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

RKJNT⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: ² Grace 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 in Christ with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places: ⁴ Just as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him. In love ⁵ He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to his good pleasure and will, ⁶ To the praise of his glorious grace, which he freely bestowed upon us in the beloved. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ⁸ Which he has lavished upon us in all wisdom and prudence; ⁹ Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he set forth in him: ¹⁰ That in the fulness of time he might gather all things together under Christ, both things which are in heaven, and things which are on earth. In him ¹¹ We have also obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: ¹² That we who first trusted in Christ should live for the praise of his glory. ¹³ In him you also, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: having also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of his glory. ¹⁵ Therefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love for 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, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: ¹⁸ That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened; so you may know what is the hope of his calling, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ And what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe. It is the working of his mighty power, ²⁰ Which he exerted 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 rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. ²² And he has put all things under his feet, and has appointed him to be the head over all things for the church, ²³ Which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all things everywhere. ² ¹ And you were dead in trespasses and sins; ² In which you walked in times past, according to the ways of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. ³ Among them we all lived in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, like the others. ⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, ⁵ Even when we were dead in transgressions, has made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;) ⁶ And has raised us up with him, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ⁷ That in the ages to come he might show the incomparable riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not because of works, lest any man should boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand for us to do. ¹¹ Therefore remember, that in times past you Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by those who are called the Circumcision, (that which is performed in the flesh by hands;) ¹² That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the wall of hostility between us; ¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, the law of commandments and ordinances; to create in himself one new man in place of two, thus making peace; ¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both to God, in one body, through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. ¹⁷ And he came and preached peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ Now then, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of the household of God; ²⁰ Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the cornerstone; ²¹ In whom the whole building is joined together and grows to become a holy temple in the Lord: ²² In whom you also are built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. ³ ¹ For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles, ² If indeed you have heard of the stewardship of the grace of God which was given to me for you: ³ That by revelation he made known to me the mystery; as I wrote before briefly. ⁴ When you read this, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, ⁵ Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; ⁶ That is, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers together of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel: ⁷ Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the working of his power. ⁸ To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, was this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; ⁹ And make all men see what is the plan of the mystery, which from past ages has been hidden in God, who created all things: ¹⁰ That now, to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places, the manifold wisdom of God might be known through the church, ¹¹ According to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord: ¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith in him. ¹³ Therefore I ask that you not be discouraged at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. ¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father, ¹⁵ From whom every family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; ¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ May be able to comprehend, with all the saints, its breadth, and length, and height, and depth; ¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God. ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, ²¹ To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. ⁴ ¹ Therefore I, a prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love; ³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope in your calling; ⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. ⁷ But to every 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 a host of captives, and gave gifts to men. ⁹ (In saying that he ascended, what does that mean but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) ¹¹ And he gave some as apostles; and some as prophets; and some as evangelists; and some as pastors and teachers; ¹² For the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ: ¹³ Until we all attain the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: ¹⁴ That we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all things into him, who is the head, that is, Christ: ¹⁶ From whom the whole body, fitted and joined together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of every part, causes the body to grow, for the building up of itself in love. ¹⁷ This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as other Gentiles walk, in the futility of their minds, ¹⁸ Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts: ¹⁹ Who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to licentiousness, greedy to practice all kinds of uncleanness. ²⁰ But you did not learn Christ that way; ²¹ If indeed you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, ²² Then put off the old man, which belongs to your former life, which is corrupt through deceitful lusts; ²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your minds; ²⁴ And put on the new man, who, in the likeness of God, is created in true righteousness and holiness. ²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, let every man speak the truth with his neighbour: for we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down upon your wrath: ²⁷ Give no opportunity to the devil. ²⁸ Let him who stole, steal no more: but rather let him labour, doing with his hands that which is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. ²⁹ Let no corrupt words proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for edifying, that it may impart grace to the hearers. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you have been sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and quarreling, and slander, be put away from you, along with all types of malice: ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven you. ⁵ ¹ Therefore be imitators of God, as dear children; ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice, a sweet smelling aroma to God. ³ But sexual immorality, and all impurity, or covetousness, must not even be named among you, as is befitting saints; ⁴ Nor let there be filthiness, or foolish talk, or coarse jesting, which are not proper: but rather giving of thanks. ⁵ For this you know: that no sexually immoral or impure person, or covetous man, (for such a man is an idolater,) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ⁶ Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore, do not be partakers with them. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord: walk as children of light; ⁹ (For the fruit of the Spirit consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) ¹⁰ And try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, ¹² For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done by the disobedient in secret. ¹³ But all things that are exposed by the light become visible: for everything that is made visible is light. ¹⁴ Therefore he says, Awaken, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. ¹⁵ See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise men, ¹⁶ Making the most of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not be drunk with wine, which is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit; ¹⁹ Speaking to one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; ²⁰ Always giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ²¹ Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. ²² Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, his body: and he himself is its saviour. ²⁴ Therefore, as the church is subject to Christ, so let wives be to their own husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church, and gave himself up for her; ²⁶ That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water through the word, ²⁷ That he might present her to himself a glorious church, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that she should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ So husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no man ever hated his own flesh; but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church: ³⁰ Because we are members of his body. ³¹ For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. ³² This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ³³ Nevertheless, let every one of you love his wife as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband. ⁶ ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with a promise;) ³ That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth. ⁴ And you fathers, do not provoke your children to anger: but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ⁵ Slaves, be obedient to those who are your earthly masters, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; ⁶ Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; ⁷ Doing service with a good will, as to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸ Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, he shall receive the same back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. ⁹ And, you masters, do the same to them, and give up threatening: knowing that both your Master and theirs is in heaven; and there is no partiality with him. ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of darkness of this world, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore, take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand on the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ And your feet shod with the readiness that is from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all these, take up the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench 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 Praying always in the Spirit with all manner of prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert in it with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints; ¹⁹ And for me, that words may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in chains: that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. ²¹ Now, that you may also know my affairs, and how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make all these things known to you. ²² I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. ²³ Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be to all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Philippians

¹ ¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: ² Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ Always, in every prayer of mine for you all, I make my requests with joy, ⁵ Because of your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; ⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to think this way of you all, because I have you in my heart; since both in my imprisonment, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partakers with me of grace. ⁸ For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. ⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and in all discernment; ¹⁰ That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ; ¹¹ Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are from Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. ¹² But I would have you understand, brethren, that the things which happened to me have really served to advance the gospel; ¹³ So that my imprisonment in Christ has become known throughout the entire praetorian guard, and to all the others; ¹⁴ And many of the brethren, growing confident in the Lord because of my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. ¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry; and some also from good will; ¹⁶ The later out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defence of the gospel: ¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my imprisonment ¹⁸ What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. ¹⁹ For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ²⁰ According to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be ashamed, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ shall be exalted in my body, whether by life, or by death. ²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² But if I live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me: yet what I shall choose I do not know. ²³ For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: ²⁴ Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. ²⁵ And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith; ²⁶ That in me your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ, through my coming to you again. ²⁷ Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or am absent, I may hear of you, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ²⁸ And in no way terrified by your adversaries: which is to them a sign of their destruction, but to you of your salvation, and that from God. ²⁹ For to you it is granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake; ³⁰ Having the same conflict which you saw to be mine, and now hear to be mine still. ² ¹ If, therefore, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation in love, if any fellowship in the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² Fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through selfishness or vain conceit; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the others as better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you not only look to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Let this attitude be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, though being in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in form as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and given him the name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth; ¹¹ And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence, but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ For it is God who works in you both to will and to do his good pleasure. ¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling and disputing: ¹⁵ That you may be blameless and innocent, the children of God, without blemish, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you 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 laboured in vain. ¹⁷ Even if I am poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad, and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ In the same way, you also should be glad, and rejoice with me. ¹⁹ But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I may also be of good cheer, when I receive news from you. ²⁰ For I have no man like him, of so kindred a spirit, who will genuinely care for your welfare. ²¹ For all seek after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ's. ²² But you know he has proven himself, that, as a son with his father, he has served with me in the gospel. ²³ Therefore, I hope to send him presently, as soon as I shall see how it will go with me. ²⁴ And I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. ²⁵ Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my needs. ²⁶ For he longed after you all, and was full of distress, because you had heard that he had been 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, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore, I sent him the more eagerly, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. ²⁹ Therefore, receive him in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such men in high regard: ³⁰ Because for the work of Christ he was near to death, not regarding his life, to complete the service you could not give. ³ ¹ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is no trouble, and is a safeguard for you. ² Beware of the dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilators of the flesh. ³ For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh, ⁴ Though I myself might have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ Circumcised the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ Concerning zeal, a persecutor of the church; regarding the righteousness which is of the law, blameless. ⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, those I have counted as loss for Christ. ⁸ Furthermore, I count all things as loss compared to the excellency of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may win Christ, ⁹ And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, based on the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: ¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death; ¹¹ If only I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. ¹² Not that I have already attained it, or have already become perfect: but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it yet: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize, to which God has called me upward in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Therefore, let us, as many as are mature, be of this mind: and if in anything you are of a different mind, God shall also reveal this to you. ¹⁶ Only let us hold true to that which we have already attained. ¹⁷ Brethren, join together in following me, and note those who walk according to our example. ¹⁸ For many, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even with weeping, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ: ¹⁹ Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven; from whence we eagerly look for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: ²¹ Who shall change our lowly body, that it may be fashioned like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself. ⁴ ¹ Therefore, my brethren, whom I dearly love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. ² I urge Euodia, and urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ And I ask you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they have laboured with me in the gospel, together with Clement, and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life. ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. ⁶ Be anxious about nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are admirable; if there is any virtue, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things. ⁹ Those things, which you have learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. ¹⁰ But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your care for me; indeed, you did care, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak from want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: in all circumstances I have learned how to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. ¹⁵ Now you Philippians also know, that at the beginning of the gospel ministry, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in giving and receiving, but you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica you more than once sent help to provide for my needs. ¹⁷ Not because I desire a gift: but I desire the fruit that increases to your credit. ¹⁸ But I have received all, and abound: I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar's household. ²³ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Colossians

¹ ¹ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ² To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father. ³ We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ⁴ Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have for all the saints, ⁵ Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel; ⁶ Which has come to you. In all the world it brings forth fruit and grows, as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it, and understood the grace of God in truth: ⁷ As you learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf; ⁸ Who has also declared to us your love in the Spirit. ⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard it, we do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ¹⁰ That you might walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please him in all things, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ Strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, with all endurance and patience with joyfulness; ¹² Giving thanks to the Father, who has made us qualified to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. ¹³ He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us into the kingdom of his dear Son: ¹⁴ In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. ¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation: ¹⁶ For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities: all things were created by him, and for him: ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is also the head of the body, the church: he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have preeminence. ¹⁹ For it pleased the Father, that all his fulness should dwell in him; ²⁰ And through him to reconcile all things to himself, whether things on earth, or things in heaven; having made peace through the blood of his cross. ²¹ And you who were at one time alienated and enemies in your minds because of wicked deeds, ²² He has now reconciled in his body of flesh through death, to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable in his sight: ²³ If you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you have heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven; and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. ²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ for his body's sake, which is the church: ²⁵ Of which I was made a minister, according to the commission of God, which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known; ²⁶ That is, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but has now been made manifest to his saints; ²⁷ To whom God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the riches of the glory of this mystery; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ Him we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ For this I labour, striving according to his power, which works mightily within me. ² ¹ For I want you to know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; ² That their hearts might be comforted as they are knit together in love, and that they might gain all the riches of the full assurance that comes from understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, of Christ; ³ In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ And this I say, lest any man should deceive you with enticing words. ⁵ For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your good order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. ⁶ Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him: ⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, and abounding with thanksgiving. ⁸ Beware, lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, which depend on the traditions of men and the rudiments of the world, and not on Christ. ⁹ For in him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form. ¹⁰ And you are complete in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. ¹¹ In him also you were circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: ¹² Having been buried with him in baptism, you have also risen with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. ¹³ And you, being dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has made alive together with him, having forgiven us all transgressions; ¹⁴ Cancelling the bond of debt, with its legal decrees against us, which was contrary to us, and taking it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; ¹⁵ And having disarmed rulers and authorities, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. ¹⁶ Therefore, let no man judge you in matters of food, or drink, or regarding a festival, or a new moon, or a sabbath day: ¹⁷ Which are a shadow of things to come; but the reality belongs to Christ. ¹⁸ Let no man defraud you of your reward, delighting in self-abasement and the worship of angels, taking his stand on visions, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, ¹⁹ And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. ²⁰ Therefore, if you are dead with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as though still living in the world, do you submit to such ordinances as, ²¹ Do not touch; do not taste; do not handle? ²² These all refer to things which perish with use; and are based on the commandments and doctrines of men. ²³ These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship, and self-abasement, and severity to the body; but are of no value in restraining the indulgence of the flesh. ³ ¹ If you have been raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. ² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then you shall also appear with him in glory. ⁵ Therefore, put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶ For because of these things the wrath of God is coming: ⁷ And in them you also walked at one time, when you lived in them. ⁸ But now put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy speech from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds; ¹⁰ And have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of the one who created him. ¹¹ Here there is neither Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or Scythian, slave or free: but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² Therefore, as the chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on hearts of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; ¹³ Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another. If any man has a complaint against another; just as Christ forgave you, so you do the same. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to this; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ¹⁸ Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh toward them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children, lest they be discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in all things; not as an outward show, as pleasers of men; but with singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: ²³ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men; ²⁴ Knowing that from the Lord you shall receive your reward, the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ But he who does wrong shall be repaid for the wrong which he has done: and there is no partiality. ⁴ ¹ Masters, give to your slaves that which is just and fair; knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. ² Continue in prayer, and be watchful in it with thanksgiving; ³ And pray also for us, that God would open for us a door for the word, that we may speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison: ⁴ That I may make it clear, as I should. ⁵ Walk in 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 every man. ⁷ All my affairs Tychicus shall declare to you; he is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. ⁸ I have sent him to you for that very purpose, that you might know of our circumstances, and that he might encourage your hearts. ⁹ With him is Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things which have taken place here. ¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, (regarding him you received instructions: that if he comes to you, welcome him;) ¹¹ And Jesus, who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision, and they have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always labouring fervently for you in prayer, that you may stand firm and fully assured in all the will of God. ¹³ For I bear him witness, that he has a great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. ¹⁵ Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the church which is in her house. ¹⁶ And when this letter is read among you, have it also read to the church of the Laodiceans; and you, likewise, read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And say to Archippus, Take heed that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord. ¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

1 Thessalonians

¹ ¹ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in 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 Always remembering your work of faith, and labour of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of our God and Father; ⁴ Knowing, brethren loved by God, that he has chosen you. ⁵ For our gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction. You know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. ⁶ And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word despite much affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit: ⁷ So that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For from you the word of the Lord sounded out not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has spread abroad; so that we need not speak anything. ⁹ For they themselves testify about what manner of reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God; ¹⁰ And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, that is, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. ² ¹ For you yourselves know, brethren, that our visit to you was not in vain: ² But even after we had already suffered, and were shamefully treated, as you know, in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God despite much opposition. ³ For our exhortation does not spring from error, or impurity, or guile: ⁴ But just as we were approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. ⁵ For at no time did we use either flattering words, as you know, or a cloak for greed; as God is witness: ⁶ Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have asserted our authority, as the apostles of Christ. ⁷ But we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cherishes her children: ⁸ So having a yearning affection for you, we were willing to impart to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. ⁹ For you remember, brethren, our toil and hardship: we laboured night and day, because we did not want to burden any of you as we preached to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, how holy and just and blameless was our behaviour toward you who believe: ¹¹ Just as you know how we exhorted and comforted and implored every one of you, as a father does his children, ¹² That you would walk in a manner worthy of God, who has called you into his kingdom and glory. ¹³ For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which performs its work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brethren, became followers of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judaea: for you also have suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they have from the Jews: ¹⁵ Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us. They do not please God, and oppose all men, ¹⁶ By hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved, thus always filling up their sins to the limit: but wrath has come upon them at last. ¹⁷ But we, brethren, having been torn from you for a short time, in person, not in heart, endeavoured all the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face. ¹⁸ Therefore, we wanted to come to you, and I, Paul, more than once; but Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For what is our hope, our joy, our crown of rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? Is it not even you? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy. ³ ¹ Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; ² And sent Timothy, our brother, and fellow-worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you in your faith: ³ That no man should be disturbed by these afflictions: for you yourselves know that we are destined for this. ⁴ For truly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we should suffer tribulation; just as it came to pass, as you know. ⁵ For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to learn of your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labour might have been in vain. ⁶ But now that Timothy has come from you to us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, and reported that you always remember us kindly, greatly desiring to see us, as we also desire to see you: ⁷ Therefore, brethren, in the midst of our affliction and distress, we were comforted about you because of your faith: ⁸ For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy which we have before our God because of you; ¹⁰ Night and day praying earnestly that we might see your face, and might supply that which is lacking in your faith? ¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. ¹² And may the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: ¹³ So that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before God our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. ⁴ ¹ Furthermore, we urge you, brethren, and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have learned from us how you ought to walk and to please God, as indeed you are doing, so you would do more and more. ² For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you should abstain from sexual immorality, ⁴ That every one of you should know how to possess his own vessel in holiness and honour; ⁵ Not in the lust of passion, as the Gentiles who do not know God: ⁶ That no man might transgress and defraud his brother in any matter: because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, as we also have told you and warned you. ⁷ For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. ⁸ Therefore, he who rejects this, does not reject man, but God, who has also given you his Holy Spirit. ⁹ But regarding brotherly love you do not need any one to write to you: for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. ¹⁰ And indeed you do love all the brethren who are in all Macedonia: but we urge you, brethren, that you do so more and more; ¹¹ And that you aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; ¹² That you may behave properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. ¹³ Now I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not sorrow, as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words. ⁵ ¹ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write to you. ² For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night. ³ For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction shall come upon them, as birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. ⁴ But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that this day should overtake you as a thief. ⁵ You are all sons of light, and sons of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. ⁶ Therefore let us not sleep, as others do; but let us watch and be sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep in the night; and those 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 not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore, comfort one another, and build one another up, just as you are doing. ¹² And we urge you, brethren, to respect those who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; ¹³ And esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. ¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are idle or unruly, encourage the timid, support the weak, be patient toward all. ¹⁵ See that no one repays another with evil for evil; but always seek that which is good, both for yourselves, and for all men. ¹⁶ Rejoice always. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophesying. ²¹ Test all things; hold fast that which is good. ²² Abstain from all forms of evil. ²³ Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Faithful is he who calls you, who also will do it. ²⁵ Brethren, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brethren. ²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2 Thessalonians

¹ ¹ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: ² Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ We ought always to thank God for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith grows abundantly, and the love of every one of you for each other grows greater; ⁴ So that we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all the persecutions and tribulations which you endure: ⁵ Which is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you suffer. ⁶ It is a righteous thing for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you; ⁷ And to give rest to you who are afflicted, along with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, ⁸ Taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ They shall be punished with eternal ruin and exclusion from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; ¹⁰ When he shall come to be glorified in his saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all those who believe, including you, because our testimony among you was believed. ¹¹ With this in mind we pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and would with power fulfill every good purpose and work of faith: ¹² That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. ² ¹ Now, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brethren, ² That you not be quickly shaken in mind, or alarmed, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, saying that the day of Christ is at hand. ³ Let no man deceive you in any way: for that day shall not come, until there is first a falling away, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition; ⁴ Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. ⁵ Do you not remember, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things? ⁶ And you know what restrains him now, that he might be revealed in his time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work: only he who now restrains it will do so, until he is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then shall the lawless one be revealed, whom the Lord shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and shall destroy by the brightness of his coming. ⁹ The coming of the lawless one is through the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, ¹⁰ And with all wicked deception for those who perish; because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason God shall send them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ¹² That all those might be condemned who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness. ¹³ But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth: ¹⁴ To this he called you through our gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold to the traditions which you have been taught by us, whether by word, or by letter. ¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who has loved us, and has given us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good work and word. ³ ¹ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly, and be glorified, even as it did with you: ² And that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men: for not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord regarding you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things which we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the steadfastness of Christ. ⁶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who is idle and does not walk according to the tradition which you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us: for we were not idle among you; ⁸ Nor did we eat any man's bread without paying; but with labour and toil we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you: ⁹ Not because we do not have the right, but to make ourselves an example for you to follow. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: if any will not work, neither shall he eat. ¹¹ For we hear that there are some among you who walk in idleness, not working at all, mere busybodies. ¹² Now those who are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that they work quietly, and eat their own bread. ¹³ But you, brethren, do not be weary in doing good. ¹⁴ And if any man will not obey our instruction in this letter, note that man, and do not associate with him, that he may be ashamed. ¹⁵ Yet do not count him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. ¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in all ways. The Lord be with you all. ¹⁷ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which is the mark of all my letters: 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 by the commandment of God our Saviour, and of Jesus Christ, our hope; ² To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. ³ As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus, that you might warn certain men not to teach any other doctrine, ⁴ Nor to give heed to myths and endless genealogies, which promote useless speculation, rather than godly training, which is by faith. ⁵ Now the aim of this commandment is love from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and a sincere faith: ⁶ From which some have swerved, turning aside to vain discussion; ⁷ Desiring to be teachers of the law; but understanding neither what they say, nor the matters about which they make such confident assertions. ⁸ But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully; ⁹ Understanding this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, ¹⁰ For adulterers, for those who defile themselves with men, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine; ¹¹ According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. ¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, for he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; ¹³ Though I was formerly a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and a violent man: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me, along with the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a trustworthy saying, and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am the foremost. ¹⁶ Yet for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might show forth his unlimited patience, as a pattern for those who would believe in him for eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ¹⁸ This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies once made about you, that by them you might fight the good fight; ¹⁹ Holding on to faith and a good conscience; which some have rejected and so shipwrecked their faith: ²⁰ Among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. ² ¹ Therefore I urge, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; ² For kings, and for all who are in authority; that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; ⁴ Who desires all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; ⁶ Who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time. ⁷ And for this I have been appointed a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ and am not lying;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. ⁸ Therefore, I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension. ⁹ In like manner also, let women adorn themselves in proper apparel, modestly and soberly; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly attire; ¹⁰ But with good works, as becomes women professing godliness. ¹¹ Let a woman learn in quietness and full submission. ¹² I do not allow a woman to teach, or to have authority over a man; she must keep silent. ¹³ For Adam was first formed, then Eve; ¹⁴ And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. ¹⁵ Yet women shall be kept safe through childbirth, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with propriety. ³ ¹ This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. ² An overseer must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, respectable, given to hospitality, able to teach; ³ Not given to wine, not combative, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money; ⁴ One who rules his own house well, having his children under control, commanding their respect in all ways; ⁵ (For if a man does not know how to manage his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) ⁶ Not a recent convert, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover, he must have a good reputation among those who are outside; lest he fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. ⁸ Deacons, likewise, must be serious, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for gain; ⁹ Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. ¹⁰ Let these be tested first; then, if blameless, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ In the same way, the women must be serious, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. ¹² A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, ruling his children and his own house well. ¹³ For those who serve well in the office of deacon acquire for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in their faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly: ¹⁵ But if I tarry long, I write so you will know how you ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. ¹⁶ And beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. ⁴ ¹ Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ² Taught by hypocritical liars; who have their consciences seared as with a hot iron; ³ Forbidding marriage, and commanding abstinence from foods which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be refused, if it is received with thanksgiving: ⁵ For it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. ⁶ If you point out all these things to the brethren, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and of good doctrine, which you have been following. ⁷ But have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales, but rather train yourself in godliness; ⁸ For bodily exercise is of some value: but godliness is of value in all things, having promise in this life, and in that which is to come. ⁹ This is a faithful saying and worthy of full acceptance. ¹⁰ For this reason we both labour and strive, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those who believe. ¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to doctrine. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophetic message when the body of elders laid hands upon you. ¹⁵ Diligently practice these things; give yourself wholly to them; so your progress may appear to all. ¹⁶ Take heed to yourself, and to your teaching; continue in them: for in doing this you shall save both yourself, and those who hear you. ⁵ ¹ Do not rebuke an older man, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brothers; ² The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. ³ Honour widows who are widows indeed. ⁴ But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home, and to repay their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. ⁵ Now she who is a widow indeed, and left all alone, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. ⁶ But she who lives in self-indulgence is dead while she lives. ⁷ And these things give as commands, that they may be blameless. ⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. ⁹ Let a widow be placed on the roll only if she is at least sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, ¹⁰ Having a reputation for good works; if she has brought up her children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has devoted herself to every good work. ¹¹ But refuse to enroll the younger widows: for when their sensual desires cause them to disregard their dedication to Christ, they will marry; ¹² Thus incurring condemnation, because they have cast aside their first pledge. ¹³ Besides, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. ¹⁴ Therefore, I want the younger women to marry, bear children, guide the house, and give the adversary no occasion to speak reproachfully. ¹⁵ For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. ¹⁶ If any woman who believes has dependent widows, let her assist them, and let the church not be burdened; that it may relieve those who are widows indeed. ¹⁷ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The labourer is worthy of his wages. ¹⁹ Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Those who continue to sin, rebuke before all, that the others may fear. ²¹ I solemnly charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without favouring one over another, doing nothing with partiality. ²² Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor share in other men's sins: keep yourself pure. ²³ No longer drink water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and for your frequent ailments. ²⁴ Some men's sins are evident, going before them to judgment; and for some men they appear later. ²⁵ So also, good works are evident; and even those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. ⁶ ¹ Let as many as are under the yoke of slavery count their masters as worthy of all honour, that the name of God and our teaching may be not defamed. ² And those who have believing masters must not despise them because they are brethren; but rather service them all the more, because those who partake of their services are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. ³ If any man teaches otherwise, and does not consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teaching which accords with godliness; ⁴ He is proud, knowing nothing, but has an unhealthy craving for controversy and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, ⁵ And wrangling among men of corrupt minds, who are destitute of the truth, and suppose that godliness is a means to gain. ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and we can carry nothing out. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. ⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil: and some, by craving it, have wandered from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. ¹¹ But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life, to which you are called, to which you made the good confession before many witnesses. ¹³ I charge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession; ¹⁴ That you keep the commandment without spot, free of reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: ¹⁵ Which he will bring about in his own time, he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; ¹⁶ Who alone has immortality, dwelling in light which no man can approach; whom no man has seen, nor can see. To him be honour and power and dominion forever. Amen. ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this world not to be arrogant, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ They are to do good, that they may be rich in good works, generous and willing to share; ¹⁹ Laying up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. ²⁰ O Timothy, guard that which has been entrusted to you. Avoid godless chatter and the contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge: ²¹ Which some have professed and thus erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.