1 Timothy 1

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

2 
To Timothy, a true child to me because you believe:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Warning Against False Teaching

3 

I asked you to stay longer in Ephesus when I went into Macedonia so you could command some people there to stop teaching false things.4 Tell them not to spend their time on stories that are not true and on long lists of names in family histories. These things only bring arguments; they do not help God’s work, which is done in faith.5 The purpose of this command is for people to have love, a love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a true faith.6 Some people have missed these things and turned to useless talk.7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand either what they are talking about or what they are sure about.

8 
But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully.9 We also know that the law is not made for good people but for those who are against the law and for those who refuse to follow it. It is for people who are against God and are sinful, who are unholy and ungodly, who kill their fathers and mothers, who murder,10 who take part in sexual sins, who have sexual relations with people of the same sex, who sell slaves, who tell lies, who speak falsely, and who do anything against the true teaching of God.11 That teaching is part of the Good News of the blessed God that he gave me to tell.

Thanks for God’s Mercy

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength, because he trusted me and gave me this work of serving him.13 In the past I spoke against Christ and persecuted him and did all kinds of things to hurt him. But God showed me mercy, because I did not know what I was doing. I did not believe.14 But the grace of our Lord was fully given to me, and with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.15 What I say is true, and you should fully accept it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.16 But I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. His patience with me made me an example for those who would believe in him and have life forever.17 To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.18 Timothy, my child, I am giving you a command that agrees with the prophecies that were given about you in the past. I tell you this so you can follow them and fight the good fight.19 Continue to have faith and do what you know is right. Some people have rejected this, and their faith has been shipwrecked.20 Hymenaeus and Alexander have done that, and I have given them to Satan so they will learn not to speak against God.

1 Timothy 2

Some Rules for Men and Women

1 First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him.2 Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,4 who wants all people to be saved and to know the truth.5 There is one God and one mediator so that human beings can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who is himself human.6 He gave himself as a payment to free all people. He is proof that came at the right time.7 That is why I was chosen to tell the Good News and to be an apostle. (I am telling the truth; I am not lying.) I was chosen to teach those who are not Jews to believe and to know the truth.

8 
So, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up their hands in a holy manner, without anger and arguments.

9 
Also, women should wear proper clothes that show respect and self-control, not using braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.10 Instead, they should do good deeds, which is right for women who say they worship God.11 Let a woman learn by listening quietly and being ready to cooperate in everything.12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to listen quietly,13 because Adam was formed first and then Eve.14 And Adam was not tricked, but the woman was tricked and became a sinner.15 But she will be saved through having children if she continues in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

1 Timothy 3

Elders in the Church

1 What I say is true: Anyone wanting to become an overseer desires a good work.2 An overseer must not give people a reason to criticize him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self-controlled, wise, respected by others, ready to welcome guests, and able to teach.3 He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money.4 He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect.5 (If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God’s church?)6 But an elder must not be a new believer, or he might be too proud of himself and be judged guilty just as the devil was.7 An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil’s trap.

Deacons in the Church

8 

In the same way, deacons must be respected by others, not saying things they do not mean. They must not drink too much wine or try to get rich by cheating others.9 With a clear conscience they must follow the secret of the faith that God made known to us.10 Test them first. Then let them serve as deacons if you find nothing wrong in them.11 In the same way, women must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything.12 Deacons must have only one wife and be good leaders of their children and their own families.13 Those who serve well as deacons are making an honorable place for themselves, and they will be very bold in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Secret of Our Life

14 Although I hope I can come to you soon, I am writing these things to you now.15 Then, even if I am delayed, you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth.16 Without doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great:He was shown to us in a human body,proved right in spirit,and seen by angels.He was proclaimed to the nations,believed in by the world,and taken up in glory.