FE)those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord ^(FF)Himself ^(FG)will descend from heaven with a ^[aj](FH)shout, with the voice of ^(FI)the archangel and with the ^(FJ)trumpet of God, and ^(FK)the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then ^(FL)we who are alive ^[ak]and remain will be ^(FM)caught up together with them ^(FN)in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always ^(FO)be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

The Day of the Lord

5 Now concerning the ^(FP)times and the seasons, brothers, you ^(FQ)have no need of anything to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know full well that ^(FR)the day of the Lord ^[al]will come ^(FS)just like a thief in the night. ³ While they are saying, “^(FT)Peace and safety!” then ^[am](FU)destruction ^[an]will come upon them suddenly like ^(FV)labor pains upon a woman who is pregnant, and they will never escape. ⁴ But you, brothers, are not in ^(FW)darkness, that the day would overtake you ^[ao](FX)like a thief, ⁵ for you are all ^(FY)sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of ^(FZ)darkness; ⁶ so then let us not ^(GA)sleep as ^[ap](GB)others do, but let us be awake and ^[aq](GC)sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get ^(GD)drunk at night. ⁸ But since ^(GE)we are of the day, let us ^(GF)be ^[ar]sober, having put on the ^(GG)breastplate of ^(GH)faith and love, and as a ^(GI)helmet, the ^(GJ)hope of salvation. ⁹ For God has not appointed us for ^(GK)wrath, but for ^(GL)obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ^10 (GM)who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. ¹¹ Therefore, ^[as]comfort one another and ^(GN)build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Admonishment and Instruction

¹² But we ask of you, brothers, that you ^(GO)know those ^(GP)who labor among you, and ^(GQ)lead you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. ^(GR)Live in peace with one another. ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, admonish ^(GS)the ^[at]unruly, encourage ^(GT)the fainthearted, help ^(GU)the weak, be ^(GV)patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See that ^(GW)no one repays another with evil for evil, but always ^(GX)seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. ^16 (GY)Rejoice always; ^17 (GZ)pray without ceasing; ¹⁸ in everything ^(HA)give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ^19 (HB)Do not quench the Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise ^(HC)prophecies, ²¹ but ^(HD)examine all things; ^(HE)hold fast to that which is good; ²² abstain from every ^[au]form of evil.

²³ Now ^(HF)may the God of peace ^(HG)Himself sanctify you entirely, and may your ^(HH)spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, ^(HI)without blame at ^(HJ)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ^24 (HK)Faithful is He who ^(HL)calls you, who also will do it.

²⁵ Brothers, ^(HM)pray for us^[av].

^26 (HN)Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I implore you by the Lord to ^(HO)have this letter read to all the ^(HP)brothers.

^28 (HQ)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Greetings of Grace and Thanksgiving

1 ^(HR)Paul and ^(HS)Silvanus and ^(HT)Timothy,

To the ^(HU)church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: ^2 (HV)Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ We ought always ^(HW)to give thanks to God for you, ^(HX)brothers, as is only fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the ^(HY)love of each one of you all toward one another increases all the more, ⁴ so that we ourselves ^(HZ)boast about you among ^(IA)the churches of God for your ^[aw]perseverance and faith ^(IB)in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.

God’s Righteous Judgment

⁵ This is a ^(IC)plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be ^(ID)considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. ^6 [ax]Since ^(IE)it is right ^[ay]for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, ⁷ and to give rest to you who are afflicted ^[az]and to us as well ^(IF)at the revelation of the Lord Jesus ^(IG)from heaven ^(IH)with ^[ba]His mighty angels ^(II)in flaming fire, ⁸ executing vengeance on those who ^(IJ)do not know God and to those who ^(IK)do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ⁹ These will pay the penalty of ^(IL)eternal destruction, ^(IM)away from the presence of the ^[bb]Lord and from the glory of His might, ¹⁰ when He comes to be ^(IN)glorified ^[bc]in His ^[bd]saints on that ^(IO)day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our ^(IP)witness to you was believed. ¹¹ To this end also we ^(IQ)pray for you always, that our God will ^[be](IR)count you worthy of your ^(IS)calling, and fulfill all your ^(IT)good pleasure for ^(IU)goodness and the ^(IV)work of faith with power, ¹² so that the ^(IW)name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Man of Lawlessness

2 Now we ask you, ^(IX)brothers, with regard to the ^[bf](IY)coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our ^(IZ)gathering together to Him, ² that you not be quickly shaken in your mind or be alarmed whether by a ^(JA)spirit or a ^(JB)word or a ^(JC)letter as if from us, to the effect that ^(JD)the day of the Lord ^(JE)has come. ^3 (JF)Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the ^[bg](JG)apostasy comes first, and the ^(JH)man of lawlessness is revealed, the ^(JI)son of destruction, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above ^[bh](JJ)every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the ^[bi]sanctuary of God, ^(JK)exhibiting himself as being God. ⁵ Do you not remember that ^(JL)while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? ⁶ And you know ^(JM)what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. ⁷ For ^(JN)the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only ^(JO)he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then that lawless one ^(JP)will be revealed—whom the Lord ^[bj]Jesus ^(JQ)will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the ^(JR)appearance of His ^[bk]coming— ⁹ whose ^[bl]coming is in accord with the working of ^(JS)Satan, with all power and ^[bm](JT)signs and false wonders, ¹⁰ and with ^[bn]all the deception of unrighteousness for ^(JU)those who perish, because they did not receive the love of ^(JV)the truth so as to be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason ^(JW)God sends upon them a ^[bo](JX)deluding influence so that they will believe ^[bp]what is false, ¹² in order that they all may be ^[bq]judged who ^(JY)did not believe the truth, but ^[br](JZ)took pleasure in unrighteousness.

^13 (KA)But we should always give thanks to God for you, ^(KB)brothers beloved by the Lord, because ^(KC)God has chosen you ^[bs]as the first fruits ^(KD)for salvation ^(KE)through sanctification ^[bt]by the Spirit and faith in the truth. ^14 [bu]It was for this He ^(KF)called you through ^(KG)our gospel, ^[bv]that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers, ^(KH)stand firm and ^(KI)hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether ^(KJ)by word of mouth or ^(KK)by letter ^[bw]from us.

^16 (KL)Now may our Lord Jesus Christ ^(KM)Himself and God our Father, who has ^(KN)loved us and given us eternal comfort and ^(KO)good hope by grace, ^17 (KP)encourage your hearts and ^(KQ)strengthen them in every good work and word.

Disobedient Brothers

3 ^(KR)Finally, brothers, ^(KS)pray for us that ^(KT)the word of the Lord will ^[bx]spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; ² and that we will be ^(KU)rescued from ^[by]perverse and evil men, for not all have ^[bz]faith. ³ But ^(KV)the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen and guard you ^[ca]from ^(KW)the evil one. ⁴ And we have ^(KX)confidence in the Lord about you, that you ^(KY)are doing and will continue to do what we command. ⁵ And may the Lord ^(KZ)direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, ^(LA)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you ^[cb](LB)keep away from every brother who walks in an ^[cc](LC)unruly manner and not according to ^(LD)the tradition which ^[cd]they received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to ^(LE)imitate us, because we did not act in an unruly manner among you, ⁸ nor did we ^(LF)eat ^[ce]anyone’s bread ^[cf]without paying for it, but with ^(LG)labor and hardship we kept ^(LH)working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; ⁹ not because we do not have ^(LI)the authority, but in order to offer ourselves ^(LJ)as a model for you, so that you would imitate us. ¹⁰ For even ^(LK)when we were with you, we used to command this to you: ^(LL)if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you are ^(LM)walking in an unruly manner, doing no work at all, but acting like ^(LN)busybodies. ¹² Now such persons we command and ^(LO)exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that ^(LP)working with quietness, they eat their own bread. ¹³ But as for you, ^(LQ)brothers, ^(LR)do not lose heart in doing good.

¹⁴ And if anyone does not obey our word ^[cg](LS)in this letter, take special note of that person ^(LT)to not associate with him, so that he will be ^(LU)put to shame. ¹⁵ And yet ^(LV)do not regard him as an enemy, but ^[ch](LW)admonish him as a ^(LX)brother.

¹⁶ Now ^(LY)may the Lord of peace ^(LZ)Himself continually give you peace in every ^[ci]circumstance. ^(MA)The Lord be with you all!

¹⁷ The greeting ^(MB)is in my own hand—^[cj]Paul, which is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. ^18 (MC)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Instructions in Doctrine and Living

1 Paul, ^(MD)an apostle of ^(ME)Christ Jesus ^(MF)according to the commandment of ^(MG)God our Savior, and of ^(MH)Christ Jesus, our ^(MI)hope,

² To ^(MJ)Timothy, ^(MK)my genuine child in the faith: ^(ML)Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and ^(MM)Christ Jesus our Lord.

³ As I exhorted you when going to ^(MN)Macedonia, ^[ck]remain on at ^(MO)Ephesus so that you may command certain ones not to ^(MP)teach a different doctrine, ⁴ nor to ^[cl]pay attention to ^(MQ)myths and endless ^(MR)genealogies, which give rise to mere ^(MS)speculation rather than furthering ^(MT)the stewardship from God which is by faith. ⁵ But the goal of our ^(MU)command is love ^(MV)from a pure heart and a ^(MW)good conscience and an unhypocritical ^(MX)faith. ⁶ For some, straying from these things, have turned aside to ^(MY)fruitless discussion, ^7 (MZ)wanting to be ^(NA)teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

⁸ But we know that ^(NB)the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, ⁹ knowing this, that ^(NC)law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and ^(ND)rebellious, for the ^(NE)ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and ^(NF)godless, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for ^(NG)sexually immoral persons, for ^(NH)homosexuals, for ^(NI)kidnappers, for ^(NJ)liars, for ^(NK)perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to ^(NL)sound teaching, ¹¹ according to ^(NM)the gospel of the glory of ^(NN)the blessed God, with which I have been ^(NO)entrusted.

¹² I am grateful to ^(NP)Christ Jesus our Lord, who has ^(NQ)strengthened me, because He regarded me faithful, ^(NR)putting me into service, ¹³ even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a ^(NS)persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was ^(NT)shown mercy because ^(NU)I acted ignorantly in unbelief; ¹⁴ and the ^(NV)grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the ^(NW)faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ^15 (NX)It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance: that ^(NY)Christ Jesus came into the world to ^(NZ)save sinners, among whom ^(OA)I am foremost. ¹⁶ Yet for this reason I ^(OB)was shown mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Christ Jesus might ^(OC)demonstrate all His patience as an example for those ^[cm]who are going to believe upon Him for eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the ^(OD)King of the ^[cn]ages, ^(OE)immortal, ^(OF)invisible, the ^(OG)only God, ^(OH)be honor and glory ^[co]forever and ever. Amen.

¹⁸ This ^(OI)command I entrust to you, Timothy, ^(OJ)my child, in accordance with the ^(OK)prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may ^(OL)fight the good fight, ¹⁹ keeping ^(OM)faith and a good conscience, which some, having rejected, suffered shipwreck in regard to ^[cp](ON)their faith. ^20 [cq]Among these are ^(OO)Hymenaeus and ^(OP)Alexander, whom I have ^(OQ)handed over to Satan, so that they will be ^(OR)taught not to blaspheme.

Exhortation to Prayer

2 First of all, then, I exhort that ^(OS)petitions and prayers, requests and thanksgivings, be made for all men, ^2 (OT)for kings and all who are in ^[cr]authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and ^[cs]dignity. ³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of ^(OU)God our Savior, ^4 (OV)who desires all men to be ^(OW)saved and to ^(OX)come to the ^[ct]full knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is ^(OY)one God, and ^(OZ)one mediator also between God and men, the ^(PA)man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who ^(PB)gave Himself as a ransom for all, the ^(PC)witness for ^[cu](PD)this proper time. ^7 (PE)For this I was appointed a ^[cv]preacher and ^(PF)an apostle (^(PG)I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of ^(PH)the Gentiles in faith and truth.

⁸ Therefore ^(PI)I want the men ^(PJ)in every place to pray, ^(PK)lifting up ^(PL)holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Instructions for Women

⁹ Likewise, I want ^(PM)women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, with modesty and self-restraint, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly clothing, ¹⁰ but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women professing godliness. ^11 (PN)A woman must learn in quietness, in all submission. ^12 (PO)But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. ^13 (PP)For it was Adam who was first formed, and then Eve. ¹⁴ And it was not Adam who was deceived, but ^(PQ)the woman being deceived, ^[cw]fell into trespass. ¹⁵ But she will be ^[cx]saved through the bearing of children, if they continue in ^(PR)faith and love and sanctification with self-restraint.

Overseers and Deacons

3 ^(PS)It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the ^(PT)office of ^[cy]overseer, he desires a good work. ^2 [cz](PU)An overseer, then, must be above reproach, ^(PV)the husband of one wife, ^(PW)temperate, sensible, respectable, ^(PX)hospitable, ^(PY)able to teach, ^3 (PZ)not addicted to wine ^[da]or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, ^(QA)free from the love of money; ^4 (QB)leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity ⁵ (but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of ^(QC)the church of God?), ⁶ and not a new convert, so that he will not become ^(QD)conceited and fall into the ^(QE)condemnation of the devil. ⁷ And he must ^(QF)have a good reputation with ^(QG)those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and ^(QH)the snare of the devil.

^8 (QI)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not ^[db]double-tongued, ^(QJ)not indulging in much wine, ^(QK)not fond of dishonest gain, ^9 (QL)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ^10 (QM)And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. ^11 [dc]Women must likewise be dignified, ^(QN)not malicious gossips, but ^(QO)temperate, faithful in all things. ^12 (QP)Deacons must be ^(QQ)husbands of only one wife, ^(QR)leading their children and their own households well. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons ^(QS)obtain for themselves a ^[dd]high standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁴ I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon, ¹⁵ but ^[de]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how ^[df]one ought to conduct himself in ^(QT)the household of God, which is the ^(QU)church of ^(QV)the living God, the ^(QW)pillar and support of the truth. ¹⁶ And by common confession, great is ^(QX)the mystery of godliness:

Some Will Fall Away

4 But ^(RE)the Spirit explicitly says that ^(RF)in later times some will ^[di]fall away from the faith, paying attention to ^(RG)deceitful spirits and ^(RH)doctrines of demons, ² by the hypocrisy of liars, who have been ^(RI)seared in their own conscience, ³ who ^(RJ)forbid marriage and advocate ^(RK)abstaining from foods which ^(RL)God created to be shared in ^(RM)with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For ^(RN)everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(RO)received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is sanctified by ^(RP)the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister’s Discipline

⁶ In pointing out these things to ^(RQ)the brothers, you will be a good ^(RR)servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished on the words of the faith and of the ^[dj](RS)sound doctrine which you ^(RT)have been following. ⁷ But refuse ^(RU)godless ^(RV)myths fit only for old women. On the other hand, train yourself for the purpose of ^(RW)godliness, ⁸ for ^(RX)bodily training is only of little profit, but ^(RY)godliness is profitable for all things, since it ^(RZ)holds promise for the ^(SA)present life and also for the life to come. ^9 (SB)It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance. ¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed ^(SC)our hope on ^(SD)the living God, who is ^(SE)the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

^11 (SF)Command and teach these things. ^12 (SG)Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but show yourself as ^(SH)a model to those who believe in word, conduct, ^(SI)love, faith, and purity. ^13 (SJ)Until I come, give attention to the public ^(SK)reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift within you, which was given to you through ^(SL)prophetic utterance with ^(SM)the laying on of hands by the ^(SN)council of elders. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ^16 (SO)Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ^(SP)save both yourself and those who hear you.

Honor Widows

5 ^(SQ)Do not sharply rebuke an ^(SR)older man, but rather plead with him as a father, to ^(SS)the younger men as brothers, ² the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

³ Honor widows who are ^(ST)widows indeed, ⁴ but if any widow has children or grandchildren, ^(SU)they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to ^[dk]make some return to their parents; for this is ^(SV)acceptable in the sight of God. ⁵ Now she who is a ^(SW)widow indeed and who has been left alone, ^(SX)has fixed her hope on God and continues in ^(SY)petitions and prayers night and day. ⁶ But she who ^(SZ)lives in self-indulgence is ^(TA)dead even while she lives. ^7 (TB)And command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. ⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has ^(TC)denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ A widow is to be ^(TD)put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been ^(TE)the wife of one man, ¹⁰ having a reputation for ^(TF)good works; if she has brought up children, if she has ^(TG)shown hospitality to strangers, if she ^(TH)has washed the ^[dl]saints’ feet, if she has ^(TI)assisted those in affliction, if she has devoted herself to every good work. ¹¹ But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel ^(TJ)sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, ¹² thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous ^[dm]pledge. ¹³ And at the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house. And not merely idle, but also ^(TK)gossips and ^(TL)busybodies, talking about ^(TM)things not proper to mention. ¹⁴ Therefore, I want younger widows to get ^(TN)married, bear children, ^(TO)keep house, and ^(TP)give the enemy no opportunity for reviling, ¹⁵ for some ^(TQ)have already turned aside after ^(TR)Satan. ¹⁶ If any believing woman ^(TS)has widows, she must ^(TT)assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are ^(TU)widows indeed.

Honoring the Elders

^17 (TV)The elders who ^(TW)lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who ^(TX)labor ^[dn]at preaching the word and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “^(TY)You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “^(TZ)The laborer is worthy of his wages.” ¹⁹ Do not receive an accusation against an ^(UA)elder except on the basis of ^(UB)two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Those who continue in sin, ^(UC)reprove in the presence of all, ^(UD)so that the rest also will be fearful. ^21 (UE)I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His elect angels, to observe these instructions without bias, doing nothing in partiality. ^22 (UF)Do not lay hands upon anyone hastily and ^[do]thereby share ^(UG)responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

²³ No longer drink water only, but ^(UH)use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

²⁴ The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins ^(UI)follow after. ²⁵ So also good works are quite evident, and ^(UJ)those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

Instructions to Those Who Serve

6 ^(UK)All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so ^(UL)that the name of God and our doctrine will not be ^[dp]slandered. ² But those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are ^(UM)brothers, but must serve them all the more, because those who ^[dq]partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. ^(UN)Teach and exhort these things.

³ If anyone ^(UO)teaches a different doctrine and does not ^[dr]agree with ^(UP)sound words—those of our Lord Jesus Christ—and with the doctrine ^(UQ)conforming to godliness, ⁴ he is ^(UR)conceited, understanding nothing but ^[ds]having a morbid interest in ^(US)controversial questions and ^(UT)disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant friction between ^(UU)men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who ^(UV)suppose that ^[dt]godliness is a means of gain. ^6 (UW)But godliness actually is a means of ^(UX)great gain, when accompanied by ^(UY)contentment. ⁷ For ^(UZ)we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. ⁸ And if we ^(VA)have food and covering, with these we shall be content. ^9 (VB)But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and ^(VC)a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For ^(VD)the love of money is a root of all ^[du]sorts of evils, and some by aspiring to it have ^(VE)wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

¹¹ But you, O ^(VF)man of God, ^(VG)flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, ^(VH)faith, ^(VI)love, ^[dv]perseverance, gentleness. ^12 (VJ)Fight the good fight of ^(VK)faith. ^(VL)Take hold of the eternal life ^(VM)to which you were called, and you made the good ^(VN)confession in the presence of ^(VO)many witnesses. ^13 (VP)I charge you in the presence of God, who ^[dw]gives life to all things, and of ^(VQ)Christ Jesus, who testified the ^(VR)good confession ^(VS)before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the ^(VT)appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He will ^[dx]bring about at ^(VU)the proper time—He who is ^(VV)the blessed and ^(VW)only Sovereign, ^(VX)the King of ^[dy]kings and ^(VY)Lord of ^[dz]lords, ^16 (VZ)who alone has immortality and ^(WA)dwells in unapproachable light, ^(WB)whom no man has seen or can see. ^(WC)To Him be honor and eternal might! Amen.

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in ^(WD)this present age ^(WE)not to be haughty or to ^(WF)set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, ^(WG)who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in ^(WH)good ^[ea]works, ^(WI)to be generous and ready to share, ^19 (WJ)storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may ^(WK)take hold of that which is life indeed.

²⁰ O ^(WL)Timothy, guard ^(WM)what has been entrusted to you, turning aside from ^(WN)godless and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge— ²¹ which some, while professing, have ^(WO)gone astray ^[eb]from ^(WP)the faith.

^(WQ)Grace be with ^[ec]you.

Guard the Treasure Entrusted to You

1 Paul, ^(WR)an apostle of ^(WS)Christ Jesus ^[ed](WT)by the will of God, according to the promise of ^(WU)life in Christ Jesus,

² To ^(WV)Timothy, my beloved ^(WW)child: ^(WX)Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

^3 (WY)I am grateful to God, whom I ^(WZ)serve with a ^(XA)clear conscience ^[ee]the way my forefathers did, ^(XB)as I unceasingly remember you in my ^[ef]prayers night and day, ^4 (XC)longing to see you, ^(XD)having remembered your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, ^5 [eg]being reminded of the ^(XE)unhypocritical faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and ^(XF)your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it is in you as well. ⁶ For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh ^(XG)the gift of God which is in you through ^(XH)the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For God has not given us a ^(XI)spirit of ^[eh]timidity, but of power and love and ^[ei]self-discipline.

⁸ Therefore ^(XJ)do not be ashamed of either the ^(XK)witness about our Lord or me ^(XL)His prisoner, but join with me in ^(XM)suffering for the ^(XN)gospel according to the power of God, ⁹ who has ^(XO)saved us and ^(XP)called us with a holy ^(XQ)calling, ^(XR)not according to our works, but according to His own ^(XS)purpose and grace which was given to us in ^(XT)Christ Jesus from ^(XU)all eternity, ¹⁰ but ^(XV)now has been manifested by the ^(XW)appearing of our Savior ^(XX)Christ Jesus, who ^(XY)abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, ^11 (XZ)for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. ¹² For this reason I also suffer these things, but ^(YA)I am not ashamed; for I know ^(YB)whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to ^(YC)guard what I have entrusted to Him ^[ej]until ^(YD)that day. ^13 [ek](YE)Hold to the ^(YF)standard of ^(YG)sound words ^(YH)which you have heard from me, in the ^(YI)faith and love which are in ^(YJ)Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Guard, through the Holy Spirit who ^(YK)dwells in us, the ^[el](YL)treasure which has been entrusted to you.

¹⁵ You are aware of this: that all who are in ^(YM)Asia ^(YN)turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. ¹⁶ The Lord give mercy to ^(YO)the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and ^(YP)was not ashamed of my ^[em](YQ)chains, ¹⁷ but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— ¹⁸ the Lord ^[en]grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on ^(YR)that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at ^(YS)Ephesus.

Remember Jesus Christ

2 You therefore, my ^(YT)child, ^(YU)be strong in the grace that is in ^(YV)Christ Jesus. ² And the things ^(YW)which you have heard from me in the presence of ^(YX)many witnesses, ^(YY)entrust these to ^(YZ)faithful men who will be ^(ZA)able to teach others also. ^3 (ZB)Suffer hardship with me, as a good ^(ZC)soldier of ^(ZD)Christ Jesus. ⁴ No soldier in active service ^(ZE)entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. ⁵ And also if anyone ^(ZF)competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ^6 (ZG)The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. ⁷ Understand what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, ^(ZH)risen from the dead, of the ^(ZI)seed of David, ^(ZJ)according to my gospel, ^9 [eo]for which I ^(ZK)endure hardship even to ^(ZL)chains as a ^(ZM)criminal. But ^(ZN)the word of God ^(ZO)has not been chained. ¹⁰ For this reason ^(ZP)I endure all things for ^(ZQ)the sake of the elect, ^(ZR)so that they also may obtain the ^(ZS)salvation, which is in ^(ZT)Christ Jesus, with ^(ZU)eternal glory. ^11 (ZV)It is a trustworthy saying:

Accurately Handle the Word of Truth

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, solemnly ^(AAB)charging them in the presence of God not to ^(AAC)dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵ Be diligent to ^(AAD)present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling ^(AAE)the word of truth. ¹⁶ But ^(AAF)avoid ^(AAG)godless and empty chatter, for ^[ep]it will lead to further ungodliness, ¹⁷ and their word will spread like ^[eq]gangrene. Among them are ^(AAH)Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have gone astray from the truth saying that ^(AAI)the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset ^(AAJ)the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless, the ^(AAK)firm foundation of God stands, having this ^(AAL)seal, “^(AAM)The ^[er]Lord knows those who are His,” and, “^(AAN)Everyone who names the name of the ^[es]Lord is to ^(AAO)depart from wickedness.”

²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of clay, and ^(AAP)some to honor and some to dishonor. ²¹ Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from ^(AAQ)these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, having been ^(AAR)prepared for every good work. ²² Now ^(AAS)flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, ^(AAT)faith, love, and peace, with those who ^(AAU)call on the Lord ^(AAV)from a pure heart. ²³ But refuse foolish and ignorant ^(AAW)speculations, knowing that they ^(AAX)produce ^[et]quarrels. ^24 (AAY)And the Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, ^(AAZ)able to teach, patient when wronged, ^25 (ABA)with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, ^(ABB)if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to ^(ABC)the full knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from ^(ABD)the snare of the devil, having been ^(ABE)held captive ^[eu]by him to do his will.

Difficult Times Will Come

3 But know this, that ^(ABF)in the last days difficult times will come. ² For men will be ^(ABG)lovers of self, ^(ABH)lovers of money, ^(ABI)boastful, ^(ABJ)arrogant, ^(ABK)blasphemers, ^(ABL)disobedient to parents, ^(ABM)ungrateful, ^(ABN)unholy, ^3 (ABO)unloving, irreconcilable, ^[ev](ABP)malicious gossips, without self-control, without gentleness, ^(ABQ)without love for good, ^4 (ABR)treacherous, ^(ABS)reckless, ^(ABT)conceited, ^(ABU)lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ holding to a form of ^[ew](ABV)godliness, but having ^(ABW)denied its power. ^(ABX)Keep away from such men as these. ⁶ For among them are those who ^[ex](ABY)enter into households and take captive ^[ey](ABZ)weak women weighed down with sins, being led on by ^(ACA)various desires, ⁷ always learning and never able to ^(ACB)come to the ^[ez]full knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Just as ^(ACC)Jannes and Jambres ^(ACD)opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, ^(ACE)men of depraved mind, disqualified in regard to the faith. ⁹ But they will not make further progress, for their ^(ACF)folly will be obvious to all, just ^(ACG)as theirs was also.

¹⁰ But you ^(ACH)followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, ^(ACI)love, ^[fa]perseverance, ^11 (ACJ)persecutions, and ^(ACK)sufferings, such as happened to me at ^(ACL)Antioch, at ^(ACM)Iconium, and at ^(ACN)Lystra. What ^(ACO)persecutions I endured, and out of them all ^(ACP)the Lord rescued me! ¹² Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus ^(ACQ)will be persecuted.

¹³ But evil men and impostors ^(ACR)will proceed from bad to worse, ^(ACS)deceiving and being deceived.

¹⁴ But you, ^(ACT)continue in the things you learned and became convinced of, knowing from whom you learned them, ¹⁵ and that ^(ACU)from childhood you have known ^(ACV)the sacred writings which are able to ^(ACW)make you wise unto ^(ACX)salvation through faith which is in ^(ACY)Christ Jesus. ^16 (ACZ)All Scripture is ^[fb]God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for ^[fc]training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that ^(ADA)the man of God may be equipped, having been ^(ADB)thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Preach the Word

4 ^(ADC)I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to ^(ADD)judge the living and the dead, and by His ^(ADE)appearing and His kingdom: ² preach ^(ADF)the word; be ready in season and out of season; ^(ADG)reprove, rebuke, exhort, with ^[fd]great ^(ADH)patience and teaching. ³ For ^(ADI)the time will come when they will not endure ^(ADJ)sound doctrine, but wanting to have ^[fe]their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, ⁴ and ^(ADK)will turn away their ears from the truth and ^(ADL)will turn aside to myths.

⁵ But you, ^(ADM)be sober in all things, ^(ADN)endure hardship, do the work of an ^(ADO)evangelist, fulfill your ^(ADP)ministry.

⁶ For I am already being ^(ADQ)poured out as a drink offering, and the time of ^(ADR)my departure has come. ^7 (ADS)I have fought the good fight, I have finished ^(ADT)the course, I have kept ^(ADU)the faith. ⁸ In the future there ^(ADV)is laid up for me ^(ADW)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on ^(ADX)that day, and not only to me, but also to ^(ADY)all who have loved His ^(ADZ)appearing.

Personal Concerns

^9 (AEA)Be diligent to come to me soon, ¹⁰ for ^(AEB)Demas, having loved ^(AEC)this present age, has deserted me and gone to ^(AED)Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to ^[ff](AEE)Galatia, ^(AEF)Titus to Dalmatia. ^11 (AEG)Only ^(AEH)Luke is with me. Pick up ^(AEI)Mark and bring him with you, ^(AEJ)for he is useful to me for service. ¹² But ^(AEK)Tychicus I sent to ^(AEL)Ephesus. ¹³ When you come bring the cloak which I left at ^(AEM)Troas with Carpus, and the scrolls, especially the parchments. ^14 (AEN)Alexander the coppersmith showed me much harm; ^(AEO)the Lord will award him according to his deeds. ¹⁵ Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our words.

¹⁶ At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me. ^(AEP)May it not be counted against them. ¹⁷ But the Lord stood with me and ^(AEQ)strengthened me, so that through me ^(AER)the preaching might be ^(AES)fulfilled, and that all ^(AET)the Gentiles might hear. And I was ^(AEU)rescued out of ^(AEV)the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will ^(AEW)save me unto His ^(AEX)heavenly kingdom; ^(AEY)to ^[fg]Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

¹⁹ Greet Prisca and ^(AEZ)Aquila, and ^(AFA)the household of Onesiphorus. ^20 (AFB)Erastus remained at ^(AFC)Corinth, but ^(AFD)Trophimus I left sick at ^(AFE)Miletus. ^21 (AFF)Be diligent to come before ^(AFG)winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.

^22 (AFH)The Lord be with your spirit. ^(AFI)Grace be with ^[fh]all of you.

Greetings and Grace

1 Paul, ^(AFJ)a slave of God and an ^(AFK)apostle of Jesus Christ, ^[fi]for the faith of God’s ^(AFL)elect and ^(AFM)the full knowledge of the truth which is ^(AFN)according to godliness, ² in ^(AFO)the hope of eternal life, which the God ^(AFP)who cannot lie ^(AFQ)promised ^[fj](AFR)from all eternity, ³ but ^(AFS)at the proper time manifested His word in ^(AFT)preaching, ^(AFU)with which I was entrusted ^(AFV)according to the commandment of ^(AFW)God our Savior,

⁴ To ^(AFX)Titus, ^(AFY)my genuine child according to our ^(AFZ)common faith: ^(AGA)Grace and peace from God the Father and ^(AGB)Christ Jesus our Savior.

Qualifications of Elders

⁵ For this reason I left you in ^(AGC)Crete, that you would set in order what remains and ^(AGD)appoint ^(AGE)elders in every city as I directed you, ⁶ namely, ^(AGF)if any man is beyond reproach, the ^(AGG)husband of one wife, having faithful children, who are not accused of ^(AGH)dissipation, or ^(AGI)rebellious. ⁷ For the ^[fk](AGJ)overseer must be beyond reproach as ^(AGK)God’s steward, not ^(AGL)self-willed, not quick-tempered, not ^(AGM)addicted to wine, not pugnacious, ^(AGN)not fond of dishonest gain, ⁸ but ^(AGO)hospitable, ^(AGP)loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, ^9 (AGQ)holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in ^(AGR)sound doctrine and to reprove those who contradict.

^10 (AGS)For there are many ^(AGT)rebellious men, ^(AGU)empty talkers and deceivers, especially ^(AGV)those of the circumcision, ¹¹ who must be silenced because they are upsetting ^(AGW)whole families, teaching ^(AGX)things they should not teach ^(AGY)for the sake of dishonest gain. ¹² One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “^(AGZ)Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. For this reason ^(AHA)reprove them ^(AHB)severely so that they may be ^(AHC)sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not paying attention to Jewish ^(AHD)myths and ^(AHE)commandments of men who ^(AHF)turn away from the truth. ^15 (AHG)To the pure, all things are pure, but ^(AHH)to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their ^(AHI)mind and their conscience are defiled. ^16 (AHJ)They profess to know God, but by their works they ^(AHK)deny Him, being ^(AHL)detestable and ^(AHM)disobedient and ^(AHN)unfit ^(AHO)for any good work.

Instructions for the Older and Younger

2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for ^(AHP)sound doctrine. ^2 (AHQ)Older men are to be ^(AHR)temperate, dignified, sensible, ^(AHS)sound ^(AHT)in faith, in love, in ^[fl]perseverance.

³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, ^(AHU)not malicious gossips nor ^(AHV)enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, ⁴ so that they may instruct the young women in sensibility: to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ to be sensible, pure, ^(AHW)workers at home, kind, being ^(AHX)subject to their own husbands, ^(AHY)so that the word of God will not be slandered.

⁶ Likewise urge ^(AHZ)the younger men to be ^[fm]sensible; ⁷ in all things show yourself to be ^(AIA)a model of good works, with ^[fn]purity in doctrine, dignified, ⁸ sound in word which is irreproachable, so ^(AIB)that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

⁹ Urge ^(AIC)slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not contradicting, ¹⁰ not pilfering, but demonstrating all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of ^(AID)God our Savior in everything.

¹¹ For the grace of God has ^(AIE)appeared, ^[fo](AIF)bringing salvation to all men, ^12 [fp]instructing us that, denying ungodliness and ^(AIG)worldly desires, we should ^(AIH)live sensibly, righteously, and godly ^(AII)in the present age, ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and the ^(AIJ)appearing of the glory of ^[fq](AIK)our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who ^(AIL)gave Himself for us ^(AIM)that He might redeem us from all lawlessness, and ^(AIN)purify for Himself a ^(AIO)people for His own possession, ^(AIP)zealous for good works.

¹⁵ These things speak and ^(AIQ)exhort and ^(AIR)reprove with all ^[fr]authority. ^(AIS)Let no one disregard you.

Be Ready for Every Good Work

3 ^(AIT)Remind them ^(AIU)to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ^(AIV)ready for every good work, ² to slander no one, ^(AIW)to be peaceable, ^(AIX)considerate, ^(AIY)demonstrating all gentleness to all men. ^3 (AIZ)For we ourselves also once were foolish, ^(AJA)disobedient, ^(AJB)deceived, ^(AJC)enslaved to ^(AJD)various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in ^(AJE)malice and ^(AJF)envy, despicable, hating one another. ⁴ But when the ^(AJG)kindness and affection of ^(AJH)God our Savior ^(AJI)appeared, ^5 (AJJ)He saved us, ^(AJK)not by works which we did in righteousness, but ^(AJL)according to His mercy, through the ^(AJM)washing of regeneration and ^(AJN)renewing by the Holy Spirit, ^6 (AJO)whom He poured out upon us ^(AJP)richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that having been justified by His grace, we would become ^(AJQ)heirs ^[fs]according to the hope of eternal life. ^8 (AJR)This is a trustworthy saying. And concerning these things I ^(AJS)want you to speak confidently, so that those who have ^(AJT)believed God will be intent to ^(AJU)lead in good works. These things are good and profitable for men. ⁹ But ^(AJV)avoid ^(AJW)foolish controversies and ^(AJX)genealogies and strife and ^(AJY)conflicts about the Law, for they are ^(AJZ)unprofitable and worthless. ^10 (AKA)Reject a ^(AKB)factious man ^(AKC)after a first and second warning, ¹¹ knowing that such a man is ^(AKD)perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Personal Instructions and Greetings

¹² When I send Artemas or ^(AKE)Tychicus to you, ^(AKF)be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to ^(AKG)spend the winter there. ¹³ Diligently help send Zenas the ^(AKH)lawyer and ^(AKI)Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. ^14 (AKJ)And our people must also learn to ^(AKK)lead in good ^[ft]works to meet ^(AKL)pressing needs, so that they will not be ^(AKM)unfruitful.

^15 (AKN)All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us ^(AKO)in the faith.

^(AKP)Grace be with you all.

Philemon’s Love and Faith

^1 (AKQ)Paul, ^(AKR)a prisoner of ^(AKS)Christ Jesus, and ^(AKT)Timothy ^[fu]our brother,

To Philemon our beloved brother and ^(AKU)fellow worker, ² and to Apphia ^[fv](AKV)our sister, and to ^(AKW)Archippus our ^(AKX)fellow soldier, and to ^(AKY)the church in your house: ^3 (AKZ)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

^4 (ALA)I thank my God, always making mention of you in my prayers, ⁵ because I ^(ALB)hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the ^[fw]saints; ⁶ and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective ^[fx]through the ^(ALC)full knowledge of every good thing which is in you ^[fy]for the sake of Christ. ⁷ For I have come to have much ^(ALD)joy and comfort in your love, because the ^[fz]hearts of the ^[ga]saints have been ^(ALE)refreshed through you, brother.

⁸ Therefore, ^(ALF)though I have much boldness in Christ to command you to do what is ^(ALG)proper, ⁹ yet for love’s sake I rather ^(ALH)plead with you—since I am such a person as Paul, ^[gb]the ^(ALI)aged, and now also ^(ALJ)a prisoner of ^(ALK)Christ Jesus—

Plea for Onesimus

¹⁰ I ^(ALL)plead with you for my ^(ALM)child ^[gc](ALN)Onesimus, of whom I became a ^[gd]father in my chains, ¹¹ who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. ¹² I have sent him back to you in person, that is, my very heart, ¹³ whom I intended to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my ^(ALO)chains for the gospel, ¹⁴ but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would ^(ALP)not be, in effect, by compulsion but voluntary. ¹⁵ For perhaps ^(ALQ)he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, ^16 (ALR)no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, ^(ALS)a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both ^(ALT)in the flesh and in the Lord.

¹⁷ If then you regard me a ^(ALU)partner, accept him as you would accept me. ¹⁸ But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account. ^19 (ALV)I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (^(ALW)not to ^[ge]mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord. ^(ALX)Refresh my heart in Christ!

^21 (ALY)Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.

²² And at the same time also prepare me a ^(ALZ)lodging, for ^(AMA)I hope that through ^(AMB)your prayers ^(AMC)I will be graciously given to you.

^23 (AMD)Epaphras, my ^(AME)fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, ²⁴ as do ^(AMF)Mark, ^(AMG)Aristarchus, ^(AMH)Demas, ^(AMI)Luke, my ^(AMJ)fellow workers.

^25 (AMK)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be ^(AML)with your spirit.^[gf]