1:1 | From Paul,* an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior* and of Christ Jesus our hope, |
1:2 | to Timothy, my genuine child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord! |
1:3 | As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus* to instruct* certain people not to spread false teachings,* |
1:4 | nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies.* Such things promote useless speculations rather than God’s redemptive plan* that operates by faith. |
1:5 | But the aim of our instruction* is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.* |
1:6 | Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion. |
1:7 | They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently.* |
1:8 | But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately, |
1:9 | realizing that law* is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, |
1:10 | sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals,* kidnappers, liars, perjurers – in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. |
1:11 | This* accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God* that was entrusted to me.* |
1:12 | I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, |
1:13 | even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant* man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, |
1:14 | and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.* |
1:15 | This saying* is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them!* |
1:16 | But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that* in me as the worst,* Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. |
1:17 | Now to the eternal king,* immortal, invisible, the only* God, be honor and glory forever and ever!* Amen. |
1:18 | I put this charge* before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you,* in order that with such encouragement* you may fight the good fight. |
1:19 | To do this* you must hold firmly to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith. |
1:20 | Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan* to be taught not to blaspheme. |