Ephesians -1 Timothy Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to the saints that are in Ephesus, even the believers in Christ Jesus:

Living_Oracles⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to the saints that are in Ephesus, even the believers in Christ Jesus: ² Favor to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ; ⁴ according as he has elected us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and unblameable in his sight; in love, ⁵ having formerly marked us out for adoption through Jesus Christ, to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of the glory of his favor, with which he has highly favored us in the Beloved; ⁷ in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his favor, ⁸ which has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; ⁹ having made known to us the secret of his will according to his benevolent purpose, which he had purposed in himself, ¹⁰ for the administration of the fullness of the appointed times, to gather together all under Christ-all in the heavens, and all on the earth-under him: ¹¹ under whom even we have inherited, having been formerly marked out according to the purpose of him who effectually works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² that we should be to the praise of his glory, who before trusted in Christ. ¹³ In whom you, also, trusted, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom, also, having believed, you were sealed with the spirit of the promise-the Holy Spirit- ¹⁴ who is an earnest of our inheritance, for the redemption of the purchase, to the praise of his glory. ¹⁵ For this reason, I, also, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and of your love to all the saints, ¹⁶ do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, would give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; ¹⁸ that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the saints; ¹⁹ and what the exceeding greatness of his power, in relation to us who believe according to the working of his mighty power, ²⁰ which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places; ²¹ far above all government, and power, and might, and lordship, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; ²² and subjected all things under his feet, and appointed him head over all things to the congregation, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all; ² ¹ even you who were dead in trespasses and sins; ² in which you formerly walked, according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air-of the spirit which now effectually works in the children of disobedience; ³ amongst whom we, also, were all formerly conversant in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as others. ⁴ But God being rich in mercy, through his great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even us, who were dead in trespasses, he has made alive together with Christ; (by favor you are saved;) ⁶ and has raised us up together, and has set us down together in heavenly places with Christ Jesus; ⁷ that he might show, in the ages to come, the exceeding riches of his favor in his kindness toward us by Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by favor you are saved through faith; and this salvation not by yourselves; it is the gift of God- ⁹ not by works, that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, for which God before prepared us, that we should walk in them. ¹¹ Wherefore, remember that you, formerly Gentiles in the flesh, (those called the uncircumcision, by them called the circumcision in the flesh, made by hands,) ¹² were in the world at that time, without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the institutions of promise; having no hope, and without God: ¹³ but now, in Christ Jesus, you were formerly far off, are brought nigh by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation; ¹⁵ having abolished, by his flesh, the enmity, (the law of the commandments concerning ordinances,) that he might make the two into one new man, under himself, making peace: ¹⁶ and might reconcile both to God, in one body, through the cross; having slain the enmity by it. ¹⁷ And, having come, he brought good news of peace to you, the far off-to us, the nigh: ¹⁸ that, through him, we both have introduction to the Father, by one Spirit. ¹⁹ Now, then, you are no longer strangers and sojourners; but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God: ²⁰ having been built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the foundation corner stone; ²¹ by which the whole building, being fitly compacted together, rises into a holy temple of the Lord; ²² in which you, also, are builded together, for a habitation of God by the Spirit. ³ ¹ For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, ² if, indeed, you have heard of the administration of the favor of God, which was given me for you, ³ that by revelation the secret was made known to me, (as I wrote before in a few words; ⁴ by which, when you read, you may perceive my knowledge of the secret of Christ,) ⁵ which in former ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit; ⁶ that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and joint partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel; ⁷ of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the favor of God which was given to me, according to the energy of his power;- ⁸ to me, the least of saints, was this favor given, to publish among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ; ⁹ and to make all see what is the administration of the secret, which has been hid from the ages by God, who created all things. ¹⁰ That now, to the government and powers in the heavenly regions, might be made known by the congregation the manifold wisdom of God; ¹¹ according to the predisposition of the ages, which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord: ¹² in whom we have liberty of speech, and introduction with confidence, through the faith of him. ¹³ Wherefore, I request that you faint not at my afflictions for you, which is your glory. ¹⁴ On this account, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; ¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and upon earth is named; ¹⁶ praying that, according to the riches of his glory, he would grant you to be mightily strengthened by his Spirit in the inward man: ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that, being rooted and founded in love, you ¹⁸ may be completely able to apprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height,- ¹⁹ even to know the love of Christ; which surpasses knowledge; that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now, to him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power which works effectually in us,- ²¹ to him be glory in the congregation by Christ Jesus, during all the endless successions of ages. Amen. ⁴ ¹ I, then, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling, by which you are called, ² with all humility and meekness; with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love; ³ earnestly endeavoring to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit; as also you have been called with one hope of your calling; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one immersion; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all, and with all, and in you all. ⁷ But to every one of us is given favor, according to the measure of the gift of Christ; ⁸ (Wherefore he says, Having ascended on high, he captivated captivity, and gave gifts to men. ⁹ Now, this-Having ascended, what is it, unless, indeed, he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth! ¹⁰ He who descended, is the same who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) ¹¹ And he gave some, indeed, Apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹² for the adapting of these saints to the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ: ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God; to a perfect man; to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: ¹⁴ that we may be no longer children, tossed and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sight of men, and by cunning craftiness for an artifice of seduction: ¹⁵ but speaking the truth in love, we may all grow into him, who is the Head, even Christ; ¹⁶ from whom, the whole body, fitly joined together, and compacted by the service of every joint, according to the energy, in the proportion of each particular part, effects the increase of the body, for the edification of itself in love. ¹⁷ This, therefore, I say, and testify in the Lord, that you walk no longer as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind; ¹⁸ having their understandings darkened; being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; ¹⁹ who, being past feeling, have abandoned themselves to lasciviousness, to commit all uncleanness with greediness. ²⁰ But you have not so learned Christ; ²¹ if, indeed, you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus; ²² that, with respect to your former conduct, you put away the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; ²³ that you be renewed in the spirit of your minds; ²⁴ and that you put on the new man; which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness. ²⁵ Wherefore, putting away lying, speak the truth every one to his neighbor: for we are members one of another. ²⁶ Do not sin, through anger; let not the sun go down upon your wrath, ²⁷ neither give an opportunity to the devil. ²⁸ Let him that stole, steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands that which is good, that he may have to impart to him who has need. ²⁹ Let no corrupt discourse come out of your mouth; but if any speech be good for the use of edification, speak it, that it may impart a benefit to the hearers. ³⁰ And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed till the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, and anger, and wrath, and clamor, and detraction, be taken away from among you, with all malice. ³² But be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you. ⁵ ¹ Be, therefore, imitators of God, as beloved children; ² and walk in love, even as Christ has loved us, and has given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling savor. ³ But whoredom, and all uncleanness, and inordinate desire- let them not even be named among you; (as it becomes saints;) ⁴ nor obscenity, nor foolish talking, nor double meanings, nor things uncomely; but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For this you know, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor lascivious man, who is an idolater, has inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, and of God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with vain speeches; for on account of these things, the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience. ⁷ Be not, therefore, participants with them. ⁸ For you were formerly darkness; but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light. ⁹ (Now, the fruit of life consists in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth.) ¹⁰ Approve what is well pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them. ¹² For the things which are secretly done by them, it is base even to mention. ¹³ But all these reprehensible things are made manifest by the light; for whatever makes manifest is light. ¹⁴ Wherefore, it says, Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine upon you. ¹⁵ See, then, that you walk accurately: not as fools, but as wise men; ¹⁶ redeeming time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore be not simpletons, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And we not drunk with wine, by which comes dissoluteness; but be filled with the Spirit: ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord: ²⁰ giving thanks at all times for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father. ²¹ Be subject to one another, in the fear of God. ²² Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is head of the wife, even as Christ is head of the congregation; he is the saviour of the body. ²⁴ Therefore, as the congregation is subject to Christ; so, also, let the wives be to their own husbands, in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ, also, loved the congregation, and gave himself for it; ²⁶ that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with a bath of water, with the word. ²⁷ That he might present it to himself glorious, a congregation not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it might be holy, and without blemish. ²⁸ So ought husbands to love their own wives, as their own bodies: he who loves his own wife, loves himself. ²⁹ For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the congregation: ³⁰ because we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. ³¹ For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall adhere to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. ³² This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the congregation. ³³ Therefore, also, let every one of you in particular, so love his own wife as himself; and let the wife reverence her husband. ⁶ ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is just. ² Honor your father and mother, (which is the first commandment with a promise,) ³ that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. ⁴ Also, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; but bring them up in the correction and instruction of the Lord. ⁵ Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the integrity of your heart, as to Christ. ⁶ Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul; ⁷ with good will, acting as servants to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸ knowing that whatever good work any one does, for that he shall receive of the Lord, whether bond or free. ⁹ And, masters, do the same things to them, moderating threatening; knowing, also, that your Master is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him. ¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the complete armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the crafty ways of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with governments, with powers, with the rulers of this darkness: with spiritual wickedness in the heavenly regions. ¹³ For this reason, take up the complete armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having fully wrought everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand, then, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ and having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ Over all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ With all supplication and deprecation, pray at all seasons in spirit; and for this very purpose, watch with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints: ¹⁹ especially for me, that eloquence may be given me in opening my mouth with boldness, to make known the secret of the gospel; ²⁰ for which I execute the office of an ambassador in a chain; that I may speak boldly concerning it, as it becomes me to speak. ²¹ Moreover, that you also may know the things relating to me, and what I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother, and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things; ²² whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. ²³ Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Favor be with all them who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

Philippians

¹ ¹ Paul, and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus, who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: ² Favor to you, and peace from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. ³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you; ⁴ always in my prayers for you all, giving thanks with joy ⁵ for your contribution for the gospel, from the first day till now: ⁶ having this very confidence, that he who has begun a good work among you, will continue to perfect it till the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ As it is just for me to think this concerning you all, because you have me at heart, both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. You are all partakers of my gratitude; ⁸ for God is my witness how vehemently I long after you all, with the tender affections of Jesus Christ. ⁹ And this I pray, that your love may yet abound more and more, with knowledge and with all discretion; ¹⁰ that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and inoffensive till the day of Christ; ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness, which is through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. ¹² Now I wish you to know, brethren that the things which have befallen me, have turned out rather to the advancement of the gospel. ¹³ So that my bonds are manifested to be on account of Christ, through the whole palace, and in all the other places. ¹⁴ And the greater number of the brethren in the Lord, made confident by my bonds, have become much more bold to speak the word without fear. ¹⁵ Some, indeed, preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some, also, of good will. ¹⁶ The latter, indeed, from love; knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel; ¹⁷ the former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely, thinking to add affliction to my bonds. ¹⁸ What, then? Still in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; even in this I do rejoice; yes, and will rejoice: ¹⁹ for I know that this will turn out to me for salvation, through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ- ²⁰ that agreeably to my earnest expectation and hope, in nothing I shall be ashamed; but that with all boldness, as at all times, so now, also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² But whether to live in the flesh would be to my advantage; or what to choose, I do not know: ²³ for I am in a strait between the two, having a strong desire to depart and be with Christ, which is by far the better. ²⁴ Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. ²⁵ And being firmly persuaded of this, I know that I shall live and abide some time with you all, for the advancement of the joy of your faith; ²⁶ and that your boasting concerning me in Christ Jesus, may abound, through my coming again to you. ²⁷ Only behave in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; that whether I shall come and see you, or, being absent, shall hear of your affairs, that you are steadfast in one spirit, with one soul striving together for the faith of the gospel; ²⁸ and not terrified in anything by your adversaries; which is to them a demonstration of perdition; but to you of salvation, and that from God. ²⁹ For to you it is graciously given, on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; ³⁰ having the very same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. ² ¹ Wherefore, if there be any consolation in Christ; if any comfort of love; if any fellowship of the Spirit; if any sympathies and tender mercies, ² complete this my joy, that you be likeminded; having the very same love, being unanimous, minding the one thing. ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but, in humbleness of mind esteem each other better that yourselves: ⁴ not aiming every one at his own interests, but every one also, at the interests of the others. ⁵ Now let this disposition be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not affect to appear in divine majesty; ⁷ but divested himself, taking upon him the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; ⁸ and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ And for this reason, God has exceedingly exalted him, and has bestowed on him a name which is above every name; ¹⁰ that, at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow; of those in heaven, and upon the earth, and under the earth; ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ¹² Wherefore, my beloved, since you have always obeyed, not in my presence only, but now much more in my absence; effectually work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling; ¹³ for it is God who works effectually in you, both to will and to perform, on account of his benevolence. ¹⁴ Do all things without murmurings and disputings; ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and harmless, the children of God, unblemished in the midst of a crooked and perverse race; among whom shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, nor have labored in vain. ¹⁷ Yes, and if I be made a drink-offering upon the sacrifice and ministry of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all; ¹⁸ and for the same do you also joy and rejoice with me. ¹⁹ Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be of good courage, that I also may be of good courage, when I know your affairs. ²⁰ For I have no one like disposed, who will sincerely take care of your affairs; ²¹ for all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with a father, so he has served with me in the gospel. ²³ Now, indeed, I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I shall see how it will go with me. ²⁴ However, I am fully persuaded by the Lord, that even I myself shall soon come. ²⁵ Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellowlabourer, and fellowsoldier; but your Apostle, and a minister to my want. ²⁶ For he longed after you all, and was exceedingly grieved, because you had heard that he had been sick. ²⁷ And, indeed, he was sick nigh to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Wherefore I have sent him the more speedily, that seeing him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the more free from sorrow. ²⁹ Receive him, therefore, in the Lord, with all joy, and have such persons in great estimation; ³⁰ because for the work of Christ, he drew nigh to death, not regarding his life, that he might fully supply the want of your service toward me. ³ ¹ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me, indeed, is not irksome, and for you it is safe. ² Beware of the snarlers, beware of evil workers, beware of the excision; ³ for we are the circumcision, who worship God in spirit, who glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, ⁴ Though indeed, I have a ground of confidence in the flesh, if any other thinks he has a ground of confidence-I have more. ⁵ Circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; with respect to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ with respect to zeal, persecuting the congregation; with respect to righteousness by law, I was blameless. ⁷ But the things which were gain to me, those I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yes, indeed, on this account, also, I count all things loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord; (for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do account them mere refuse, that I may gain Christ, ⁹ and be found in him, not having my righteousness by law, but that which is through the faith of Christ-the righteousness which is from God on account of this faith)- ¹⁰ that I might know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death; ¹¹ if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. ¹² Not that I have already laid hold, or have already become perfect; but I press on, that, indeed, I may lay hold on that, for which, also, I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brethren, I count not myself to have laid hold of the prize; but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind, and stretching forth toward the things before, ¹⁴ I press on toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God, by Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us, then, as many as would be perfect, be thus minded; and if in anything you think differently, God will reveal even this to you. ¹⁶ Moreover, let us walk in conformity to what we have attained. ¹⁷ Brethren, be imitators of men, and consider attentively those who walk so, as you have us for an example. ¹⁸ (For I have often told you, and now tell you, even weeping, that many walk as the enemies of the cross of Christ; ¹⁹ whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetites, whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) ²⁰ But we are citizens of heaven, whence, also, we earnestly expect the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ; ²¹ who will transform our humbled body into a like form with his glorious body, according to the energy of his power, even to subject all things to himself. ⁴ ¹ Wherefore, my brethren, beloved and much desired, my joy and crown, thus stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. ² I beseech Euodia and Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ Nay, I entreat you, also, my faithful colleague, assist those women who have labored with me in the gospel, with Clement; and my other fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: I say again, Rejoice. ⁵ Let your moderation be known to all men: the Lord is nigh. ⁶ Be anxious about nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are venerable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are benevolent, whatever things are of good fame; if there be any virtue, and if any praise be due, attentively consider these things; ⁹ those, also, which you have learned, and received, and heard, and seen with me, practice; and the God of peace will be with you. ¹⁰ But I rejoice greatly in the Lord, that now at length you have made your care of me to flourish again; for whom indeed, you were careful, but you had not an opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. ¹² I know what it is to be straitened; I know what it is to abound. Everywhere, and by all means, I am silently taught what it is to be full, and to be hungry; to abound, and to suffer want. ¹³ I can do all things, through him who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, you have done well in sympathizing with my affliction. ¹⁵ Moreover, you Philippians also know, that, in the beginning of my labors in the gospel, when I departed for Macedonia, no congregation communicated with me, by giving and receiving, but you only; ¹⁶ that, also, when in Thessalonica, you sent once; yes, twice, to relieve my necessity- ¹⁷ not that I earnestly seek the fruit, which abounds to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received all, and abound; I have been fully supplied, having received by Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a fragrant odor, a sacrifice accepted; well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ But my God will fully supply all your wants, according to his riches in glory, through Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now, to God, even our Father, be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ²¹ Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me salute you. ²² All the saints salute you, but especially those of Caesar's household. ²³ The favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Colossians

¹ ¹ Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, and Timothy, the brother, ² to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ, who are at Colosse: Favor to you, and peace from God our Father. ³ We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ always, when we pray for you; ⁴ having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints- ⁵ for the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you have formerly heard in the word of truth of the gospel, ⁶ which is present among you, as it is also in the world, and is bringing forth fruit and prevailing, even as among you, from that day you heard and knew the favor of God in truth- ⁷ even as you learned it of Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ, ⁸ who has also declared to us your love in spirit. ⁹ For this reason, we also, from the day we heard these things, do not cease to pray for you, and to request that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding- ¹⁰ that you may walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, bringing forth fruit by every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ being strengthened with all strength, according to his glorious power, to all patience and long-suffering with joy: ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us for a portion of the inheritance of the saints in the light; ¹³ who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his beloved Son: ¹⁴ by whom we have redemption, even the remission of sins. ¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of the whole creation. ¹⁶ Because, by him were created all things which are in the heavens, and which are upon the earth; things visible, and things invisible; whether thrones, or lordships, or governments, or powers; all things were created by him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things; and by him all things consist. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, even the congregation. He is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all respects he might be pre-eminent. ¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell in him; ²⁰ and by him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace by the blood of his cross; I say, by him, whether they be things on the earth, or things in the heavens. ²¹ Even you, who were formerly alienated in mind, and enemies by wicked works, ²² he has now, indeed, reconciled, by the body of his flesh, to present you holy and unblameable, and unreproveable, in his sight; ²³ if, indeed, you continue in the faith founded and stable, and not removed from the hope of the gospel which you have heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature which is under heaven; of which I, Paul, am made a minister. ²⁴ I now rejoice in sufferings for you, and fill up the remainder of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for his body, which is the congregation; ²⁵ of which I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which was given to me on your account, fully to declare the word of God- ²⁶ the secret which had been kept hid from the ages, and from the generations, but now has been made manifest to his saints; ²⁷ to whom God has pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this secret among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: ²⁸ whom we announce, admonishing every man, and teaching every man, with all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ. ²⁹ For which I also labor, combating vigorously, according to the effectual working of him who works effectually in me with power. ² ¹ Wherefore, I wish you to know how great a combat I have for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; ² that being compacted together in love, their hearts may be comforted, even by all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the secret of God, ³ in whom are laid up all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ Now this I say, that no one may deceive you with plausible speech. ⁵ For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. ⁶ Now as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him; ⁷ rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. ⁸ Beware lest any one make a prey of you through an empty and deceitful philosophy, -according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ. ⁹ For all the fullness of the Deity resides substantially in him. ¹⁰ And you are complete in him, who is the head of all government and power. ¹¹ By whom, also, you have been circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ; ¹² having been buried with him in immersion, by which also you have been raised with him, through the belief of the strong working of God, who raised him from the dead. ¹³ For you, who were dead on account of trespasses, and by the uncircumcision of your flesh, he had made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses:- ¹⁴ having blotted out the handwriting of the ordinances concerning us, which was contrary to us, he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross:- ¹⁵ having spoiled governments and powers, he made a show of them openly, having triumphed over them by it. ¹⁶ Let no one, therefore, judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a festival, or of a new moon, or of sabbaths; ¹⁷ which are a shadow of the things which were to come, but the substance is of Christ. ¹⁸ Let no one beguile you of your reward, -delighting in humility, and the worship of messengers, intruding into things which he has not seen, being without cause, puffed up by his own carnal mind: ¹⁹ and not holding firmly the head, by whom the whole body, through the joints and ligaments, being served and compacted, increases with the increase of God. ²⁰ Now, if you have died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as living in the world, you are subject to ordinances, ²¹ Touch not, taste not, handle not; ²² (which are all to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men; ²³ which things have, indeed, a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and not sparing the body-without any respect to the gratification of the flesh. ³ ¹ If, then, you have been raised with Christ seek the things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. ² Set your affections on things above; not on things upon the earth. ³ For you are dead; but your life is hid with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ our life shall appear then you shall also appear with him in glory. ⁵ Mortify, therefore, your members which are on the earth; fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and licentiousness, which is idolatry; ⁶ for which the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience; ⁷ in which you also formerly walked, when you lived with them. ⁸ But now also put away all these, anger, wrath, malice, defamation, obscene discourse, from your mouth. ⁹ Lie not one to another, having put off the old man, with his practices; ¹⁰ and having put on the new, who is renewed by knowledge, after the image of him, who created him;- ¹¹ where there is neither Greek nor Jew; circumcision nor uncircumcision; barbarian, Scythian; bond nor free; but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of compassion, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering. ¹³ Bear with one another, and forgive each other, if any one have a complaint against any one: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. ¹⁴ And over all these put on love, which is a bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts; to which also you are called in one body, and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; and with all wisdom teach and admonish each other by psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs; singing with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, even the Father, through him. ¹⁸ Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not exasperate your children, lest they be discouraged. ²² Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but with integrity of heart, as fearing God. ²³ And whatever you do, work it from the soul, as to the Lord, and not to men: ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you shall receive the recompense for the inheritance; for you serve the Lord. ²⁵ But he who does unjustly, shall receive for the injustice, he has done: for there is no respect of persons. ⁴ ¹ Masters, afford to your servants what is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in the heavens. ² Continue instant in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving; ³ at the same time, also, praying for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the secret of Christ, for which, indeed, I am in bonds; ⁴ that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. ⁵ Walk in wisdom toward them who are without, gaining time. ⁶ Let your speech be always with gracefulness, seasoned with salt, knowing how you ought to answer every one. ⁷ All things concerning me, Tychicus, a beloved brother, and faithful minister, and fellow-servant in the Lord, will make known to you; ⁸ whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he may know your affairs, and comfort your hearts: ⁹ with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is from you. They will make known to you all things which are done here. ¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, salutes you; and Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, concerning whom you go orders: if he come to you, receive him- ¹¹ and Jesus, who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These, alone, are laborers with me for the kingdom of God, who has been a consolation to me. ¹² Epaphras, who came from you, a servant of Christ, salutes you; at all times fervently striving for you by prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in the whole will of God. ¹³ For I bear him witness, that he has much affection for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, salute you. ¹⁵ Salute the brethren in Laodicea; and Nymphas, and the congregation in his house. ¹⁶ And when this epistle has been read to you, cause that it be read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the one from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry, which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it. ¹⁸ The salutation of Paul, with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Favor be with you.

1 Thessalonians

¹ ¹ Paul, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, to the congregation of the Thessalonians, which is in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Favor to you, and peace from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. ² We give thanks to God at all times for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; ³ incessantly remembering your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God, even our Father; ⁴ knowing, brethren, beloved of God, your election: ⁵ for our gospel came not to you in word only, but also with power, and with the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance: as you know what sort of men we were among you. ⁶ And you became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having embraced the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. ⁷ So that you become patterns to all who believe, in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ Besides, from you the word of the Lord has resounded, not only in Macedonia and Achaia; but also in every place your faith in God is spread abroad, so that we have no need to speak anything. ⁹ For they themselves publish concerning us, what sort of entrance we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God; ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he has raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath which is to come. ² ¹ For yourselves know, brethren, our entrance among you, that it was not in vain. ² For although we had before suffered, and were shamefully handled, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold, through our God, to speak to you the gospel of God, amidst a great combat. ³ Besides, our exhortation was not from error, nor from impurity, nor with guile. ⁴ But as we were approved of God, to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who tries our hearts. ⁵ For neither did we, at any time, use flattering words, or a pretext for covetousness; God is witness. ⁶ Neither sought we honor from men; neither from you, nor from others. We might have acted with authority, as Apostles of Christ; ⁷ but we were gentle among you, as a nurse cherishes her children- ⁸ so, having a strong affection for you, we were well pleased to have imparted to you, not only the gospel of God, but our own souls, also; because you were become dear to us. ⁹ For your remember, brethren, our labor and toil; that laboring night and day; that we might not be chargeable to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You were witnesses, and God, also, in what a holy, and just, and blameless manner, we acted toward you that believe. ¹¹ As, also, you know, how we addressed every one of you as a father his own children, exhorting and comforting you; ¹² and testifying that you should walk worthy of God, who has called you to his kingdom of glory. ¹³ On this account, also, we give thanks to God, without ceasing, that when you received from us this message of God, you embraced not the word of men; but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which, indeed, works effectually in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brethren, became imitators of the congregations of God which are in Judea, in Christ Jesus; because you also have suffered like things from your own countrymen, even as they have from the Jews, ¹⁵ who both killed the Lord, and the prophets, and have greatly persecuted us, and do not please God, and are contrary to all men; ¹⁶ hindering us to speak to the Gentiles, that they may be saved; so that they fill up their iniquities always: but the wrath of God is coming upon them at length. ¹⁷ Now, we, brethren, being separated from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, the more abundantly endeavored, with great desire, to see your face. ¹⁸ Therefore, we would have come to you (even I, Paul,) once and again, but the adversary hindered us. ¹⁹ For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, at his coming? ²⁰ You, indeed, are our glory and our joy. ³ ¹ Wherefore, no longer concealing our anxiety, we were well pleased to be left at Athens alone, ² and sent Timothy, our brother, and a minister of God, and our fellow-laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to exhort you concerning your faith: ³ that no one should be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that we are appointed to them. ⁴ For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we were to be afflicted; which also happened as you know. ⁵ For this reason also, no longer concealing my anxiety, I sent to know your faith; lest by some means the tempter may have tempted you, and our labor have become in vain. ⁶ But now, when Timothy came to us from you, and gave us the good news of your faith and love, and that you have good remembrance of us at all times, ardently desiring to see us, even as we also to see you; ⁷ by this, brethren, we were comforted concerning you in all our affliction and necessity, even by your faith. ⁸ For now we live, when you stand firm in the Lord. ⁹ But what thanksgiving can we return to God concerning you, for all the joy with which we rejoice, through you, in the presence of our God? ¹⁰ Night and day, most earnestly requesting to see your face, and to supply the deficiencies of your faith. ¹¹ Now may God himself, even our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, make straight our way to you. ¹² And may the Lord fill you, and make you overflow with love to one another, and to all, even as we also to you; ¹³ that he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness, before God, even our Father, at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. ⁴ ¹ As to what remains, then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us, how you ought to walk, and please God, you would more abound in it. ² For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus; ³ for this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from whoredom- ⁴ that every one of you should know how to possess his own body in sanctification and honor- ⁵ not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God. ⁶ That no man should go beyond bounds, or defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger of all such; ⁷ for God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. ⁸ Therefore, indeed, he who despises not man, but God, who certainly has given to us his Holy Spirit. ⁹ But, concerning brotherly love, you have no need that I write to you, for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another. ¹⁰ And, indeed, you do it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia: but we exhort you, brethren, still to abound, ¹¹ and earnestly study to be quiet; and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you: ¹² that you may walk decently toward them who are without, and may have need of nothing. ¹³ Now, I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them who sleep; that you may not be grieved, even as the others, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again; so, also, them who sleep, will God, through Jesus, bring with him. ¹⁵ Besides, this we affirm to you, by the word of the Lord, that we, the living, who remain at the coming of the Lord, shall not anticipate them who are asleep: ¹⁶ for the Lord himself will descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the Arch Angel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first; ¹⁷ afterward we, the living, who remain, shall, at the same time with them, be instantly taken up in clouds, to join the Lord in the air; and so we shall be for ever with the Lord. ¹⁸ Wherefore, comfort one another with these words. ⁵ ¹ However, concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write to you: ² for yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. ³ When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. ⁴ But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should come upon you like a thief. ⁵ You are all sons of light, and sons of day: we are not sons of night, nor of darkness. ⁶ Therefore, let us not sleep, even as others; but let us watch and be sober. ⁷ For they who sleep, sleep in the night; and they who get drunk, get drunk in the night. ⁸ But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God has appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we may live together, with him. ¹⁰ Wherefore, comfort one another, and edify each other, even as also you do. ¹¹ Wherefore, comfort one another, and edify each other, even as also you do. ¹² Now, we beseech you, brethren, to acknowledge them who labor among you, and who preside over you in the Lord, and instruct you; ¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love for their works' sake. Be at peace among yourselves. ¹⁴ Moreover, we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, be of a long-suffering disposition toward all. ¹⁵ Take care that no one return evil for evil to any one, but always pursue what is good, both toward one another and toward all. ¹⁶ Rejoice always. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God, by Christ Jesus, concerning you. ¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit. ²⁰ Despise not prophesying. ²¹ Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. ²² Abstain from all appearance of evil. ²³ And may the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole person, the spirit, and the soul, and the body, be preserved unblameable, till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Faithful is he who has called you; who also will do it. ²⁵ Brethren, pray for us. ²⁶ Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I solemnly charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. ²⁸ The favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2 Thessalonians

¹ ¹ Paul, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, to the congregation of the Thessalonians, which is in God, our Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ: ² Favor to you, and peace from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. ³ We are bound to thank God always, concerning you, brethren, as it is fit, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other abounds; ⁴ so that we ourselves boast of you to the congregations of God, on account of your patience and faith in all your persecutions and afflictions, which you endure; ⁵ a proof of the righteous judgment of God, that you might be counted truly worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you thus suffer: ⁶ seeing it is just with God to return affliction to them who afflict you- ⁷ and to you, the afflicted, (because our testimony was believed by you,) rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven, with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, ⁸ inflicting a just retribution on those who know not God, and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; ⁹ who shall suffer a just punishment-an everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power- ¹⁰ in that day when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired by all the believers. ¹¹ In relation to which, we are always praying concerning you, that our God may account you worthy of this calling, and fill you with all the benevolence of goodness, and the effect of faith with power; ¹² that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the favor of our God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. ² ¹ Now, we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together to him, ² that you be not suddenly shaken in mind, nor alarmed, neither by spirit, not by report, nor by letter, as from us, intimating that the day of the Lord is at hand. ³ Let no one lead you into a mistake by any means; because the apostasy must first appear, and the man of sin, the son of perdition, must be first revealed, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself against every one called a god, or an object of worship; so that he places himself in the temple of God, openly exhibiting himself, that he is a god. ⁵ Do you not remember that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? ⁶ And you know what now prevents his being revealed until his proper time. ⁷ For already the mystery of iniquity secretly works, only till he who now restrains, be taken out of the way; ⁸ and then shall that lawless one be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will consume by the spirit of his mouth-with the brightness of his coming, ⁹ he will, indeed, utterly destroy him, whose coming is according to the energy of Satan, with all the power, and signs, and wonders of falsehood; ¹⁰ and with all the deceit of unrighteousness among the destroyed; because they did not embrace the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ For this cause, God will send them strong delusion, that they may believe a lie; ¹² that all may be condemned who have not believed the truth, but have taken pleasure in iniquity. ¹³ But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God has, from the beginning, chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of spirit, and belief of truth; ¹⁴ to which he called you, by our gospel, that you might obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Well, then, brethren, stand firm, and hold fast the traditions which you have been taught, whether by our word or letter. ¹⁶ And may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, who has loved us, and given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through favor, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work. ³ ¹ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may rapidly spread, and be glorified, even as among you. ² And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all men have not faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful, who will establish and keep you from the evil one. ⁴ For we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do, and will do, the things which we command you. ⁵ And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. ⁶ Now, we command you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us. ⁷ For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us-that we did not walk disorderly among you; ⁸ but with labor and toil we wrought night and day, that we might not be burdensome to any of you. ⁹ Not because we have not a right, but that we might give ourselves to you for a pattern, to imitate us. ¹⁰ And, therefore, when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any one will not work, neither let him eat. ¹¹ For we hear that there are some who still walk among you disorderly, not working at all, but prying into other people's affairs. ¹² Now, them who are such, we command and beseech by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. ¹³ And you, brethren, be not weary in well doing. ¹⁴ Now, if one do not obey our command in this letter, point out that man, and keep no company with him, that he may be ashamed. ¹⁵ Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ¹⁶ And may the Lord of peace himself give you peace always, in every event. The Lord be with you all. ¹⁷ The salutation of Paul, with my own hand, which is the token in every epistle: thus I write. ¹⁸ The favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

1 Timothy

¹ ¹ Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God, our Saviour, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope; ² to Timothy, my own son in the faith: Favor, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord. ³ As I entreated you to continue in Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you may charge some not to teach differently, ⁴ nor to give heed to fables, and endless genealogies, which occasion disputes rather than godly edification, which is through faith; ⁵ (now the end of the charge is love, from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and unfeigned faith: ⁶ from which things some having swerved, have turned aside to foolish talking;) ⁷ desiring to be teachers of the law, neither understanding what they say, nor the things about which they are so positive. ⁸ We know, indeed, that the law is good, if one use it lawfully; ⁹ knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disorderly, the ungodly and sinners, the unholy and profane; murderers of fathers, and murderers of mothers, manslayers, ¹⁰ fornicators, sodomites, manstealers, liars, false swearers, and if any other thing be opposite to wholesome doctrine; ¹¹ according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I am entrusted. ¹² Now, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has qualified me, that he reckoned me faithful, appointing me to the ministry, ¹³ who was formerly a defamer, and a persecutor, and an injurious person. But I received mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; ¹⁴ and the favor of the Lord has superabounded, with the faith and love which is by Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This saying is true, and worthy of all reception, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. ¹⁶ However, for this cause I received mercy, that in me, the chief of sinners, Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them who should believe on him, in order to everlasting life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God alone, be honor and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. ¹⁸ This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before you, concerning you, that we may carry on, through them, the good warfare; ¹⁹ holding fast faith and a good conscience; which some have put away, with respect to the faith, having made shipwreck: ²⁰ of whom are Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to the adversary, that they might be taught by chastisement not to blaspheme. ² ¹ Now I exhort, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men; ² for kings, and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, ⁴ who wills all men to be saved, and to come to an acknowledgment of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, -the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself a ransom for all; -of which the testimony is in its proper season: ⁷ for which I was appointed a herald and an Apostle, (I speak the truth, I do not falsify,) a teacher to the Gentiles in faith and truth. ⁸ I will, therefore, that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputings. ⁹ I like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in decent apparel, with modesty and sobriety, not with plaited hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly raiment: ¹⁰ but (which becomes women professing godliness,) with good works. ¹¹ Let a woman learn in silence with all submission: ¹² for I do not allow a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over a man, but to be silent; ¹³ for Adam was first formed, then Eve. ¹⁴ Besides, Adam was not deceived: but the woman, being deceived, was in transgression. ¹⁵ However, she shall be saved through child-bearing, if they live in faith, and love, and holiness, with sobriety. ³ ¹ This saying is true. If one earnestly seek the office of a bishop, he desires an excellent work. ² The bishop, then, must be unclaimed, the husband of one wife, vigilant, prudent, of comely behavior, hospitable, fit to teach; ³ not given to wine, no striker, but gentle; not quarrelsome, nor a lover of money: ⁴ one who rules well his own house, having his children in subjection to him with all gravity: ⁵ for if one know not how to govern his own house; how shall he take care of the congregation of God? ⁶ Not a new convert, lest being puffed up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover, he must even have a good report from those without, that he may not fall into reproach, and the snare of the devil. ⁸ The deacons, in like manner, must be grave, not double-tongued, not giving themselves to much wine, not persons who earn money by base methods; ⁹ holding fast the secret of the faith with a pure conscience. ¹⁰ But let those also be first proved: then let them exercise the office of the deacon, being without blame. ¹¹ The women, in like manner, must be grave, not slanderers; but vigilant, faithful in all things. ¹² Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling well their children and their families. ¹³ For they who have performed the office of a deacon well, procure to themselves an excellent degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ These things I write to you, hoping to come to you soon. ¹⁵ But if I tarry long, that you may know you ought to behave yourselves in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.- ¹⁶ And, confessedly, great is the secret of godliness; -he who has manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit; seen of messengers, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. ⁴ ¹ But the Spirit expressly says, that in future times some will apostatize from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits, and to doctrines concerning demons; ² through the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience; ³ who forbid to marry, and command to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful, who thoroughly know the truth;- ⁴ that every creature of God is good, being received with thanksgiving, and nothing is to be rejected; ⁵ for it is sanctified, by the word of God, and by prayer. ⁶ Laying these things before the brethren, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of the faith, and of good doctrine, to the knowledge of which you have attained. ⁷ But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself to godliness: ⁸ ford bodily exercise is profitable for little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the present life, and of that to come. ⁹ This saying is true, and worthy of all reception. ¹⁰ Besides, for this we both labor, and suffer reproach,- because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of believers. ¹¹ Those things give in charge, and teach. ¹² Let no one despise your youth; but be a pattern to the believers in speech, in behavior, in love, in faith, in chastity. ¹³ Till I come, apply yourself to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁴ Neglect not the spiritual gift which is in you, which was given you through prophecy, with the imposition of the hands of the eldership. ¹⁵ Make these things your care. Be wholly employed in them, that your proficiency might be evident to all. ¹⁶ Take heed to yourself, and to your doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this, you will both save yourself, and them who hear you. ⁵ ¹ Do not severely rebuke an old man, but beseech him as a father, and the young men as brothers; ² the old women as mothers, and the young as sisters, with all chastity. ³ Honor widows; who are really widows: ⁴ but if any widow have children, or grandchildren, let these learn first piously to take care of their own family, and then to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God. ⁵ Now she who is really a widow, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers, night and day. ⁶ But she who lives in pleasure, is dead while she lives. ⁷ Now these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. ⁸ For if any one provide not for his own, and especially those of his own family, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. ⁹ Let not a widow be taken into the number under sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband, ¹⁰ eminent for good works-that she has brought up children, that she has lodged strangers, that she has washed the saints' feet, that she has relieved the afflicted, that she has diligently followed every good work. ¹¹ But the younger widows reject; for when they become impatient of the restraint of Christ, they will wish to marry, ¹² incurring blame for having violated their former engagement. ¹³ And, at the same time, also, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers, also, and meddlers, speaking things which they ought not. ¹⁴ I would, therefore, have young widows to marry, to bear children, to govern the house, to give no occasion to the adversary for reproach; ¹⁵ for some are already turned aside after the adversary. ¹⁶ If any believing man or woman have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the congregation be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. ¹⁷ Let the seniors who preside well, be counted worthy of double honor; especially those who labor in word and teaching. ¹⁸ For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox treading out corn"; and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." ¹⁹ Against a senior receive not an accusation, unless by two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Those who sin, rebuke before all, that the others, also, may be afraid. ²¹ I charge you, in the presence of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. ²² Impose hands hastily on no one, neither partake of other men's sins. Keep yourself pure. ²³ No longer drink water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake, and your frequent infirmities. ²⁴ The sins of some men are very manifest, going before to condemnation; but some, indeed, they follow after. ²⁵ In like manner, also, the good works of some are very manifest, and those that are otherwise, can not lie hid. ⁶ ¹ Let as many servants as are under the yoke, esteem their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not defamed. ² And let not those who have believing masters, not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them more, because they are believers, and beloved, who receive the benefit. These things teach and exhort. ³ If any one teach differently, and consent not to wholesome dictates of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; ⁴ he is puffed up with pride, knowing nothing; but is doting about questions, and verbal contentions, from which come envy, strife, evil speakings, unjust suspicions, ⁵ perverse disputings of men wholly corrupted in mind, and destitute of the truth; who reckon gain to be godliness: from such, stand aloof. ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and it is evident that we can carry out nothing. ⁸ Wherefore, having food and raiment, with these let us be content. ⁹ But they who will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into destruction and perdition. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil, which some, eagerly desiring, have wholly erred from the faith, and pierced themselves all around with many sorrows. ¹¹ Therefore, do you, O man of God! flee these things, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, patience, meekness. ¹² Combat the good combat of faith: lay hold on eternal life; to which, also, you have been called, and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ I charge you, in the presence of God, who makes all alive- and of Christ Jesus, who witnessed to Pontius Pilate the good confession; ¹⁴ that you keep this commandment without spot, unblameable, till the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; ¹⁵ which appearance, at the proper season, the blessed and only Potentate, the King of king, and Lord of lords will exhibit; ¹⁶ who only has immortality-dwelling in light inaccessible; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and might everlasting. Amen. ¹⁷ Charge the rich in the present world not to be elated in mind, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who confers on us richly all things for enjoyment- ¹⁸ to do good, to be rich in lovely works, ready to distribute, communicative, ¹⁹ providing for themselves a good foundation for hereafter, that they may lay hold on eternal life. ²⁰ O Timothy, guard the things committed to you in trust, avoiding profane babblings, and oppositions of knowledge, falsely so named: ²¹ which some, professing, have erred, with respect to the faith. Favor be with you.