Study Desk

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God^(a) our Savior^(b) and of Christ Jesus our hope,^(c)

To Timothy^(d) my true son^(e) in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.^(f)

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,^(g) stay there in Ephesus^(h) so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines⁽ⁱ⁾ any longer

or to devote themselves to myths^(j) and endless genealogies.^(k) Such things promote controversial speculations^(l) rather than advancing God's work—which is by faith.

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart^(m) and a good conscience⁽ⁿ⁾ and a sincere faith.^(o)

Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.

They want to be teachers^(p) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.^(q)

We know that the law is good^(r) if one uses it properly.

We also know that the law is made not for the righteous^(s) but for lawbreakers and rebels,^(t) the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine^(u)

that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.^(v)

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,^(w) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.^(x)

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(y) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(z) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^(aa)

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(ab) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(ac)

Here is a trustworthy saying^(ad) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(ae)—of whom I am the worst.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(af) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(ag) as an example for those who would believe^(ah) in him and receive eternal life.^(ai)

Now to the King^(aj) eternal, immortal,^(ak) invisible,^(al) the only God,^(am) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(an)

Timothy, my son,^(ao) I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,^(ap) so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,^(aq)

holding on to faith and a good conscience,^(ar) which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.^(as)

Among them are Hymenaeus^(at) and Alexander,^(au) whom I have handed over to Satan^(av) to be taught not to blaspheme.