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1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the holy ones who are at Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places through Christ.
4 He chose us through him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love.
5 He predetermined (ordained) us to adoption, as sons to himself through Jesus Christ, according to the kind intention of his will.
6 This is to the praise of the glory of his kindness, with which he freely honored us, the loved ones.
7 In him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
8 He made this undeserved kindness abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence (insight).
9 He made known to us the secret of his will, according to his good pleasure and purpose.
10 It was for an administration at the appointed time. This administration is to gather up all things in Christ, the things in heaven, and the things upon the earth. Yes in him!
11 We were assigned as heirs predetermined according to his purpose. He works all things according to his direction and will.
12 We who were first to hope in Christ should serve to the praise of his glory.
13 You have heard the word of the truth in Christ. It is the good news about your salvation. You also believed and were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
14 The Holy Spirit is a guarantee that we will receive our inheritance. This assures us that God will set us free to the praise of his glory.
15 For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus that is among you, and the love you show all the holy ones.
16 I continually give thanks for you in my prayers.
17 May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit (mental disposition) of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
18 Have the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know the hope of his calling, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the holy ones,
19 and what the exceeding greatness of his power is toward us who believe, according to the operation of his mighty strength.
20 He operated in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places.
21 It is far above all governments and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22 He (God) put all things in subjection under his feet, and made him head over all things to the congregation,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills (accomplishes) (completes) all in all.
2 1 You were once dead because of your trespasses and sins.
2 You once walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the power (authority and jurisdiction) of the air, the spirit that is now active in the sons of disobedience.
3 We all once lived in the lust of our flesh, indulging the desires (lusts) of the flesh and of the mind. We were by nature children of anger and violent passion, like everyone else.
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us,
5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. For by grace (loving-kindness) you have been saved.
6 God raised us up with him and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, with Christ Jesus.
7 So in the ages to come he, with Christ Jesus, might show the exceeding (surpassing) (exceptional) riches of his grace with kindness toward us.
8 By grace (Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness) you have been saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God!
9 It is not the result of works. So no man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship created with Christ Jesus for good works. God prepared these works in advance that we should walk in them.
11 Remember that you were once people of the nations in the flesh. You are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision, in the flesh, made by human hands.
12 You were separate from Christ at that time, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel. You were strangers from the covenants of the promise. You had no hope and were without God in the world.
13 You were once far off but now with Christ Jesus, the blood of Christ has brought you near.
14 For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition.
15 Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.
16 So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility).
17 He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near.
18 We both have access to the Father by one Spirit through him.
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens. You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and of the household of God.
20 You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus is the chief corner stone.
21 In him each building fits together and grows into a »holy Temple for Jehovah.« (Zechariah 6:12)
22 In Christ you are assembled together as a place for God’s Spirit to dwell.
3 1 For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you people of the nations.
2 You have heard of the stewardship of God’s loving kindness that was given to me with you in view.
3 The secret was made known to me by revelation, just as I wrote before in few words.
4 When you read this you can understand my insight into the secret of Christ.
5 It was not made known to other generations of the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
6 The Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the good news.
7 I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me according to the working of his power.
8 To me, the very least of all the holy ones, was given grace (loving divine influence) to preach to the people of the nations the untraceable riches of Christ.
9 To make all men see what is the administration of the secret which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things.
10 It is the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the congregation and the rules and authorities in the heavenly places.
11 This is according to the eternal purpose (determination) (design) (arrangement) that He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 We have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.
13 So I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations for you, for they are your glory.
14 For this cause I bow my knees to the Father.
15 Every family in heaven and on earth obtains its name from him.
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man.
17 May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith to the end that you will be rooted and grounded in love.
18 May you be able to comprehend with all the holy ones the breadth and length and height and depth.
19 And may you know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. May you be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him that is able to do far more abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
21 Glory be to him in the congregation and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
4 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, invite you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called.
2 Walk with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, putting up with one another in love.
3 Diligently try to keep the unity (oneness) of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling.
5 There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
6 There is one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.
7 But unto each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Therefore it says: »When he ascended on high, he led captives, and gave gifts to men (anthropos: human beings).«
9 (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers.
12 This is for the perfecting (equipping) (preparing) of the holy ones, for the work of ministering, for the building up of the body of Christ:
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown (mature) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error.
15 By speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in all things to him. For he, Christ, is the head.
16 The entire body is properly framed and fitted together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in due measure of each individual part. It makes the body increase by building itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify (affirm) in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the nations also walk, in the vanity (futility) (depravity) of their mind (thinking).
18 They are darkened (blinded) (obscured) in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart.
19 They are past feeling. They have given themselves over to loose conduct, to work all uncleanness with greediness (a lust for more).
20 But you did not learn Christ that way.
21 You learned him and were taught by him just as truth is in Jesus.
22 You put away your former way (course) (behavior) (conversation) of life, the old self that was corrupt with the lusts of deceit.
23 You are renewed in the spirit (vital principles) (attitude) of your mind (understanding).
24 Put on the new man, that in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
25 Put away falsehood. Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor: for we are members (belonging to) (together with) of one another.
26 Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down upon your anger (rage).
27 Do not give the devil an opportunity.
28 He that steals must steal no more. Let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to someone in need.
29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth. Speak what is good for understanding as the need may be, that it may give grace (divine favor) to those who hear.
30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in which (Greek: en hos) (in which) (Greek: hos, he ho) (whereby) (which) you were sealed to the day of release by ransom.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and screaming, and abusive speech, be put away (removed) (expiated) from you, along with all malice.
32 You should be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also forgave you through (by means of) Christ.
5 1 Therefore imitate God like beloved children.
2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us. He was an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling odor.
3 Fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among holy ones.
4 Nor should there be filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting but rather giving of thanks.
5 For you know this with certainty, that no fornicator, no unclean person, no covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. It is because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Do not be partakers with them.
8 You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk (live) (be occupied) as children of light
9 for the fruit of the light (life) (spirit) consists of all goodness and righteousness and truth.
10 Learn what is well pleasing to the Lord.
11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead reprove (expose) (convict) them.
12 For the things that are done by them in secret is a shame even to speak about.
13 But all things become visible when the light exposes them, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 For this reason it says: »Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.«
15 Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise.
16 Make the most of your time (redeem or ransom back time), because the days are evil.
17 Do not be foolish, but understand (perceive) what the will of Jehovah is.
18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is a public act of violence, but be filled with the Spirit.
19 Speak to one another in psalms and praise and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to Jehovah.
20 Always give thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.
21 Be subject (obedient) (subordinate) to one another in reverence of Christ.
22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the congregation, he being the savior of the body.
24 The congregation is subject to Christ. Likewise let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself up for it.
26 This is so he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.
27 So he will be able to present the congregation to himself as a glorious congregation, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing. It should be holy and without blemish.
28 In this way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his own wife loves himself.
29 No man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ also does the congregation.
30 And we are members of his body!
31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother, and will stick (adhere) (cleave) (be joined) to his wife. The two will become one flesh.
32 This secret is great! I speak with regard to Christ and of the congregation.
33 Each one of you should love his own wife even as himself. The wife should 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 promise.
3 Then it will go well with you, and you may live long on the earth.
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of God.
5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart, as to Christ.
6 This should not be in the way of eye service, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from a complete heart;
7 with goodwill doing service, as to God, and not to men.
8 You know that whatever good thing each person does, the same shall he receive again from God, whether he be slave or free.
Philippians
2 22 But you know of his proven worth. It was like a son with his father that he served with me to further the good news.
23 I hope to send him as soon as I see how it goes with me.
24 I trust in the Lord that I also will come shortly.
25 I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.
26 He longed to see you and was worried because you had heard that he was sick.
27 Indeed he was sick and near to death. But God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I have sent him quickly, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy. Hold such in honor
30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.
3 1 Finally my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not a bother, but for you it is a safeguard.
2 Beware of the dogs (impure men) (false teachers)! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation of the body.
3 We are those with true circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God. We glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.
4 I might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks to have confidence in the flesh, I have more!
5 I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
7 Things that offered gain to me I count a loss for Christ.
8 I count all things to be loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. I suffered the loss of all things. Yet I count them as refuse (garbage) (dung) that I may gain Christ.
9 I want to be united with him. I no longer want a righteousness of my own that is gained by obeying the law. The righteousness from God is by faith in Christ.
10 I want to know him and the power of his resurrection. I want to know the fellowship of his sufferings and become conformed to his death.
11 I wish to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect. But I press on, that I may obtain that for which Christ Jesus also obtained.
13 Brothers, I could not yet have obtained it. But one thing I do, I forget the things that are behind, and stretch forward to the things that are ahead.
14 I press on toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let those of us who are mature have this attitude. If you have a different attitude God will show you how to think.
16 However, we should be guided by what we have learned so far.
17 Brothers, be imitators of me. Pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you.
18 Many live as enemies of the stake of Christ. I often wept as I told you about them.
19 Their end is destruction. Their god is their belly. Their glory is in their shame. They set their mind on earthly things.
20 However, our citizenship is in heaven. We also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
21 Christ will, through his power, bring everything under his authority. He will change our humble bodies and make them like his glorified (glorious) body (literally and figuratively: body of his glory). He is able to subject all things to himself.
4 1 Therefore, my beloved brothers I long to see you. You are my joy and crown. In this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the good news, together with Clement also 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 (mildness) (moderation) be known to all men for 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 The peace of God, which 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 just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
9 The things that you have learned, received, heard and saw in me; do these things and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me. You did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need; for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am.
12 I know how to be poor. I also know how to live with abundance. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to have abundance and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 You did well that you share with me in my affliction.
15 You also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news, when I departed from Macedonia, no other congregation shared their money with me. Only you shared with me.
16 While I was in Thessalonica you provided for my needs twice.
17 Not that I seek the gift but I seek the fruit that adds to your account.
18 I have all things, and prosper: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you. It is an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.
19 My God will supply every need of yours 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 holy one in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
22 All the holy ones greet you, especially they who are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace (Greek: charis: divine influence) of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Greek: pneuma: mental disposition).
Colossians
1 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 to the holy ones and faithful brothers in Christ that live in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
3 We always pray for you, and thank God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for you.
4 We have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love you have for all the holy ones.
5 This is because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You heard about this hope from the word of truth, the good news.
6 It came to you even as it did. Everywhere in the entire world it bears fruit and it increases in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace (loving-kindness) of God in truth.
7 You learned about Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.
8 He also declared your love to us in the Spirit.
9 Since the day we heard about you, we have not ceased to pray and make request for you. We pray for you to be filled with the [intimate accurate] knowledge (discernment) (recognition) of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Philippians 1:9) (John 17:3)
10 Walk worthily of God, fully pleasing him. Bear fruit in every good work, and increase in the knowledge (Greek: epignosis: full discernment, recognition) of God.
11 God will strengthen you with all power, according to the might of his glory, to all patience and longsuffering with joy.
12 Give thanks to the Father, who made us partakers of the inheritance of the holy ones in the light.
13 He rescued us from the power of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love (the Son he dearly loves).
14 We have in him our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins.
Ephesians
6 9 You masters, do the same things to them. Do not threaten! You know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven. There is no favoritism with him.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty strength.
11 Put on the full armor (every implement) of God, that you may be able to stand against the cunning (inventive) (clever) methods of the devil.
12 Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.
13 For that reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore and gird your loins with truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness.
15 Shod your feet with the preparation of the good news of peace.
16 Also take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 With prayer and supplication pray at all times in the Spirit. Watch with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones.
19 Pray on my behalf, that ability to speak may be given to me, to make known with boldness the secret of the good news.
20 I am an ambassador in chains who should speak boldly.
21 That you also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things.
22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be 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 with an incorruptible (sincere) (principled) (unending) love.
Philippians
1 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in union with Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and ministerial servants:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God for all my memories of you.
4 I always offer prayer filled with joy for you,
5 and for your fellowship in participation of the good news from the first day until now.
6 I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7 It is right for me to feel this way on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart. Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news you are all partakers with me of grace.
8 God is my witness, how I long for you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment.
10 This way you may approve (test) the things that are excellent (of more value). May you be sincere and without offense (blameless) to others till the day of Christ.
11 Be filled with the fruits of righteousness through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. (John 15:5) (Galatians 5:22, 23)
12 I would have you know, brothers that the things that happened to me turned out for the greater progress of the good news.
13 My imprisonment in Christ became known throughout the whole Praetorian Guard, and to all brothers.
14 Most of the brothers trust in the Lord and boldly speak the word of God without fear because of my bonds.
15 Some preach Christ from envy and strife and some from good will.
16 The latter ones do it out of love, knowing that I am set (appointed) (placed here) for the defense of the good news.
17 But the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition without pure motives, thinking to cause me great suffering and distress in my imprisonment.
18 What then? That in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed! For that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice!
19 For I know that this will turn out to my redemption through your prayer and the provision of the spirit (vital principles) (mind) of Jesus Christ.
20 I will not be put to shame according to my earnest expectation and hope. With all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in me, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 If I live in the flesh this will bring fruit from my labor. I do not know what to choose.
23 I am hard pressed between the two. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ for it is far better.
24 Yet to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain. Yes, I will remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.
26 Let your rejoicing abound in Christ Jesus through my presence with you again.
27 Let your manner of life be worthy of the good news about Christ. Whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your conduct, that you stand fast in one spirit (common purpose) (mental disposition) (vital principle), with one mind striving together for the faith of the good news.
28 Do not be frightened by opponents. This is evidence of destruction for them and salvation for you from God.
29 It has been granted to you in behalf of Christ. Not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf.
30 You have the same conflict that you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
2 1 If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender affection (tender mercy) and compassions,
2 make my joy full by being of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one purpose.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others more important than you.
4 Look out for the interest of others and not only for your own personal interest.
5 Have this attitude (mind-set) (understanding) (mental state) in you that was also in Christ Jesus.
6 He existed in the form (shape and nature) of God but did not try to be equal with God. He did not even consider it!
7 He emptied (humbled) himself by taking the form of a servant. He was made in the likeness of men.
8 He obtained the appearance as a man, humbled himself, and became obedient even to death, yes, death on the stake.
9 For this reason God highly exalted him, and gave to him the name that is above every name, (Relative authority given by Jehovah God, the Father to His Son) (Philipians 2:11)
10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 My beloved, you have always obeyed, not just in my presence, but now much more in my absence. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 It is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without complaining (grumbling) (murmuring) and questioning (disputing).
15 That way you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. You are seen as lights in the world.
16 Hold fast to the word of life so I may rejoice in the day of Christ. That way I will not have labored in vain.
17 If I am offered for the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice with you all.
18 You should also rejoice in the same manner.
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly that I may be encouraged when I know your circumstances.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will truly care for you.
21 They all seek their own interest and not the things of Jesus Christ.
Colossians
1 15 He is the image (likeness) (representation) of the invisible God. He is the firstborn (Greek: prototokos: childbirth, offspring) of all creation.
16 All things in the heavens and upon the earth where created through him. The things visible and invisible were created through him. Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.
17 He is before all things, and through him all things originate.
18 He is the head of the body, the congregation. He is the beginning (commencement), the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence (first place).
19 It was the good pleasure of the Father that in him all the fullness should dwell.
20 And all things are reconciled through him. He made peace through the blood of his atonement (of the stake). He reconciles all things, whether things upon the earth, or things in heaven.
21 You were in the past alienated and enemies because your minds were on your evil works.
22 But he (Christ) reconciled you in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and without accusation before Him (God).
23 Provided that you continue in the faith, grounded (on the foundation) and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the good news you heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven. For this I, Paul, was made a minister.
24 I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. I do my share in behalf of his body, the congregation, to provide what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ.
25 God gave me this stewardship to perform for your good. He has made me a servant of the congregation. It is for the task of fully proclaiming the word of God.
26 It is the secret he hid through all past ages from all human beings but has now revealed to his holy ones.
27 It was God’s will to make known his secret to the people of the nations, this rich and glorious secret that he has for people. The secret is that Christ is in union with you, which means that you will share in his glory.
28 We preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one to God as a mature individual in union with Christ.
29 I work hard to get this done. I use the mighty strength Christ supplies. It is at work in me.
2 1 Let me tell you how hard I worked for you, for the people in Laodicea, and for all others who do not personally know me.
2 I do this that they may be filled with courage and be united (knit) together in love. I have the full assurance that only true understanding brings. In this way they will accurately know God’s secret, which is Christ himself.
3 In him is concealed all the hidden treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge.
4 I tell you this: Do not let anyone deceive you with false arguments, no matter how good they seem to be.
5 Even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit (mental disposition). I am glad when I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ.
6 You have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord. Now walk (live) in union with him.
7 Keep your roots deep in him! Build your lives on him. Become stronger in your faith, as you were taught, and be filled with thanksgiving.
8 See to it that no one enslaves you by means of philosophy and worthless deceit of human wisdom according to tradition of men. It is according to the elementary principles of the world, and not from Christ.
9 The fullness of divine nature lives in Christ’s bodily form. (Greek: theotes: essence and nature of God) (Only the Son of God could have divine attributes, the inherited qualities from the Father)
10 You are made full (complete) (perfect) (mature) in him. He is the head over all government and authority.
11 You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ.
12 You have been buried with him in baptism. You were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.
14 He blotted out the bond written in ordinances. It was against us and was contrary to us. He has taken it out of the way. He nailed it to the stake.
15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities! He made a public display of them triumphing over them.
16 Let no man judge you in food or in drink or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day.
17 They are a shadow of the things to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
18 Let no man rob you of your prize by a self-abasement and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things that he has seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 not holding fast to the head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, grows with the growth from God.
20 If you died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances:
21 »Do not handle. Do not taste. Do not touch.«
22 These are the precepts and doctrines of men.
23 These have, indeed, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body. But these are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
3 1 If you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Think about the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.
3 For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, will be made known, then you will also be made known with him in glory.
5 Make your members that are upon the earth dead with regard to fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness (greed), which is idolatry.
6 Because of such things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 You once walked in these when you lived in them.
8 Now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you got rid of the old self with its evil practices.
10 You put on the new self that is being renewed to a true knowledge (full discernment) according to the image of the one who created him.
11 There is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all and in all.
12 As God’s chosen, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness (humility), meekness (mildness), and long-suffering (patience).
13 Tolerate (endure) (suffer) (put up with) one another, and forgive each other. If any man has a complaint against anyone, forgive them, even as God forgave you.
14 Above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection and unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. You were called in one body for this purpose. You be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom. Teach and admonish one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs. Sing with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.
18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing in the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, that they not be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, respecting God.
23 Whatever you do, work at it without reservation, as to God, and not to men.
24 You know that God will give you the reward of the inheritance when you serve the Master, Christ.
25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong that he has done. There is no partiality.
4 1 Masters, give your servants that which is just and equal. You know that you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being vigilant with thanksgiving.
3 Pray also for us that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned.
4 Let me make it known, as I ought to speak.
5 Behave with wisdom toward those who are outside, making the most of the time.
6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7 Tychicus will make known all my affairs to you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our situation, and that he may comfort your hearts.
9 He will be with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things that are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, receive him),
11 and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers for the kingdom of God, men that have been comfort (encouragement) (consolation) to me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
13 I testify for him, that he has worked hard for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the congregation that is in her house.
16 When this letter has been read among you, make sure it is read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
17 Say to Archippus, »Take heed to the ministry you received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.«
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
1 Thessalonians
1 1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the congregation of the Thessalonians united with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.
3 We continually remember your work of faith, labor of love, and patience, and your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.
4 We know your calling brothers, beloved of God.
5 We preached the good news to you, not in words only but with power from Holy Spirit and with conviction of its truth. You know how we lived when we were with you. It was for your own good.
6 You imitated the Lord and us, even though you suffered much affliction. Yet you received the word with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.
7 So you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For not only did the message about God go out from you throughout Macedonia and Achaia, but the news about your faith in God has gone everywhere. There is nothing that we need to say.
9 All those people speak about how you received us when we visited you, and how you turned away from idols to God, to serve the true and living God,
10 and to wait for his Son to come from heaven, his Son Jesus, whom he raised from death and who rescues us from God’s anger (indignation) that is to come.
2 1 For you know brothers that our coming to you was not in vein.
2 After we suffered and were mistreated in Philippi, we had the boldness (confidence) in our God to speak the good news of God to you amid much opposition.
3 For our presentation (exhortation) is not based on error, or of uncleanness, or in deceit.
4 We always speak, as God wants us to. He has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives (examines our hearts).
5 You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk (praise for selfish gain). We did not use words to cover up greed (insatiable desire for wealth). God is our witness!
6 We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you.
7 But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children.
8 Having much affection for you, we were well pleased to impart the good news of God to you and also to share our lives with you. You have become very dear to us.
9 You may remember, brothers, our labor and hardship. We worked day and night that we would not burden any of you when we preached the good news of God to you.
10 You and God are witnesses, how devoutly and righteously, without blame, we behaved toward you who believe!
11 You know how we dealt with each one of you. It was like a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging and showing you.
12 You should walk worthily of God, who called you into his own kingdom and glory.
13 For this purpose we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe.
14 You brothers became imitators of the congregations of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus. You also suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews.
15 They killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They did not please God and are contrary to all men.
16 They hindered us from speaking to the nations so that they may be saved. The result was that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost.
17 But we have been taken away from you for a short while. We have been taken away in person, not in spirit. We are all the more eager with great desire to see you.
18 We wanted to come to you. I, Paul, wanted to more than once and yet Satan hindered us.
19 Who is our hope, or joy, or crown of exultation? Is it not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus, at his coming?
20 For you are our glory and joy!
3 1 When we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens.
2 So we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the good news of Christ. He came to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith.
3 We do not want anyone to be discouraged by these troubles. You know we were bound to suffer persecution.
4 When we were with you, we told you that we would suffer tribulation and affliction. It happened, as you know.
5 For this cause, when I could no longer bear it, I inquired about your faith. I feared that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.
6 Timothy came from you to us, and brought us good news about your faith and love. We want you to have good memories of us always, and that you desire to see us just as we also desire to see you.
7 Brothers, your faith has comforted us. In all our trouble and suffering we are encouraged.
8 Now we live, if you (persevere) stand fast in the Lord.
9 What thanks can we render to God for you and for all the joy we have for your sakes before our God?
10 Night and day we pray exceedingly that we might see you in person, and might perfect (restore) (repair) that which is lacking in your faith.
11 May God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.
12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.
13 May he resolutely strengthen your hearts without blame in holiness before God, our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his holy ones.
4 1 Furthermore, we encourage you, brothers, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you ought to walk, and to please God, so you would abound more and more.
2 You know the commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 This is the will of God, for your sanctification (holiness) (purification), that you should abstain from fornication.
4 Every one of you should know how to possess his own vessel in holiness and honor,
5 not in the lust of sexual desire like the nations who do not know God.
6 Let no man defraud his brother in any matter. Jehovah is the avenger of this. We also have warned you and testified.
7 For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.
8 He therefore that rejects this, rejects not man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to us.
9 I do not need to write you about brotherly love. For God taught you to love one another.
10 Indeed, you do it toward all the brothers in all Macedonia: but we encourage you to increase more and more.
11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and mind your own business, and work with your hands, as we command you.
12 That way you may walk honestly in the eyes of those on the outside and lack nothing.
13 I do not want you to be ignorant brothers, concerning those who are asleep (in death). You do not need to sorrow like others who have no hope.
14 If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 We tell you this by God’s Word, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede those who are asleep.
16 For the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 We that are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so will we ever be with the Lord.
18 Comfort one another with these words.
5 1 You have no need that I write to you about the times and dates, brothers.
2 For you know perfectly that the »Day of Jehovah« will come like a thief in the night. (Zephaniah 1:14)
3 When they say, »Peace and security!« then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come to a pregnant woman. They will not escape.
4 You do not live in the dark. That day should not overtake you by surprise as a thief would.
5 You are all the children (sons) of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night, not of darkness.
6 Therefore, let us not sleep like others do. But let us watch and be sober.
7 They that sleep do so in the night. They that get drunk are drunk in the night.
8 Let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love; and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
9 For God has not appointed us to experience his wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 He died for us, that, whether we are awake in this life or sleep in death, we should live together with him.
11 Comfort each other and strengthen one another as you are doing.
12 We ask you, brothers, to appreciate those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.
13 To esteem them very highly in love because of the work they do. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 We ask you brothers to warn the unruly and comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all men.
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. But follow that which is good, both among you, and to all men.
16 Rejoice always.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophesying.
21 Prove all things; hold fast to what is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 May the very God of peace completely sanctify you (make you holy). I pray to God that your entire spiritual being, your mind and body, is preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he who calls you. He will also make it happen.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter is to be read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
2 Thessalonians
1 1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the people of the congregation in Thessalonica, who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
3 Our friends, we should thank God at all times for you. It is right for us to do so, because your faith is growing so much and the love each of you has for the other abounds toward each other.
4 That is why we boast (rejoice) (have glory) about you in the congregations of God. We boast (rejoice) (have glory) about the way you continue to endure and believe through all the persecutions and sufferings you experience.
5 All of this proves that God’s judgment is just, and as a result, you will become worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.
6 It is a righteous thing for God to repay with affliction (great suffering and distress) those who afflict you.
7 You who are afflicted rest with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire.
8 They will render vengeance to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the good news of our Lord Jesus.
9 They will suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the Lord and from the glory of his might.
10 He will then come to be glorified in his holy ones, and to be marveled at by all those who believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
11 We pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and every work of faith with power.
12 May the name of our Lord Jesus 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 gathering together to him,
2 do not get upset right away or alarmed when someone claims that we said through some spirit, conversation, or letter that the »Day of Jehovah« has already come. (Isaiah 13:6) (Zephaniah 1:14) (2 Peter 3:10)
3 Do not let anyone deceive you about this in any way. That day will not come unless apostasy (a falling away from truth) takes place first, and the man of lawlessness (sin), the man of destruction, is revealed. (2 Timothy 4:3)
4 He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god and object of worship. As a result, he seats himself in the sanctuary of God and declares (promotes) himself to be like God. (Ezekiel 28:2)
5 Do you remember that I repeatedly told you about these things when I was still with you?
6 There is something that keeps this from happening now, and you know what it is. At the proper time, then, the wicked one will appear.
7 The secret of evil (lawlessness) is even now at work. But there is one who restrains the evil till he is taken out of the way.
8 Then the evil (lawless) one will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will put him to death with the breath of his mouth, and destroy him by the manifestation (brightness) (advent) (revelation) of his coming. (Greek: parousia: presence, return, being near)
9 The evil (lawless) one will come with the power of Satan and perform all kinds of false signs and wonders.
10 He will use every kind of wicked deceit on those who will perish. They will perish because they did not welcome and love the truth so as to be saved.
11 So God dispatches the power of deceit (error) to work in them so that they are allowed to believe what is false.
12 Then everyone who did not believe the truth, but was delighted with wickedness, will be condemned.
13 We always have to thank God for you, brothers. Jehovah loves you and we thank God that in the beginning he chose you to be saved through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14 It was for this he called you through our good news. This is so you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the precepts (Greek: paradosis: traditions of doctrines, teachings handed down) you were taught by word of mouth or by letter from us.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and good hope by grace,
17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good word and work.
3 1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of God will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you.
2 Pray that we may be delivered (rescued) from perverse and evil men, for not all have faith.
1 Timothy
4 1 The Spirit explicitly says that some will fall away from the faith (truth) in later times. Spirits and doctrines of demons will seduce them,
2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron.
3 They will forbid marrying, [and command] to abstain from food, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving.
5 This is because it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.
6 If you tell the brothers about these things, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed until now.
7 Refuse false stories and old wives' fables. Train yourself with godliness in mind.
8 Bodily exercise is profitable for a little. However, godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of the life that is to come.
9 Faithful and worthy of full acceptance is the statement.
10 This is why we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things.
12 Let no man look down on your youth. Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and chasteness.
13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift in you. It was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
15 Be diligent and think about these things. Give yourself wholly to them. That way your progress may be apparent to all.
16 Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things. When you do this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
5 1 Do not rebuke (censure) (criticize) an elder, but appeal to him as a father, the younger men as brothers.
2 Treat the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with much honor.
3 Honor widows that are truly widows.
4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show righteousness towards their own family, and to repay their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in supplications and prayers day and night.
6 But she that gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 Command these things that they may be without reproach.
8 If any do not provide for his own, and specially his own household, he denies the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Let a widow be put on the list if she is under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
10 having a good reputation for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the holy ones, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
11 Refuse younger widows: for when their sexual impulses come between them and Christ, they desire to marry.
12 They have judgment, because they have rejected their first pledge.
13 They also learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but gossipers and busybodies, speaking things that they should not.
14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling.
15 Some have already turned aside after Satan.
16 If any woman that believes has dependant widows, she must assist them and not let the congregation be burdened. Then it can assist those who are actually widows.
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
18 For the scripture said: »You must not muzzle the bull while he is threshing. The workman is worthy of his wages.«
19 Do not offer an accusation against an elder, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.
20 Reprove the sinner in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
21 I charge you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these [principles] without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
22 Do not lay your hands hastily on any man, neither be a partaker of other men's sins: keep yourself pure.
23 Do not drink water any longer, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your many infirmities.
24 Some men's sins are known publicly, leading to judgment; and some men’s sin becomes known later.
25 In like manner some good works are known publicly, and other works will be known, for they cannot be kept hidden.
6 1 Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the teachings will not be blasphemed.
2 Do not despise your believing masters, because they are brothers. Serve them, because they who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
3 If any man teaches a different doctrine, and does not consent to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that is according to godliness,
4 he is proud, knows nothing, has a morbid interest in questions and disputes about words, which leads to envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
5 frictions between men corrupted in mind and lacking in truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.
6 Godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 We brought nothing into the world and we can carry nothing out.
8 We should be content with having food and covering.
9 Those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts. These draw men into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some by longing for it have been led away from the faith. They have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, O man of God, run from these things. Pursue (set your heart on) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith! Lay hold on everlasting life! You were called and confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
13 I charge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession:
14 Keep the commandment without spot and without reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 The blessed and only Potentate (Sovereign) (Authority) will make him appear in his own appointed time. For he is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
16 Only God has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light. No man has seen him, nor can see him. To him be honor and power forever. Amen.
17 Command those who are rich in this present system not to be high-minded (arrogant), not to have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18 They should do good works and be rich in good works, that they are ready to distribute, willing to communicate.
19 They store up for them a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life that is life indeed.
20 O Timothy, guard that which is committed to you. Turn away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from opposition and from false »knowledge.«
21 Some have professed this knowledge and erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.
2 Thessalonians
3 3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
4 We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.
5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience (steadfastness) of Christ.
6 Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who walk disorderly and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them.
7 You know what you must do to imitate us. We lived a disciplined life among you.
8 We did not eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, we worked hard and struggled night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you.
9 It is not because we do not have the right, but to make ourselves an example for you to imitate us.
10 While we were with you, we used to tell you: »Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.«
11 We say this because we hear that there are people among you who are lazy and who do nothing except meddle in other people’s business.
12 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living.
13 Brothers, do not grow weary of doing good.
14 If anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
15 Do not regard him as an enemy. Admonish him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace always grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!
17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a mark in every letter; this is the way I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
1 Timothy
1 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope,
2 to Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I urged you to stay at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that you might command certain men not to teach strange doctrines.
4 They should not pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These myths (false stories) (fabrications) and genealogies stimulate questions and speculation. They do not enhance the administration of God that is by faith.
5 But the objective is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith without hypocrisy.
6 Some have turned aside to vain talk by deviating from these things.
7 They want to be teachers of the Law even though they do not know what they are talking about. They do not understand what they say or what they confidently affirm.
8 But we know that the Law is good, if a man uses it legitimately.
9 Knowing this, that Law is not made for a righteous person. It is for the lawless and unruly, the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, and for manslayers.
10 It is for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and everything else that is contrary to the sound teaching.
11 Sound teaching (doctrine) is according to the good news of the glory of the blessed (happy) God. This was committed to my trust.
12 I thank him that enabled me and counted me faithful, appointing me to his service, Christ Jesus our Lord.
13 I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and a violent aggressor. I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
15 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.
16 For this I obtained mercy, which in me as the foremost sinner Jesus Christ might show his long-suffering. This is for an example to those who should later believe in him for eternal life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18 I entrust this command to you, Timothy, my son. It is in accordance with the prophecies that were previously made. They do apply to you, and with them you may fight the good fight.
19 Keep the faith and maintain a good conscience! Some have rejected these things and have suffered shipwreck to their faith.
20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander. I handed them over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.
2 1 I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 They should be made for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.
4 It is God’s desire that all men have salvation and come to the full (precise) (accurate) (correct) knowledge (Greek: epignosis: recognition, discernment) of the truth.
5 There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
6 He gave himself as a ransom for all. A witness was to be given at the right time.
7 Because of this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle. What I say is true, not false, and I am a teacher of the nations in the true faith.
8 I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.
9 Likewise I want women to be adorned in modest clothing, with modesty and soundness of mind; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly clothes;
10 but that which becomes a woman professing godliness through good works.
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all subjection.
12 I do not permit a woman to teach or have dominion over a man, but to remain quiet.
13 Adam was first formed and then Eve.
14 Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived fell into transgression.
15 She will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.
3 1 Faithful is the saying: If a man seeks the office of overseer, he desires a good work.
2 The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;
3 not addicted to wine, not quarrelsome; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;
4 one who manages well his own house, having his children in subjection with all seriousness;
5 if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the congregation of God?
6 He should not be a new believer, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.
7 He must have a good reputation with those outside the congregation, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil.
8 Ministerial servants should likewise be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain.
9 They should maintain the secret of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 Let these be tested first. Then let them serve as servants, if they are blameless.
11 Women in like manner must be serious, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
12 Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have served well as servants gain to themselves a good standing and great confidence (boldness of speech) in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly,
15 though if I am delayed, so that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the household of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
16 The secret of godliness is great and it is without controversy. ‘He (Jesus Christ) was manifested (revealed) in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, and seen by angels. He preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and received up in glory.’