Chapter I: EXHORT then, first of all, that supplications, prayers,

intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; (2)for kings, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and decorum. (3)For this is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior God; (4)who desires that all should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.

(5)For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6)who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time; (7)whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle (I speak truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

(8)I desire, therefore, that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing; (9)in like manner also that women, in becoming apparel, adorn themselves with modesty and sobriety; not in braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly raiment; (10)but, which becomes women professing godliness, by means of good works.

(11)Let the woman learn in silence, with all subjection. (12)But I permit not the woman to teach, nor to have authority over the man, but to be in silence. (13)For Adam was first formed, then Eve. (14)And Adam was not deceived; but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into transgression. (15)But she shall be saved through child-bearing, if they continue in faith, and love, and holiness, with sobriety.

III.

FAITHFUL is the saying, if any one desires the office of overseer[3:1], he desires a good work. (2)The overseer then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, discreet, orderly, hospitable, apt in teaching; (3)not given to wine, not a striker, but forbearing, averse to strife, not a lover of money; (4)presiding well over his own house, having his children in subjection with all decorum; (5)(but if one knows not how to preside over his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (6)not a novice[3:6], lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the Devil. (7)But he must also have a good testimony from those without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil.

(8)Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of gain; (9)holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (10)And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, being without reproach. (11)[Their] wives in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

(12)Let the deacons be husbands of one wife, presiding well over their children and their own houses. (13)For they that have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good degree[3:13], and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(14)These things I write to thee, hoping to come to thee shortly; (15)but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (16)And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested[3:16] in the flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the Gentiles, was believed on in the world, was received up in glory.

IV.

NOW the Spirit says expressly, that in after-times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and teachings of demons; (2)of those who speak lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (3)forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from food, which God created to be received with thanksgiving, for those[4:3] who believe and know the truth. (4)For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving; (5)for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

(6)If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nurtured in the words of the faith and of the good teaching, which thou hast strictly followed. (7)But the profane and silly fables[4:7] avoid, and exercise thyself unto godliness. (8)For bodily exercise is profitable for little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. (9)Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptance. (10)For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have hoped in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

(11)These things command and teach. (12)Let no one despise thy youth; but become an example of the believers, in word, in deportment, in love, in faith, in purity. (13)Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. (14)Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee through prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. (15)Meditate on these things[4:15]; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest to all. (16)Give heed to thyself, and to the teaching; continue in them; for in doing this thou wilt save both thyself, and those who hear thee.

V.

REBUKE not an elder, but entreat him as a father; younger men as brethren; (2)elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity. (3)Honor as widows those who are widows indeed. (4)But if any widow has children or grand-children, let these learn first to show piety to their own household, and to requite their parents, for this is acceptable before God.

(5)Now she that is a widow indeed, and left alone, has set her hope on God, and continues in supplications and prayers, night and day. (6)But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. (7)And these things command, that they may be blameless. (8)But if any one provides not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

(9)Let not one be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one husband; (10)well reported of for good works; if she brought up children, if she lodged strangers, if she washed the feet of the saints, if she relieved the afflicted, if she diligently followed every good work.

(11)But younger widows refuse; for when they have become wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; (12)having condemnation, because they broke their first faith. (13)And at the same time they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not.

(14)I desire therefore that younger widows marry, bear children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. (15)For already, some turned aside after Satan.

(16)If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

(17)Let elders who preside well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and teaching. (18)For the Scripture says: Thou shalt not muzzle an ox while treading out the grain; and, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

(19)Against an elder receive not an accusation, except before two or three witnesses[5:19].

(20)Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may fear.

(21)I charge thee before God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing with partiality.

(22)Lay hands hastily on no one, neither share in other men's sins. Keep thyself pure.

(23)No longer drink water only, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and for thy frequent infirmities.

(24)The sins of some men are openly manifest, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. (25)In like manner also the good works are openly manifest; and those that are otherwise can not be hidden.

VI.

LET as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the teaching be not blasphemed. (2)And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren; but the rather do them service, because they who receive the benefit are faithful and beloved. These things teach and exhort.

(3)If any one teaches otherwise, and assents not to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teaching which is according to godliness, (4)he is puffed up with pride, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5)vain disputings of men corrupted in mind, and robbed of the truth, supposing that godliness is a means of gain. (6)But godliness with contentment is a great means of gain. (7)For we brought nothing into the world; it is certain we can also carry nothing out; (8)and having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. (9)But they who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which sink men into destruction and perdition. (10)For the love of money is a root of all evils; which some coveting after wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

(11)But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness of spirit. (12)Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the eternal life, unto which thou wast called, and didst make the good profession before many witnesses.

(13)I charge thee in the sight of God, who preserves all alive, and of Jesus Christ, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good profession, (14)that thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; (15)which in his own times[6:15] he will show, who is the blissful and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; (16)who only has immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man has seen, or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

(17)Charge those who are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor place their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who gives us all things richly for enjoyment; (18)that they do good, be rich in good works, be free in imparting, willing to communicate; (19)laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the true life.

(20)O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane babblings, and oppositions of that which is falsely called knowledge; (21)which some professing erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee.

THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY.

I.

PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, (2)to Timothy, a beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

(3)I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; (4)longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; (5)calling to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that it dwells in thee also. (6)For which cause I put thee in remembrance, that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the laying on of my hands. (7)For God did not give us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of chastisement.

(8)Be not then ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship with me for the gospel, according to the power of God; (9)who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose, and the grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before eternal ages, (10)but now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ; who abolished death, and brought life and incorruption to light through the gospel; (11)for which I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (12)For which cause I suffer also these things. But I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him, unto that day.

(13)Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou heardest from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (14)The good thing committed to thee keep, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

(15)Thou knowest this, that all those in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (16)The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; because he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; (17)but when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. (18)The Lord grant to him, that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day! And in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

II.

THOU therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2)And the things that thou heardest from me by many witnesses[2:2], the same commit thou to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (3)Endure hardship with me, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (4)No one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier. (5)And if a man also contends in the games, he is not crowned, unless he contends lawfully. (6)The husbandman that labors must first partake of the fruits. (7)Consider what I say; for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things.

(8)Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel; (9)in which I endure hardship, even unto bonds, as an evil-doer; but the word of God is not bound. (10)For this cause, I endure all things for the sake of the chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (11)Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him; (12)if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we shall deny him, he also will deny us; (13)if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he can not deny himself.

(14)Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the subverting of the hearers.

(15)Endeavor to present thyself approved to God, a workman not made ashamed, rightly dividing[2:15] the word of truth. (16)But shun the profane babblings; for they will go on to more ungodliness. (17)And their word will eat as does a canker; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; (18)who erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and overturn the faith of some.

(19)Nevertheless, God's firm foundation stands, having this seal: The Lord knew those who are his; and, Let every one that names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. (20)But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some for honor and some for dishonor. (21)If a man therefore cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful for the master, prepared for every good work.

(22)But flee youthful lusts; and follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (23)But the foolish and ignorant questionings avoid, knowing that they beget strifes. (24)And a servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle toward all, apt in teaching, patient of evil; (25)in meekness admonishing those who oppose themselves; if haply God may give them repentance unto the full knowledge of the truth; (26)and that they may awake to soberness out of the snare of the Devil, being taken captive by him, to do his will[2:26].

III.

BUT know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. (2)For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3)without natural affection, implacable, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, without love to the good, (4)betrayers, headlong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (5)having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; and from these turn away. (6)For of these are they who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7)ever learning, and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth.

(8)Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also do these withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. (9)But they shall proceed no further; for their folly shall be fully manifest to all, as was also theirs.

(10)But thou didst strictly follow my teaching, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, patience, (11)persecutions, afflictions; what things came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of all the Lord delivered me. (12)Yea, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (13)But evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (14)But do thou continue in the things which thou learnedst and wast assured of, knowing of whom thou didst learn; (15)and that from a child thou didst know the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(16)All Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable[3:16] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; (17)that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

IV.