Ephesians -1 Timothy Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus* and faithful in Christ Jesus:

LEB⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus* and faithful in Christ Jesus: ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ Blessed is* the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ⁴ just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love,* ⁵ having predestined us to adoption through Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of the glory of his grace that he bestowed on us in the beloved, ⁷ in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸ that he caused to abound to us in all wisdom and insight, ⁹ making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in him, ¹⁰ for the administration of the fullness of times, to bring together all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him ¹¹ in whom also we were chosen, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² that we who hoped beforehand in Christ should be for the praise of his glory, ¹³ in whom also you, when you heard* the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also when you believed you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory. ¹⁵ Because of this I also, hearing of _⌊your faith_⌋* in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ do not cease giving thanks for you, making mention in my prayers, ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, _⌊the glorious Father_⌋*,* may give you a spirit of wisdom* and revelation in the knowledge of him ¹⁸ (the eyes of your hearts having been enlightened), so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength ²⁰ which he has worked* in Christ, raising* him from the dead and seating him* at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ above all rule and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this age but also in the coming one, ²² and he subjected all things under his feet* and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. ² ¹ And you, _⌊although you were dead_⌋** in your trespasses and sins, ² in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, ³ among whom also we all formerly lived in the desires of our flesh, doing the will* of the flesh and of the mind, and we were children of wrath* by nature, as also the rest of them were. ⁴ But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, ⁵ and we being dead in trespasses, he made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved), ⁶ and raised us together and seated us together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that he might show in the coming ages the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹ it is not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are his creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we may walk in them. ¹¹ Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, the so-called uncircumcision by the so-called circumcision in the flesh, made by hands, ¹² that you were at that time apart from Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, not having hope, and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you, the ones who once were far away, have become near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of the partition, the enmity, in his flesh, ¹⁵ invalidating the law of commandments in ordinances, in order that he might create the two in himself into one new man, thus* making peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, killing the enmity in himself.* ¹⁷ And coming, he proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to the ones who were near, ¹⁸ because through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ Consequently, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,* ²¹ in whom the whole building, joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are built up together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.* ³ ¹ On account of this I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles ² —if indeed you have heard about the stewardship of God's grace given to me for you. ³ According to* revelation the mystery was made known to me, just as I wrote beforehand in brief, ⁴ so that you may be able when you read* to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ ⁵ (which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit): ⁶ that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, ⁷ of which I became a servant, according to the gift of God's grace given to me, according to the working of his power. ⁸ To me, the least of all the saints, was given this grace: to proclaim the good news of the fathomless riches of Christ to the Gentiles, ⁹ and to enlighten everyone as to what is the administration of the mystery hidden from the ages by God, who created all things, ¹⁰ in order that the many-sided wisdom of God might be made known now to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places through the church, ¹¹ according to the purpose of the ages which he carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹² in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through faith in him.* ¹³ Therefore I ask you* not to be discouraged at my afflictions on behalf of you, which are your glory. ¹⁴ On account of this, I bend my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every* family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that he may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (you having been firmly rooted and established in love), ¹⁸ in order that you may be strong enough to grasp together with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now to the one who is able to do beyond all measure more than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us, ²¹ to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. ⁴ ¹ Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to live in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called: ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, ³ being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; ⁴ one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling), ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. ⁷ Now to each one of us was given this grace, according to the measure of Christ's gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,
"Ascending on high he led captivity captive; he gave gifts to men."* ⁹ Now "he ascended," what is it, except that he also descended* to the lower regions of the earth? ¹⁰ The one who descended himself is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order that he might fill all things. ¹¹ And he himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as pastors and teachers ¹² for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be infants, tossed about by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching, by the trickery of people, by craftiness with reference to the scheming of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love. ¹⁷ This therefore I say and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the Gentiles walk: in the futility of their mind, ¹⁸ being darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart, ¹⁹ who, becoming callous, gave themselves over to licentiousness, for the pursuit of all uncleanness in greediness. ²⁰ But you did not learn Christ in this way, ²¹ if indeed you have heard about him, and you were taught by him (just as truth is in Jesus), ²² that you take off, according to your former way of life, the old man, who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires, ²³ be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth. ²⁵ Therefore, putting aside the lie, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor,* because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin;* do not let the sun set on your anger, ²⁷ nor give place to the devil. ²⁸ The one who steals must steal no longer, but instead must labor, working with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. ²⁹ _⌊No rotten word must proceed_⌋* from your mouth, but only something good for the building up of the need, in order that it may give grace to those who hear, ³⁰ and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ All bitterness, and rage, and wrath, and clamor, and abusive speech, must be removed from you, together with all wickedness. ³² Become* kind toward one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ has forgiven you. ⁵ ¹ Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children, ² and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell.* ³ But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints), ⁴ and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper), but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For this you know _⌊for certain_⌋*, that every sexually immoral person, or unclean person, or greedy person (who is an idolater), does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore do not be sharers* with them, ⁸ for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live like children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), ¹⁰ trying to learn what is well-pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to speak about the things being done by them in secret, ¹³ but all things exposed by the light are made visible, ¹⁴ for everything made visible is light. Therefore it says,
Wake up, sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.* ¹⁵ Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of the time because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Because of this do not become foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not be drunk with wine (in which is dissipation), but be filled by the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and singing praise in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father, ²¹ being subject to one another _⌊out of reverence for_⌋* Christ ²² —wives to their own husbands as to the Lord, ²³ because the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church (he himself being the Savior of the body). ²⁴ But as the church is subject to Christ, thus also wives should be subject* to their husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her; ²⁶ in order that he might sanctify her by cleansing her* with the washing of water by the word; ²⁷ in order that he might present to himself the church glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she may be holy and blameless. ²⁸ Thus also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one who loves his own wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as also Christ does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of his body. ³¹ "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."* ³² (This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.) ³³ Only you also, each one of you, must thus love his own wife as himself, and the wife _⌊must respect_⌋* her husband. ⁶ ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² "Honor your father and mother" (which is the first* commandment with a promise), ³ "in order that it may be well with you, and you may _⌊live a long time_⌋* on the earth."* ⁴ And fathers, do not make your children angry, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ, ⁶ not _⌊while being watched_⌋*, as people pleasers, but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷ serving with goodwill as to the Lord and not to people, ⁸ because you* know that each one of you, whatever good he should do,* this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. ⁹ And masters, do the same things to them, giving up threats, knowing that both their Lord and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him. ¹⁰ Finally, become strong in the Lord and in the might of his strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the stratagems of the devil, ¹² because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Because of this, take up the full armor of God, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, girding your waist with truth, and putting on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and binding shoes under your feet with the preparation of the good news of peace, ¹⁶ in everything taking up the shield of faith, with which you are able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one, ¹⁷ and receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ with all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and to this end being alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and for me, that a word may be given to me at the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for the sake of which I am an ambassador in chains, that _⌊in them_⌋* I may speak freely, as it is necessary for me to speak. ²¹ Now, so that you also may know _⌊my circumstances_⌋*, what I am doing, Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things, ²² whom I have sent* to you for this very reason, that you may know _⌊our circumstances_⌋*, and he may encourage your hearts. ²³ Peace to the brothers and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruptibility.*

Philippians

¹ ¹ Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons. ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ I give thanks to my God upon my every remembrance of you,* ⁴ always in my every prayer for all of you, making the prayer with joy, ⁵ because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ convinced of this same thing, that the one who began a good work in you will finish it* until the day of Christ Jesus, ⁷ just as it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since* both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you are sharers of grace with me. ⁸ For God is my witness, that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And this I pray: that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is superior, in order that you may be sincere and blameless in* the day of Christ, ¹¹ having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. ¹² Now I want you to know, brothers, that _⌊my circumstances_⌋* have happened instead for the progress of the gospel, ¹³ so that my imprisonment in Christ has become known in the whole praetorium* and to all the rest, ¹⁴ and most of the brothers, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, dare even more to speak the word without fear. ¹⁵ Some even because of envy and strife preach Christ, but some also because of good will. ¹⁶ The latter do so from love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷ The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction in my imprisonment. ¹⁸ _⌊What is the result?_⌋* Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. But also I will rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that this will turn out to me for deliverance through your prayer and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ²⁰ according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will be put to shame in nothing, but with all boldness, even now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether through life or through death. ²¹ For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² But if it is to live in the flesh, this is fruitful work for me, and which I will prefer I do not know. ²³ But I am hard pressed _⌊between the two options_⌋*, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, _⌊for this is very much better_⌋*. ²⁴ But to stay on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. ²⁵ And because I am* convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that what you can be proud of may increase in Christ Jesus because of me through my return again to you. ²⁷ Only lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent I hear _⌊your circumstances_⌋*, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ and not letting yourselves be intimidated in anything by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction to them, but of your salvation, and this from God, ²⁹ because to you has been graciously granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on behalf of him, ³⁰ having the same struggle which you saw in me and now hear about in me. ² ¹ Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² complete my joy, so that _⌊you are in agreement_⌋*, having the same love, united in spirit, _⌊having one purpose_⌋*. ³ Do nothing according to selfish ambition or according to empty conceit, but in humility considering one another better than yourselves, ⁴ each of you* not looking out for _⌊your own interests_⌋*, but also each of you for _⌊the interests_⌋* of others. ⁵ Think this in* yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal with God something to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself by* taking the form of a slave, by* becoming in the likeness of people. And being found in appearance like a man, ⁸ he humbled himself by* becoming obedient to the point of death, that is, death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore also God exalted him and graciously granted him the name above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ¹² Therefore my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ For the one at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure, is God. ¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling and disputing, ¹⁵ in order that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without fault* in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as stars in the world,* ¹⁶ holding fast to the word of life, for a source of pride* to me in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ And in the same way also you rejoice and rejoice with me. ¹⁹ But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I also may be encouraged when I* know _⌊your circumstances_⌋*. ²⁰ For I have no one like-minded who will sincerely be concerned about _⌊your circumstances_⌋*. ²¹ For they all seek _⌊their own interests_⌋*, not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know his proven character, that like a child with a father he served with me for the gospel. ²³ Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see _⌊my circumstances_⌋*. ²⁴ And I am convinced in the Lord that I myself will arrive shortly also. ²⁵ But I considered it* necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your messenger and servant of my need, ²⁶ because he was longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick, coming near to death, but God had mercy on him and not on him only, but also on me, so that I would not have grief upon grief. ²⁸ Therefore I am sending him with special urgency, in order that when* you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. ²⁹ Therefore welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and consider such people highly honored, ³⁰ because on account of the work of Christ he came near to the point of death, risking his life in order that _⌊he might make up for your inability to serve me_⌋*. ³ ¹ Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, but is a safeguard for you. ² Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilation.* ³ For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship* by the Spirit* of God and boast in Christ Jesus and do not put confidence in the flesh, ⁴ although I could have confidence even in the flesh. ⁵ _⌊circumcised on the eighth day_⌋*, from the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born from Hebrews, according to the law a Pharisee, ⁶ according to zeal persecuting the church, according to the righteousness in the law being blameless. ⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have considered loss because of Christ. ⁸ _⌊More than that_⌋*, I even consider all things to be loss because of the surpassing greatness of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for the sake of whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and consider them* dung, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹ and may be found in him, not having my righteousness which is from the law, but which is through faith in Christ,* the righteousness from God on the basis of faith,* ¹⁰ so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, ¹¹ if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. ¹² Not that I have already received this,* or have already been made perfect, but I press on if indeed I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ.* ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it.* But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Therefore as many as are perfect, _⌊let us hold this opinion_⌋*, and if you think anything differently, God will reveal this also to you. ¹⁶ Only to what we have attained, to the same hold on. ¹⁷ Become fellow imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who walk in this way, just as you have us as an example. ¹⁸ For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, ¹⁹ whose end is destruction, whose God is the stomach, and whose glory is in their shame, the ones who think on earthly things. ²⁰ For our commonwealth exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our humble body to be conformed to his glorious body, in accordance with the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. ⁴ ¹ So then, my beloved and greatly desired brothers, my joy and crown, thus stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. ² I appeal to Euodia and I appeal to Syntyche _⌊to be in agreement_⌋* in the Lord. ³ Yes, I ask also you, true yokefellow, help them, who struggled along with me in the gospel with both Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life. ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your gentleness be made known to all people. The Lord is near. ⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds* in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things. ⁹ And the things which you have learned and received and heard about and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. ¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last _⌊you have renewed your concern for me_⌋*, for whom also you were thinking, but you had no opportunity to express it. ¹¹ Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know how both _⌊to make do with little_⌋* and I know how _⌊to have an abundance_⌋*. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both _⌊to have an abundance_⌋* and to go without. ¹³ I am able to do all things by the one who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Nevertheless you have done well by sharing* with me in my affliction. ¹⁵ Now you also know, Philippians, that at the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone, ¹⁶ because even in Thessalonica _⌊on more than one occasion_⌋* you sent for my need. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek for the profit that increases to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; _⌊I am well supplied_⌋* because* I received from Epaphroditus _⌊what you had sent_⌋*, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will fulfill your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be the glory _⌊forever and ever_⌋*. Amen. ²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar's household. ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Colossians

¹ ¹ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ² to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae. Grace to you and peace from God our Father. ³ We give thanks always to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ when we* pray for you, ⁴ since we* heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints, ⁵ because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, which you have heard about beforehand in the word of truth, the gospel, ⁶ that has come to you, just as also in all the world it is bearing fruit and increasing, just as also among you from the day you heard about and understood the grace of God in truth, ⁷ just as you learned it* from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,* ⁸ who also made clear to us your love in the Spirit. ⁹ Because of this also we, from the day we heard about it,* did not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual insight, ¹⁰ so that you may live in a manner worthy of the Lord, _⌊to please him in all respects_⌋*, bearing fruit in every good deed and increasing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ enabled with all power, according to his glorious might, for all steadfastness and patience with joy, ¹² giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you for a share of the inheritance of the saints in light, ¹³ who has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us* to the kingdom of the Son _⌊he loves_⌋*, ¹⁴ in whom we have the redemption, the forgiveness of sins, ¹⁵ who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all* creation, ¹⁶ because all things in the heavens and on the earth were created by him, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers, all things were created through him and for him, ¹⁷ and he himself is before all things, and in him all things are held together, ¹⁸ and he himself is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself may become first in everything, ¹⁹ because he was well pleased for all the fullness to dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by* making peace through the blood of his cross, through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven. ²¹ And _⌊although you were formerly alienated_⌋** and enemies in attitude, because of your evil deeds, ²² but now you have been reconciled* by _⌊his physical body_⌋* through death, to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you remain in the faith, established and steadfast and not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. ²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings on behalf of you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ, on behalf of his body which is the church, ²⁵ of which I became a minister, according to God's stewardship which was given to me for you, to complete the word of God, ²⁶ the mystery which has been hidden from the ages and from the generations, but has now been revealed to his saints, ²⁷ to whom God wanted to make known what is the glorious wealth of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, ²⁸ whom we proclaim, by* admonishing every person* and teaching every person* with all wisdom, in order that we may present every person* mature in Christ, ²⁹ for which purpose also I labor, striving according to his working which is at work powerfully in me. ² ¹ For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face _⌊in person_⌋*, ² so that their hearts may be encouraged, united in love and into all the wealth of the full assurance of insight into the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, ³ in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. ⁴ I say this in order that no one will deceive you with persuasive speech, ⁵ for even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. ⁶ Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, live in him, ⁷ firmly rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding with thankfulness. ⁸ Beware lest _⌊anyone take you captive_⌋* through philosophy and empty deceit, according to _⌊human tradition_⌋*, according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ, ⁹ because in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you are filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority, ¹¹ in whom also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made by hands, by the removal of the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which also you were raised together with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. ¹³ And _⌊although you were dead_⌋** in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴ having destroyed the certificate of indebtedness in ordinances against us, which was hostile to us, and removed it out of the way by* nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ When he* had disarmed the rulers and the authorities, he made a display of them in public, triumphing over them by it.* ¹⁶ Therefore do not let anyone judge you with reference to eating or* drinking or participation in a feast or a new moon or a Sabbath, ¹⁷ which are a shadow of what is to come, but the reality is Christ. ¹⁸ Let no one condemn you, taking pleasure in humility and the worship of angels, going into detail about the things which he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, ¹⁹ and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by the ligaments and sinews, grows with the growth of God. ²⁰ If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as if living in the world? ²¹ "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch," ²² which things are all meant for destruction by consuming according to human commandments and teachings, ²³ which things _⌊although they have_⌋*,* to be sure, an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and unsparing treatment of the body, _⌊do not have any value_⌋* against the indulgence of the flesh. ³ ¹ Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. ⁵ Therefore put to death _⌊what is earthly in you_⌋*: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry, ⁶ because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷ in which also you once lived, when you used to live in them.* ⁸ But now you also lay aside all these things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, because you* have taken off the old man together with his deeds, ¹⁰ and have put on the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him, ¹¹ where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² Therefore, as the chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, ¹³ putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you do the same. ¹⁴ And to all these things add love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God, ¹⁷ and everything _⌊whatever_⌋* you do in word or in deed, giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him. ¹⁸ Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they will not become discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey your _⌊human_⌋* masters in everything, not _⌊while being watched_⌋*, as people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, accomplish it from the soul, as to the Lord, and not to people, ²⁴ because you* know that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Serve* the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For the one who does wrong will receive back whatever wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. ⁴ ¹ Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a master in heaven. ² Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving, ³ praying at the same time for us also, that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also _⌊I am a prisoner_⌋*, ⁴ so that I may reveal* it, as it is necessary for me to speak. ⁵ Live with wisdom toward those outside, making the most of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how it is necessary for you to answer each one. ⁷ Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you all _⌊my circumstances_⌋*, ⁸ whom I have sent to you for this very reason, in order that you may know _⌊our circumstances_⌋* and he may encourage your hearts, ⁹ together with Onesimus, my faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all _⌊the circumstances_⌋* here. ¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions—if he should come to you, welcome him), ¹¹ and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only ones who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God from the circumcision, who have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, greets you, a slave of Christ* always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured* in all the will of God. ¹³ For I testify to him that _⌊he is working hard_⌋* on behalf of you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke the physician, our dear friend, greets you, as does Demas. ¹⁵ Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha and the church in her* house. ¹⁶ And whenever this letter is read among you, _⌊see to it_⌋* that it is read also among the Laodicean church, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And tell Archippus, "Direct your attention to the ministry that you received in the Lord, in order that you may complete it." ¹⁸ The greeting is by my hand, Paul's. Remember my _⌊imprisonment_⌋*. Grace be with you.

1 Thessalonians

¹ ¹ Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace. ² We give thanks to God always concerning all of you, making mention constantly in our prayers, ³ because we* remember your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, ⁴ knowing, brothers dearly loved by God, _⌊that he has chosen you_⌋*, ⁵ because our gospel did not come to you with word only, but also with power and with the Holy Spirit and with much certainty, just as you know what sort of people we became among you for your sake. ⁶ And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became an example to all those who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia, ⁸ for from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia,* but in every place your faith toward God has gone out, so that we have no need to say anything. ⁹ For they themselves report about us, what sort of welcome we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰ and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, the one who delivers us from the coming wrath. ² ¹ For you yourselves know, brothers, our reception with you, that it was not in vain, ² but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, just as you know, we had the courage in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. ³ For our exhortation is not from error or from impurity or with deceit, ⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, thus we speak, not as pleasing people but God, who examines our hearts. ⁵ _⌊For never_⌋* did we come with a word of flattery, just as you know, nor with a pretext of greediness (God is witness), ⁶ nor seeking glory from people, neither from you nor from others. ⁷ _⌊Although we could have insisted on our own importance_⌋** as apostles of Christ, yet we became infants in your midst, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children. ⁸ Longing for you in this way, we determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls, because you had become dear to us. ⁹ For you remember, brothers, our labor and hardship: working by night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and righteously and blamelessly we became to you who believe, ¹¹ just as you know how we treated each one of you, like a father his own children, ¹² exhorting and consoling you and insisting that you live in a manner worthy of God, who calls you to his own kingdom and glory. ¹³ And because of this we also give thanks to God constantly, that when you* received God's word _⌊that you heard_⌋* from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you became imitators, brothers, of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus, because you also suffered the same things at the hands of your own people, just as they themselves did also at the hands of the Jews, ¹⁵ who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and who persecuted us, and who are not pleasing to God and are opposed to all people, ¹⁶ hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles in order that they may be saved, so that they always fill up their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the end.* ¹⁷ But when* we were made orphans by separation from you, brothers, for _⌊a short time_⌋* (in face, not in heart), we were even more eager with great desire to see your face, ¹⁸ because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, _⌊on more than one occasion_⌋*—and Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy. ³ ¹ Therefore when we* could bear it no longer, we determined to be left behind in Athens alone, ² and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen and to encourage you about your faith, ³ so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed for this, ⁴ for indeed when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were about to be afflicted, just as indeed it happened, and you know. ⁵ Because of this, I also, when I* could endure it no longer, sent in order to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter tempted you and our labor should be in vain. ⁶ But now, because* Timothy has come to us from you and has brought good news to us of your faith and love, and that _⌊you always think kindly of us_⌋*, desiring to see us just as also we desire to see you, ⁷ because of this, brothers, we have been comforted because of you in all our distress and affliction through your faith, ⁸ because now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanks can we repay to God concerning you, because of all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God, ¹⁰ night and day praying beyond all measure that we may see your face and complete what is lacking in your faith? ¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, ¹² and may the Lord cause you to increase and to abound in love for one another and for all, just as also we do for you, ¹³ so that your hearts may be established blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.* ⁴ ¹ Finally therefore, brothers, we ask you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus that, just as you have received from us how it is necessary for you to live and to please God, just as indeed you are living, that you progress even more. ² For you know what commands we gave to you through the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵ not in lustful passion, just as also the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ not to transgress and to exploit his brother in the matter, because the Lord is the one who avenges concerning all these things, just as also we told you beforehand and testified solemnly. ⁷ For God did not call us to impurity, but in holiness. ⁸ Therefore the one who rejects this is not rejecting man, but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you. ⁹ But concerning brotherly love, I do not have need to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, ¹⁰ for indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to progress even more, ¹¹ and to aspire to live a quiet life, and to attend to _⌊your own business_⌋,* and to work with your hands,* just as we commanded you, ¹² so that you may live decently toward those outside, and may have need of nothing. ¹³ Now we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you will not grieve as also the rest, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, thus also God will bring those who have fallen asleep through Jesus together with him. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain until the Lord's coming, will not possibly precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive, who remain, will be snatched away at the same time together with them in the clouds for a meeting with the Lord in the air, and thus we will be together with the Lord always. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words. ⁵ ¹ Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need of anything to be written to you, ² for you yourselves well know that the day of the Lord is coming in the same way as a thief in the night. ³ Whenever they say "Peace and security," then sudden destruction will overtake them like the birth pains of _⌊a pregnant woman_⌋*, and they will not possibly escape. ⁴ But you, brothers, are not in the darkness, so that the day should catch you like a thief, ⁵ for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. ⁶ So then, we must not sleep like the rest, but must be on the alert and be self-controlled. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. ⁸ But because* we are of the day, we must be sober, by* putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation, ⁹ because God did not appoint us for wrath, but for the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live at the same time with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build up _⌊each other_⌋*, just as indeed you are doing. ¹² Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and rule over you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them beyond all measure in love, because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, console the discouraged, help the sick, be patient toward all people. ¹⁵ See to it that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue good toward* one another and toward all people. ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray constantly, ¹⁸ give thanks in everything; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies, ²¹ but examine all things; hold fast to what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil. ²³ Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, who also will do this. ²⁵ Brothers, pray for us.* ²⁶ Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I adjure you by the Lord, have this letter read aloud to all the brothers. ²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2 Thessalonians

¹ ¹ Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ² Grace to you and peace from God the Father* and the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ We ought to give thanks to God always concerning you, brothers, just as it is fitting, because your faith is flourishing and the love of each one of you all toward one another is increasing ⁴ so that we ourselves boast in you in the churches of God about your patient endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring, ⁵ a proof of the righteous judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, on behalf of which also you are suffering, ⁶ since it is righteous in the sight of God to pay back those who are afflicting you with affliction, ⁷ and to you who are being afflicted, rest with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels, ⁸ with burning flame* giving punishment to those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus, ⁹ who will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his strength, ¹⁰ whenever he should come to be glorified on that day by his saints and to be marveled at by all who believe, because our testimony was believed among you, ¹¹ for which purpose we also pray always for you, that you may be considered worthy of the calling of our God, and he might fulfill every desire for goodness and work of faith with power,* ¹² in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. ² ¹ Now we ask you, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to him, ² that you not be easily shaken from your composure, nor be troubled either by a spirit or by a message or by a letter _⌊alleged to be from us_⌋*, to the effect that the day of the Lord has arrived. ³ Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, ⁴ who opposes and who exalts himself over every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the temple of God, proclaiming that he himself is God. ⁵ Do you not remember that while* we were still with you, we were saying these things to you? ⁶ And you know that which restrains him now, so that he will be revealed in his own time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is at work already; only the one who now restrains* will do so until he is out of the way,* ⁸ and then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of his mouth, and wipe out by the appearance of his coming, ⁹ whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with every unrighteous deception against those who are perishing, in place of which they did not accept the love of the truth, so that they would be saved. ¹¹ And because of this, God sends them _⌊a powerful delusion_⌋* so that they will believe the lie, ¹² in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth, but delighted in unrighteousness. ¹³ But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you, brothers dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you as first fruits for salvation by the sanctification of the Spirit and faith in the truth, ¹⁴ for which purpose he called* you through our gospel for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions which you were taught, whether by spoken word or by letter from us. ¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. ³ ¹ Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may progress and be honored, just as also it was with you, ² and that we may be delivered from evil and wicked people, _⌊for not all have the faith_⌋*. ³ But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are both doing and you will do the things that we are commanding. ⁵ Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God and toward the patient endurance of Christ. ⁶ But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who lives irresponsibly and not according to the tradition that they received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate us, that we did not behave irresponsibly among you, ⁸ nor did we eat bread from anyone without paying, but with toil and labor, we were working night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you, ⁹ not that we do not have the right, but so that we may give ourselves as an example to you, so that you may imitate us. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we used to command this to you: that if anyone does not want to work, neither should he eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you are living irresponsibly, working at nothing, but being busybodies. ¹² Now we command and we exhort such people in the Lord Jesus Christ that, working with quietness, they eat their own bread. ¹³ But as for you, brothers, do not be discouraged while* doing what is right. ¹⁴ But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note not to associate with him, in order that he may be put to shame. ¹⁵ And do not consider him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself grant you peace through everything in every way. May the Lord be with all of you. ¹⁷ The greeting is by my hand, Paul's, which is _⌊a sign of genuineness_⌋* in every letter: _⌊this is how I write_⌋*. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

1 Timothy

¹ ¹ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, ² to Timothy, my true child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. ³ Just as I urged you when I* traveled to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus, so that you may instruct certain people not to teach other doctrine, ⁴ and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God's plan that is by faith. ⁵ But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a faith without hypocrisy, ⁶ from which some have deviated, and have turned away into fruitless discussion, ⁷ wanting to be teachers of the law, although they* do not understand either the things which they are saying or the things concerning which they are speaking confidently. ⁸ But we know that the law is good, if anyone makes use of it lawfully, ⁹ knowing this, that the law is not given for a righteous person but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and totally worldly, for the one who kills his father and the one who kills his mother, for murderers, ¹⁰ sexually immoral people, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and _⌊whatever_⌋* else is opposed to sound teaching, ¹¹ according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God that I was entrusted with. ¹² _⌊I give thanks_⌋* to the one who strengthens me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful, placing me into ministry,* ¹³ although I* was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, but I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, ¹⁴ and the grace of our Lord abounded with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ The saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. ¹⁶ But because of this I was shown mercy, in order that in me foremost, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his total patience, for an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, to the only God, be honor and glory _⌊forever and ever_⌋*. Amen. ¹⁸ I am setting before you this instruction, Timothy my child, in accordance with the prophecies spoken long ago about you, in order that by them you may fight the good fight, ¹⁹ having faith and a good conscience, which some, because they* have rejected these, have suffered shipwreck concerning their faith, ²⁰ among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, in order that they may be taught not to blaspheme. ² ¹ Therefore, I urge first of all that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people, ² on behalf of kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we may live a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and acceptable before God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time, ⁷ for which I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am speaking the truth, I am not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. ⁸ Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and dispute. ⁹ Likewise also the women should adorn themselves in appropriate clothing, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold jewelry or pearls or expensive clothing, ¹⁰ but with good deeds which are fitting for women who profess godliness. ¹¹ A woman must learn in quietness with all submission. ¹² But I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but _⌊to remain quiet_⌋*. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve, ¹⁴ and Adam was not deceived, but the woman, because she* was deceived, came into transgression. ¹⁵ But she will be saved through the bearing of children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness with self-control. ³ ¹ The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to supervision, he desires a good work. ² Therefore the overseer must be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, ³ not addicted to wine, not a violent person, but gentle, peaceable, not loving money, ⁴ managing his own household well, having children in submission with all dignity ⁵ (but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), ⁶ not newly converted, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ But he must also have a good testimony from those outside, in order that he may not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil. ⁸ Deacons likewise must be dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, ⁹ holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, ¹⁰ and these also must be tested first; then let them serve if they* are above reproach. ¹¹ The wives* likewise must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things. ¹² Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you in a short time. ¹⁵ But if I am delayed, I am writing* in order that you may know how one must conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay* of the truth. ¹⁶ And most certainly, great is the mystery of godliness:
Who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated by* the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the Gentiles*, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. ⁴ ¹ Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ² by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience, ³ who forbid marrying and insist on abstaining from foods that God created for sharing in with thankfulness by those who believe and who know the truth, ⁴ because everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is* received with thankfulness, ⁵ for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. ⁶ By* teaching these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, trained in the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed faithfully. ⁷ But reject those _⌊worthless myths told by elderly women_⌋*, and train yourself for godliness. ⁸ For the training of the body is _⌊somewhat_⌋* profitable, but godliness is profitable for everything, because it* holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. ⁹ The statement is trustworthy and deserving of complete acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we labor and suffer reproach,* because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers. ¹¹ Command these things and teach them. ¹² Let no one look down on your youth, but be an example for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Until I come, pay attention to the public reading,* to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, that was granted to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵ Practice these things. Be diligent* in these things, in order that your progress may be evident to everyone. ¹⁶ Fix your attention on yourself and on your teaching. Continue in them, for by* doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. ⁵ ¹ Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father, younger men as brothers, ² older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. ³ Honor widows who are truly widows. ⁴ But if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must learn to show profound respect for their own household first, and to pay back recompense to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. ⁵ But the widow who is one truly, and is left alone, has put her hope in God and continues in her petitions and prayers night and day. ⁶ But the one who lives for sensual pleasure is dead even though she* lives. ⁷ And command these things, in order that they may be irreproachable. ⁸ But if someone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially the members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. ⁹ Let a widow be put on the list if she* is not less than sixty years old, the wife of one husband, ¹⁰ being well-attested by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has helped those who are oppressed, if she has devoted herself to every good work. ¹¹ But refuse younger widows, for whenever their physical desires lead them away from Christ, they want to marry, ¹² thus incurring condemnation because they have broken their former pledge. ¹³ And at the same time also, going around from house to house, they learn to be idle, and not only idle, but also gossipy and busybodies, saying the things that are not necessary. ¹⁴ Therefore I want younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage a household, to give the adversary no opportunity for reproach. ¹⁵ For already some have turned away and followed after Satan. ¹⁶ If any believing woman has widows, she must help them, and the church must not be burdened, in order that it may help those who are truly widows. ¹⁷ The elders who lead well must be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor by speaking and teaching. ¹⁸ For the scripture says, "You must not muzzle an ox while it* is threshing,"* and "The worker is worthy of his wages."* ¹⁹ Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Reprove those who sin in the presence of all, in order that the rest also may experience fear. ²¹ I testify solemnly before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality. ²² Lay hands on no one hastily, and do not participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. ²³ (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent illnesses.) ²⁴ The sins of some people are evident, preceding them to judgment, but for some also they follow after them. ²⁵ Likewise also good works are evident, and those considered otherwise are not able to be hidden. ⁶ ¹ All those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, lest the name of God and the teaching be slandered. ² And those who have believing masters must not look down on them because they are brothers, but rather they must serve, because those who benefit by their service are believers and dearly loved. ³ If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not devote himself to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness, ⁴ he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a morbid interest concerning controversies and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, slanders, evil suspicions, ⁵ constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain. ⁶ But godliness with contentment is a great means of gain. ⁷ For we have brought nothing into the world, so that neither can we bring anything out. ⁸ But if we* have food and clothing, with these things we will be content. ⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge those people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all evil, by which some, because they* desire it, have gone astray from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. ¹¹ But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patient endurance, gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ I command you, in the sight of God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ that you observe the commandment without fault, irreproachable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which he will make known in his own time, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, ¹⁶ the one who alone possesses immortality, who lives in unapproachable light, whom no human being has seen nor is able to see, to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen. ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present age not to be proud and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who provides us all things richly for enjoyment, ¹⁸ to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, sharing freely, ¹⁹ storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, in order that they may take hold of what is truly life. ²⁰ O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Turn away from pointless empty talk and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, ²¹ which some, by* professing it, have deviated concerning the faith. Grace be with you all.