Bible in 90 Days

Salutation

1 Paul, Silas, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example

² We give thanks to God always for you all, mentioning you in our prayers, ³ remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patient hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of God and our Father.

⁴ For we know, beloved brothers, your election by God. ⁵ For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, just as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. ⁶ You became followers of us and the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. ⁷ Therefore you were examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For the word of the Lord sounded out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we do not need to say anything. ⁹ For they themselves declare how we were received by you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰ and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2 You yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not in vain. ² But even after we had previously suffered and were shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to declare to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. ³ For our exhortation was not from deceit, nor from uncleanness, nor in guile. ⁴ But as we were allowed by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not to please men, but God, who examines our hearts. ⁵ For neither at any time did we come with flattering words, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed. God is our witness. ⁶ Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you, or from others, even though we might have made demands as the apostles of Christ.

⁷ But we were gentle among you, like a nurse caring for her own children. ⁸ So having great love toward you, we were willing to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you were dear to us. ⁹ For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil. Laboring night and day so as not to be an expense to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You and God are witnesses of how pure, upright, and blameless we ourselves behaved among you who believe. ¹¹ As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and commanded every one of you, as a father does his own children, ¹² that you would walk in a manner worthy of God, who has called you to His kingdom and glory.

¹³ For this reason we thank God without ceasing because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which effectively works also in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brothers, became followers of the churches of God, which in Judea are in Christ Jesus. You also have suffered the same things from your own countrymen, as they have from the Jews, ¹⁵ who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and have persecuted us. They do not please God and are contrary to all men, ¹⁶ forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved. In this way they are always piling up their sins, but wrath has come upon them to the extreme.

Paul’s Desire to Visit Again

¹⁷ But we, brothers, being taken from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavored all the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. ¹⁸ Therefore we wished to come to you—even I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Will it not even be you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? ²⁰ You are our glory and joy.

3 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone. ² We sent Timothy, who is our brother and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish and comfort you with regard to your faith, ³ so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this. ⁴ Indeed, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it came to pass, as you well know. ⁵ For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to inquire about your faith, lest by some means the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor might have been in vain.

⁶ But just now Timothy has come from you to us and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good memories of us, desiring greatly to see us, as we also desire to see you. ⁷ Therefore, brothers, during all our afflictions and distress, we have been encouraged about you through your faith. ⁸ For now we live, if you stand strong in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God, ¹⁰ night and day praying earnestly that we might see your face and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

¹¹ Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. ¹² And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all men, even as we do for you. ¹³ To this end may He establish your hearts to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

A Life Pleasing to God

4 Finally, brothers, we urge and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have learned from us how you ought to walk and to please God, you should excel more and more. ² For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality, ⁴ that each one of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵ not in the lust of depravity, even as the Gentiles who do not know God, ⁶ and that no man take advantage of and defraud his brother in any matter, because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, as we also have forewarned you and testified. ⁷ For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness. ⁸ Therefore he that despises does not despise man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

⁹ As concerning brotherly love, you do not need me to write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. ¹⁰ And indeed, you do have love for all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, that you increase more and more. ¹¹ Learn to be calm, and to conduct your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, ¹² so that you may walk honestly toward those who are outsiders and that you may lack nothing.

The Lord’s Coming

¹³ But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

5 Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you. ² For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ When they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.

⁴ But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. ⁵ You are all the sons of light and the sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. ⁶ Therefore let us not sleep as others do. But let us be alert and sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. ⁸ But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we should live together with Him. ¹¹ So comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, just as you are doing.

Final Exhortations and Greetings

¹² We ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who labor among you, and are appointed over you in the Lord, and instruct you. ¹³ Esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. ¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone. ¹⁵ See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. But always seek to do good to one another and to all.

¹⁶ Rejoice always. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies. ²¹ Examine all things. Firmly hold onto what is good. ²² Abstain from all appearances of evil.

²³ May the very God of peace sanctify you completely. And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it.

²⁵ Brothers, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Salutation

1 Paul, and Silas, 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 our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Judgment at Christ’s Coming

³ We are bound to thank God always for you, brothers, as it is fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you abounds toward each other. ⁴ So we boast about you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you are enduring.

⁵ This is evidence that God’s judgment, being righteous, will count you worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are suffering. ⁶ It is a righteous matter with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, ⁷ and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, ⁸ in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ They shall be punished with eternal destruction, isolated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, ¹⁰ when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be marveled at by all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

¹¹ Therefore we always pray for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and with power fulfill all your good desires and works done by faith, ¹² so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 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

2 Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and concerning our gathering together unto Him, we ask you ² not to let your mind be quickly shaken or be troubled, neither in spirit nor by word, nor by letter coming as though from us, as if the day of Christ is already here. ³ Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For that Day will not come unless a falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God.

⁵ Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things? ⁶ Now you know what restrains him that he might be revealed in his time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already working. Only He who is now restraining him will do so until He is taken out of the way. ⁸ Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth, and destroy with the brightness of His presence, ⁹ even him, whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders, ¹⁰ and with all deception of unrighteousness among those who perish, because they did not receive the love for the truth that they might be saved. ¹¹ Therefore God will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe the lie: ¹² that they all might be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Chosen for Salvation

¹³ But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, beloved brothers of the Lord, because God has from the beginning called you to salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief of the truth. ¹⁴ To this He called you by our gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.

¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who has loved us and has given us eternal consolation and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Pray for Us

3 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may quickly spread and be glorified, even as it did with you. ² And pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, for not all men have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. ⁴ We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will do the things which we command you. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Warning Against Idleness

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in idleness and not according to the tradition that he received from us. ⁷ For you know how you should follow us. For we were not idle among you, ⁸ neither did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but we worked tirelessly and toiled night and day that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we did not have that right, but to make ourselves an example for you to follow. ¹⁰ For when we were with you, we commanded you that if any will not work, neither shall he eat.

¹¹ For we hear that there are some among you who live in idleness, mere busybodies, not working at all. ¹² Now, concerning those who are such, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that they quietly work and eat their own bread. ¹³ But you, brothers, do not be weary in doing good.

¹⁴ If anyone does not obey our word in this letter, note that man, and do not socialize with him, so that he may be ashamed. ¹⁵ Still, do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Benediction

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

¹⁷ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is the distinguishing mark in every letter: So I write.

¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Salutation

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

² To Timothy, my true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Warning Against False Doctrine

³ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, continue to remain at Ephesus so that you might command some to teach no other doctrine, ⁴ nor pay attention to fables and endless genealogies, which cause debates rather than godly edifying, which is in faith. ⁵ Now the goal of this command is love from a pure heart, and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. ⁶ From this, some have lost their way and turned aside to empty talk, ⁷ desiring to be teachers of the law, and understanding neither what they say nor what they affirm.

⁸ But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully. ⁹ And we know that the law is not given for a righteous person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine, ¹¹ according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Thankfulness for Mercy

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry. ¹³ I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

¹⁸ This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might fight a good fight, ¹⁹ keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. ²⁰ Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Instructions Concerning Prayer

2 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, ² for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty, ³ for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all. This was the testimony given at the proper time. ⁷ For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

⁸ Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or contentiousness. ⁹ In like manner also, that women clothe themselves in modest clothing, with decency and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing, ¹⁰ but with good works, which is proper for women professing godliness.

¹¹ Let a woman learn in silence with all obedience. ¹² I do not permit a woman to teach or to usurp authority over a man, but to be silent. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴ And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, fell into sin. ¹⁵ Yet she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

Qualifications of Overseers

3 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. ² An overseer then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach; ³ not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money, but patient, not argumentative, not covetous; ⁴ and one who manages his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence. ⁵ For if a man does not know how to manage his own house, how will he take care of the church of God? ⁶ He must not be newly converted, so that he does not become prideful and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover he must have a good reputation among those who are outsiders, so that he does not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Qualifications of Deacons

⁸ Likewise deacons must be serious, not insincere, not given to much wine, not greedy, ⁹ keeping the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ¹⁰ And let them first be tested; then, being found blameless, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹ Likewise, their wives must be serious, not slanderers, sober, and faithful in all things.

¹² Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own houses well. ¹³ For those who have served well in the office of deacon purchase for themselves good standing and great boldness in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Our Religion

¹⁴ I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly, ¹⁵ but if I am delayed, you might know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Without question, great is the mystery of godliness:

Prediction of Apostasy

4 Now the Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, ² speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared with a hot iron, ³ forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and not to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister of Christ Jesus

⁶ If you remind the brothers of these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and of good doctrine, which you have followed closely. ⁷ But refuse profane and foolish myths. Instead, exercise in the ways of godliness. ⁸ For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable in all things, holding promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. ¹³ Until I come, give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the elders.

¹⁵ Meditate on these things. Give yourself completely to them, that your progress may be known to everyone. ¹⁶ Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Duties Toward Others

5 Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brothers, ² the elder women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with complete purity.

³ Honor widows that are widows indeed. ⁴ But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents. For this is good and acceptable before God. ⁵ Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. ⁶ But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. ⁷ And these things command, that they may be blameless. ⁸ But if any do not care for their own, and especially for those of their own house, they have denied the faith and are worse than unbelievers.

⁹ Do not let a widow be counted unless she is over sixty years old, has been the wife of one man, ¹⁰ is well attested in good works, if she has brought up children, has lodged strangers, has washed the saints’ feet, has relieved the afflicted, and has diligently followed every good work.

¹¹ But refuse the younger widows, for when their sensual desires have drawn them away from Christ, they want to marry, ¹² and bring judgment on themselves, because they have cast off their first pledge. ¹³ Besides that, they learn to be idle, and not only idle, wandering around from house to house, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they ought not. ¹⁴ Therefore I desire that the younger women marry, bear children, manage the house, and give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. ¹⁵ For some have already turned aside after Satan.

¹⁶ If any believing man or woman has widows, let those assist them. Do not let the church be charged, so that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

¹⁷ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain,”^[a] and, “The laborer is worthy of his reward.”^{[b] 19} Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except before two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Rebuke in the presence of everyone those who sin, that the rest also may fear. ²¹ I command you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

²² Do not lay hands suddenly on anyone, and do not partake of other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure.

²³ No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent illnesses.

²⁴ Some men’s sins are evident, pointing to judgment, but other men’s sins are revealed later. ²⁵ Likewise, the good works of some are evident, but those that are not cannot be hidden.

6 Let as many servants as are under the yoke of slavery count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be slandered. ² Let those who have believing masters not despise them, because they are brothers. Instead, let them serve as slaves, because those who receive their service are faithful and beloved.

False Teaching and True Wealth

Teach and command these things. ³ Anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to godly doctrine ⁴ is conceited and knows nothing. He has a morbid disposition for controversy and verbal disputes, from which come envy, strife, blasphemies, evil speculations, ⁵ constant disputes by men of corrupt minds, being destitute of the truth, and supposing that financial gain is godliness. Withdraw yourself from such men.

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. ⁸ If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things. ⁹ But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil. While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Good Fight of Faith

¹¹ But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. ¹³ I command you, in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified a good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time. ¹⁶ He alone has immortality, living in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see. To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this world that they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Command that they do good, that they be rich in good works, generous, willing to share, ¹⁹ and laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.

²⁰ O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust. Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge. ²¹ By professing it, some have erred concerning the faith.

Grace be with you. Amen.

Salutation

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

² To Timothy, my beloved son:

Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Loyalty to the Gospel

³ I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day, ⁴ greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy, ⁵ remembering the genuine faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded lives in you also.

⁶ Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control. ⁸ So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, His prisoner. But share in the sufferings of the gospel by the power of God, ⁹ who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not by our works, but by His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, ¹⁰ but is now revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, ¹¹ for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. ¹² For these things I suffer, but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.

¹³ Follow the pattern of sound teaching which you have heard from me in the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Guard the treasure that was committed to you through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

¹⁵ You know that all those who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

¹⁶ May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. ¹⁷ But when he arrived in Rome, he searched me out very diligently and found me. ¹⁸ May the Lord grant that he may find mercy from the Lord on that Day. You know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 So you, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² Share the things that you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses with faithful men who will be able to teach others also. ³ Endure hard times as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ⁴ No soldier on active duty entangles himself with civilian affairs, that he may please the enlisting officer. ⁵ Anyone who competes as an athlete is not rewarded without competing legally. ⁶ The farmer who labors should be first to partake of the crops. ⁷ Consider what I am saying, and may the Lord grant you understanding in all things.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, according to my gospel, ⁹ in which I suffer trouble like a criminal, even with chains. But the word of God is not bound. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

¹¹ This is a faithful saying:

An Approved Workman

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, commanding them before the Lord that they not argue about words, which leads to nothing of value and to the destruction of those who hear them. ¹⁵ Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But avoid profane foolish babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness, ¹⁷ and their word will spread like gangrene: Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and who overthrow the faith of some. ¹⁹ But the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

²⁰ In a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some are for honor, and some for dishonor. ²¹ One who cleanses himself from these things will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, fit for the Master’s use, and prepared for every good work.

²² So flee youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³ But avoid foolish and unlearned debates, knowing that they create strife. ²⁴ The servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be gentle toward all people, able to teach, patient, ²⁵ in gentleness instructing those in opposition. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth, ²⁶ and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

The Last Days

3 Know this: In the last days perilous times will come. ² Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers, unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good, ⁴ traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Turn away from such people.

⁶ Those of this nature creep into houses and captivate silly women who are burdened with sins and led away with various desires, ⁷ always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds and worthless concerning the faith. ⁹ But they shall proceed no further, for their folly will be revealed to everyone, as theirs also was.

Last Charge to Timothy

¹⁰ But you have observed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, tolerance, love, patience, ¹¹ persecutions, and afflictions, which came to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—what persecutions I endured! But the Lord delivered me out of them all. ¹² Yes, and all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. ¹³ But evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴ But continue in the things that you have learned and have been assured of, knowing those from whom you have learned them, ¹⁵ and that since childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith that is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: ² Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. ³ For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, having itching ears, ⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn to myths. ⁵ But be self-controlled in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, and prove your ministry.

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith. ⁸ From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Personal Instructions

⁹ Diligently try to come to me soon. ¹⁰ Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Get Mark, and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for the ministry. ¹² I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ When you come, bring with you the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments.

¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil. May the Lord reward him according to his works. ¹⁵ Beware of him, for he has greatly opposed our words.

¹⁶ At my first defense no one stood with me, but everyone forsook me. May it not be charged against them. ¹⁷ But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. ¹⁸ The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me for His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

¹⁹ Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. ²⁰ Erastus remained at Corinth, and I have left Trophimus ill in Miletus. ²¹ Diligently try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

²² The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Salutation

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness, ² in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began, ³ and has in due time revealed His word through preaching, with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,

⁴ To Titus, my own son in the common faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Titus’ Work in Crete

⁵ For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I commanded you: ⁶ any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly. ⁷ For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled, just, holy, temperate, ⁹ holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.

¹⁰ For there are many unruly men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹ who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach. ¹² One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!” ¹³ This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure. But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Even their minds and consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess that they know God, but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and worthless for every good work.

The Teaching of Sound Doctrine

2 But as for you, teach what is fitting of sound doctrine: ² Older men should be sober, serious, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.

³ Likewise, older women should be reverent in behavior, and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers of good things, ⁴ that they may teach the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.

⁶ Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled, ⁷ in all things presenting yourself as an example of good works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility, ⁸ and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

⁹ Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well in everything, not answering back, ¹⁰ or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously, and in godliness in this present world, ¹³ as we await the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people, zealous of good works.

¹⁵ Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Maintain Good Deeds

3 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey them, to be ready for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.

³ We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred and hating each other. ⁴ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to everyone.

⁹ But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions, and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰ Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, ¹¹ knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Personal Instructions and Greetings

¹² When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey. See that they lack nothing. ¹⁴ And let our people also learn to continue doing good works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.

¹⁵ All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all. Amen.

Salutation

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer, ² and to beloved Apphia, 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.

Philemon’s Love and Faith

⁴ I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers, ⁵ whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, ⁶ that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus. ⁷ For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.

Paul Pleads for Onesimus

⁸ Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you to do that which is proper, ⁹ yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— ¹⁰ I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment, ¹¹ who in the past was unprofitable to you, but now he is profitable to you and to me.

¹² I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart. ¹³ I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me during my imprisonment for the gospel. ¹⁴ But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness would not be forced, but given willingly. ¹⁵ Perhaps this was why he departed for a while, that you might receive him 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.

¹⁷ If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me. ¹⁸ If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account. ¹⁹ I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me even your own self. ²⁰ Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord. ²¹ Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.

²² But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you.

Final Greetings

²³ Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, ²⁴ as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.

²⁵ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.