The World English Bible (WEB) Part 133

Paul's First Letter to Timothy

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of G.o.d our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope; 1:2 to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from G.o.d our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1:3 As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine, 1:4 neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than G.o.d's stewardship, which is in faith-- 1:5 but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and unfeigned faith; 1:6 from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to vain talking; 1:7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm. 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully, 1:9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the unG.o.dly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 1:10 for the s.e.xually immoral, for h.o.m.os.e.xuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; 1:11 according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed G.o.d, which was committed to my trust. 1:12 And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; 1:13 although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1:14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1:15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1:16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to G.o.d who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1:18 This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare; 1:19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith; 1:20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

2:1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that pet.i.tions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: 2:2 for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all G.o.dliness and reverence. 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of G.o.d our Savior; 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. 2:5 For there is one G.o.d, and one mediator between G.o.d and men, the man Christ Jesus, 2:6 who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; 2:7 to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2:8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. 2:9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; 2:10 but (which becomes women professing G.o.dliness) with good works. 2:11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. 2:12 But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 2:14 Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 2:15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.

3:1 This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. 3:2 The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; 3:3 not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 3:4 one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; 3:5 (but if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the a.s.sembly of G.o.d?) 3:6 not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 3:7 Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.

3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; 3:9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 3:10 Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless. 3:11 Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

3:12 Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 3:13 For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3:14 These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; 3:15 but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of G.o.d, which is the a.s.sembly of the living G.o.d, the pillar and ground of the truth. 3:16 Without controversy, the mystery of G.o.dliness is great:

G.o.d was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory. 4:1 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 4:2 through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; 4:3 forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which G.o.d created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4:4 For every creature of G.o.d is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. 4:5 For it is sanctified through the word of G.o.d and prayer. 4:6 If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed. 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables. Exercise yourself toward G.o.dliness. 4:8 For bodily exercise has some value, but G.o.dliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come. 4:9 This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.

4:10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living G.o.d, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 4:11 Command and teach these things.

4:12 Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 4:13 Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. 4:14 Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.

4:15 Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. 4:16 Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

5:1 Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; 5:2 the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. 5:3 Honor widows who are widows indeed. 5:4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is*

acceptable in the sight of G.o.d. 5:5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on G.o.d, and continues in pet.i.tions and prayers night and day. 5:6 But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. 5:7 Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. 5:8 But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 5:9 Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 5:10 being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.

5:11 But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; 5:12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. 5:13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 5:14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling. 5:15 For already some have turned aside after Satan. 5:16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don't let the a.s.sembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.

5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 5:18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain."* And, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."*

5:19 Don't receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses. 5:20 Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. 5:21 I command you in the sight of G.o.d, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 5:22 Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a partic.i.p.ant in other men's sins. Keep yourself pure. 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

5:24 Some men's sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later. 5:25 In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can't be hidden.

6:1 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of G.o.d and the doctrine not be blasphemed. 6:2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved.

Teach and exhort these things.

6:3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to G.o.dliness, 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 6:5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and dest.i.tute of the truth, who suppose that G.o.dliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.

6:6 But G.o.dliness with contentment is great gain. 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out. 6:8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 6:9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful l.u.s.ts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

6:11 But you, man of G.o.d, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, G.o.dliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. 6:13 I command you before G.o.d, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession, 6:14 that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 6:15 which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 6:16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.

6:17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living G.o.d, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 6:18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 6:19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

6:20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called; 6:21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith.

Grace be with you. Amen.

Notes:

[1] back to 3:1 or, superintendents, or bishops

[2] back to 3:8 or, Deacons.

[3] back to 3:10 or, serve as deacons

[4] back to 3:12 or, deacons

[5] back to 3:13 or, served well as deacons

[6] back to 5:4 TR adds "good and"

[7] back to 5:18 Deuteronomy 25:4

[8] back to 5:18 Luke 10:7; Leviticus 19:13

[9] back to 6:5 NU omits "Withdraw yourself from such."

Paul's Second Letter to Timothy

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

1:3 I thank G.o.d, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my pet.i.tions, night and day 1:4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; 1:5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.

1:6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of G.o.d which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 1:7 For G.o.d didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 1:8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of G.o.d, 1:9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 1:10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News. 1:11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 1:12 For this cause I also suffer these things.

Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.

1:13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

1:15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, 1:17 but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me 1:18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord's mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.

2:1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules. 2:6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. 2:7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, 2:9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But G.o.d's word isn't chained. 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2:11 This saying is faithful:

"For if we died with him, we will also live with him. 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. 2:13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can't deny himself." 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.