Chapter 36

(3)As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine, (4)nor to attend to fables and endless genealogies, which give occasion to disputes rather than godly edification, which is by faith; _so do_. (5)For the end of the commandment is love out of a clean heart, and good conscience, and faith unfeigned: (6)from which some, having swerved, have turned aside to vain babbling; (7)affecting to be doctors of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. (8)But we know that the law is good if a man use it according to its institution; (9)knowing this, that the law is not made for the just man, but for the lawless and disorderly, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for men-slayers, (10)for whoremongers, for sodomites, for stealers of men, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing which is contrary to sound doctrine, (11)according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been put in trust. (12)And I render thanks to him who hath strengthened me, even to Christ Jesus our Lord, that he hath counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; (13)who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolently violent, But I was admitted to mercy, for I did it ignorantly in unbelief; (14)but the grace of our Lord hath exceedingly abounded with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. (15)It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. (16)But for this end obtained I mercy, that in me, the chief, Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to those who should after believe in him unto eternal life. (17)Now to the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(18)This commandment, son Timothy, I give thee, according to the prophecies which were before delivered concerning thee, that by them thou mightest war a good warfare; (19)holding faith and a good conscience, which some having renounced, as touching the faith, have been shipwrecked: (20)of whom are Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered over unto Satan, that they may be corrected, so as to blaspheme no more.

CHAP. II.

I EXHORT therefore, first of all, that there be offered supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings for the whole race of mankind: (2)for kings, and all that are in a state of eminence, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and seriousness. (3)For this is becoming, and acceptable before God our Saviour; (4)who wills all men to be saved, and come to the acknowledgment of truth. (5)For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6)who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony to be born in his appointed times; (7)of which I am ordained a preacher and apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, I lie not,) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

(8)I will then that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting: (9)in like manner also that the women dress themselves in decent apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with plaited tresses, or gold, or pearls, or very costly clothing, (10)but as becometh women professing godliness, with good works.

(11)Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection: (12)for I permit not a woman to teach in public, or to assume authority over the man, but to abide in silence. (13)For Adam was first formed, Eve afterwards. (14)And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, by transgression fell. (15)But she shall be saved through childbearing, if they abide in faith, and love, and holiness with sobriety.

CHAP. III.

IT is a true saying, If a man seeks the office of a bishop, he desireth a laudable employment. (2)A bishop then must be irreprehensible, the husband of one wife, temperate, sagacious, respectable, hospitable, well qualified for teaching; (3)not addicted to wine, not using hard words or blows, not greedy of base gain; but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money; (4)presiding over his own family with propriety, having his children under subjection with all gravity of behaviour: (5)for if a man knoweth not how to order his own family, how shall he take proper care of the church of God? (6)Not a new convert, lest he be puffed up, and fall into the devil's crime. (7)He must also have a fair character from those who are without, that he may not fall into reproach, and into the snare of the devil.

(8)The deacons also in like manner must be grave, not doubletongued, not addicting themselves to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (9)holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. (10)And let these also be first proved, and if found blameless, then let them enter on the deacon's office.

(11)Their wives in like manner must be grave women, not addicted to scandal, sober, faithful in all things.

(12)Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ordering well their children and their own families. (13)For they who discharge the office of a deacon with propriety, acquire to themselves a respectable station _in the church_, and great boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ.

(14)These things I write to thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: (15)but should I be delayed, that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the pedestal of truth. (16)And confessedly great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen of angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

CHAP. IV.

NOW the Spirit speaketh expresly, that in the latter days some will apostatise from the faith, giving heed to spirits of delusion, and doctrines of devils; (2)men who teach lies with hypocrisy; and have their own consciences cauterised; (3)prohibiting marriage, and enjoining abstinence from particular meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful, and those who acknowledge the truth. (4)For every creature of God is good, and none to be rejected, if used with thanksgiving: (5)for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (6)If thou suggest these truths to the brethren, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and sound doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (7)But profane and antiquated fables reject, but exercise thyself unto godliness. (8)For bodily exercise is of little advantage, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come. (9)This is a faithful saying, and deserving all acceptance. (10)For therefore do we labour and are exposed to abuse, because we have hoped in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of the faithful. (11)Announce and teach these things. (12)Let no man despise thy youth; but be a pattern of the faithful, in discourse; in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (13)Till I come, apply to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. (14)Neglect not the gift which is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the presbytery. (15)Let these things be thy care; be wholly devoted to them; that thy progress may be evident to all men. (16)Take heed unto thyself, and to thy doctrine; abide in them: for so doing thou shalt both save thyself, and those who hear thee.

CHAP. V.

REBUKE not harshly an aged man, but admonish him as a father; the younger men as brethren; (2)the aged women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. (3)Honour the widows, that are widows indeed. (4)But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn as their first duty to shew their piety towards their own family, and make a grateful return to their progenitors: for this is becoming and acceptable before God. (5)But she who is a widow indeed, and abandoned to solitude, hopeth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. (6)But she who lives voluptuously is dead, though she liveth. (7)And these things inculcate, that they may be blameless. (8)But if any man provide not for his own relations, and especially for those more immediately of his own family, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

(9)Let no widow be put on the list under sixty years of age, who hath been the wife of one husband, (10)bringing attestation of her good works; that she hath well educated her children, that she hath been hospitable to strangers, that she hath washed the saints feet, that she hath assisted the afflicted, that she hath followed diligently every good work. (11)But the younger widows reject: for when they give themselves to wantonness contrary to Christ, they will marry; (12)incurring censure, for having violated their former engagement. (13)And at the same time also they learn to be idle, visiting about in the houses; and not merely idle, but talkative and inquisitive, speaking things they ought not. (14)I would therefore have the younger widows to marry, bear children, govern their house, give no occasion to the adversary to bring a reproach on them. (15)For some are already turned aside after Satan. (16)But if any man or woman who believes hath widows their relations, let him provide for them, and let not the church be burdened; that there may be a sufficiency for the real widows.

(17)Let the elders who preside properly be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who are laborious in preaching and teaching. (18)For the Scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he treadeth out the corn[119]." And again, "The labourer is worthy of his hire."

(19)Against a presbyter receive not an accusation, except it be from two or three witnesses. (20)Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may tremble.

(21)I adjure thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

(22)Lay hands hastily on no man, nor share another's sins: keep thyself pure; (23)confine thyself no longer to water-drinking; but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent indispositions. (24)Some men's sins are glaringly manifest, going before to judgment; and after others also they follow _to detection_. (25)In like manner also the good works _of some_ are previously manifest; and it is not possible that what they have besides should be concealed.

CHAP. VI.

LET as many slaves as are under the yoke account their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed. (2)But they who have believing masters, let them not think less of them, because they are brethren; but serve them the rather, because they are faithful and beloved, who have equally partaken of the benefit. These things teach and enjoin. (3)If any man teach another doctrine, and attend not to the sound words, which are those of Jesus Christ our Lord, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4)he is conceited, knowing nothing, but delirious with disputes and quarrels about words, from whence come wrath, contentions, evil speakings, wrong suspicions, (5)perverse wranglings of men corrupt in mind, and destitute of truth, who think to make gain of godliness; depart from such men. (6)But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7)For that we brought nothing into the world is evident, neither can we carry any thing out of it. (8)Having then food and raiment, let us be therewith content. (9)For they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful passions, which sink men in the abyss of destruction and perdition. (10)For the love of money is the root of all evils, which some coveting, have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

(11)But thou, O man of God, flee from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (12)Strain every nerve in the noble conflict of faith, lay fast hold on eternal life, unto which also thou hast been called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses.

(13)I conjure thee in the presence of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who witnessed that noble confession before Pontius Pilate; (14)that thou observe this injunction spotless, irreproachable, unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: (15)which in his own appointed times he will shew forth, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; (16)who alone possesseth immortality, inhabiting light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and glory eternal. Amen.

(17)Charge the rich in this world not to be lifted up with pride, nor to trust on the stability of wealth, but on the living God, who giveth us richly all things for our enjoyment; (18)to do good, to be rich in generous actions, to take pleasure in liberality, ready to distribute; (19)laying up treasure for themselves a noble foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

(20)O Timothy, guard the sacred deposit, avoiding profane trifling talk, and antitheses of misnamed science: (21)which some affecting have erred concerning the faith.

Grace be with thee.--Amen.

The first epistle was written from Laodicea, which is the metropolis of Phrygia Pacatiana.

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TIMOTHY.

CHAP. I.

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

(3)I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience, that I keep up a constant remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; (4)earnestly desiring to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I might be filled with joy; (5)recalling to my memory the unfeigned faith which was in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that _it is_ in thee also. (6)For which cause I remind thee that thou fan into a flame the divine gift, which is in thee by the imposition of my hands. (7)For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of courage, and of love, and of sobriety.

(8)Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer affliction with me in the gospel, supported by the power of God; (9)who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before time had a beginning; (10)but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and brought to light life and immortality by the gospel: (11)whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (12)For which cause also I suffer these things; but I am not ashamed: for I know on whom I have placed my confidence, and am persuaded that he is mighty to guard my deposit unto the great day.

(13)Model thy teaching according to the pattern of the sound discourses, which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (14)The glorious deposit committed to thy trust, guard by the Holy Ghost who dwelleth in us.

(15)Knowest thou this, that all those of Asia have deserted me? among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (16)The Lord grant mercy unto the household of Onesiphorus because he frequently was a refreshment to my soul, and was not ashamed of my chain: (17)but, when he was at Rome, he sought me out diligently, and found me. (18)The Lord grant that he may find mercy with the Lord in the great day; and how liberally he ministered to me at Ephesus, thou knowest better than any other person.

CHAP. II.

THOU therefore, my son, be mighty in the grace which is in Jesus Christ. (2)And the things which thou hast heard of me before many witnesses, these commit to faithful men, who shall be qualified to teach others also. (3)Thou therefore endure hardships, as a brave soldier of Jesus Christ. (4)No man who enters the army involves himself with secular affairs; that he may please the person who hath enlisted him. (5)And if a man contend in the public games, he is not crowned victor, unless he contend according to the laws. (6)The husbandman who toils is the first who ought to partake of the fruits. (7)Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

(8)Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead, according to my gospel: (9)for which I suffer affliction, even unto chains as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound. (10)Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Jesus Christ with eternal glory.

(11)It is a faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: (12)if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him: if we renounce him, he also will renounce us: (13)if we are unbelieving, he abideth faithful; he cannot contradict himself. (14)Put them in mind of these things, adjuring them before the Lord not to quarrel about words of no use, but tending to the perversion of the audience.

(15)Be diligent to present thyself before God approved, a workman that need not blush, rightly dividing the word of truth. (16)But profane vain bablings avoid: for they will proceed to greater lengths of impiety. (17)And their discourse will eat like as a gangrene; of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus; (18)who with respect to the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection hath been already; and pervert the faith of some. (19)Nevertheless the stable foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal, the Lord knoweth those who belong to him. And, let every man who mentions the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.

(20)But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and pottery; and some for an honourable use, and others for baser service. (21)If therefore a man preserve himself pure from these things, he shall be a vessel for honour, sanctified and highly useful to the master, ready for every good work.

(22)But flee youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. (23)But foolish and uninstructive disputes avoid, knowing that they produce quarrels. (24)And a servant of the Lord ought not to quarrel; but to be gentle to all men, apt to teach, forbearing, (25)with meekness correcting those who are opposers, if at last God may give unto them repentance so as to submit to the conviction of the truth; (26)and that they may escape out of the snare of the devil, who have been captured by him for his will.

CHAP. III.

BUT this know, that in the last days distressing times will come. (2)For men will be self-lovers, money-lovers, boasters, vainglorious, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3)unnatural, implacable, slanderers, intemperate, inhuman, averse to goodness, (4)treacherous, wilful, puffed up _with pride_, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; (5)holding the form of godliness, but denying the power of it: from these men turn with aversion. (6)For such are they who insinuate themselves into houses, and captivate weak women laden with accumulated sins, and actuated by a variety of passions, (7)always learning, yet never able to attain unto the knowledge of truth. (8)But in the same manner as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also set themselves in opposition to the truth; men corrupt in mind, reprobate respecting the faith. (9)But they shall not proceed to the uttermost; for their infatuation shall be evident to all men, as theirs also was.

(10)But thou hast fully known my doctrine, conduct, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, patience, (11)the persecutions, the sufferings, which beset me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, yet out of them all the Lord delivered me. (12)And all indeed who will live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (13)But wicked men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and deceived. (14)But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and believed, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (15)and that from a child thou hast known the sacred writings, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ. (16)All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and advantageous for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (17)that the man of God may be properly furnished, fully qualified for every good work.

CHAP. IV.

I ADJURE thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2)preach the word, be urgent, in season, out of season; reprove, enjoin, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. (3)For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own inclinations will set up a herd of teachers for themselves, having the itch of hearing; (4)and will turn away their ears from the truth, and listen unto fables. (5)But watch thou in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully discharge thy ministry. (6)For I am now ready to be sacrificed, and the time of my dissolution approaches. (7)I have struggled hard in the honourable contest, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: (8)henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: yet not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

(9)Hasten to come to me shortly: (10)for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is gone unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia. (11)Luke alone is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is very useful to me in the ministry. (12)But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

(13)The cloke which I left behind me at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest bring, and the books, especially the parchments.

(14)Alexander the brazier did me many ill offices: the Lord repay him according to his works: (15)against whom be thou also on thy guard, for he hath greatly resisted our words.

(16)At my first apology no man stood by me, but all forsook me: (may it not be imputed to them!) (17)but the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully discharged, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was snatched out of the lion's mouth. (18)And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and preserve me for his celestial kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(19)Salute Priscilla and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. (20)Erastus hath abode at Corinth: but Trophimus I left behind me at Miletum sick.

(21)Hasten to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

(22)The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

The second epistle to Timothy, appointed the first bishop of the Ephesian church, was written from Rome, when the second time Paul stood before the Caesar Nero.

THE EPISTLE of PAUL the APOSTLE TO TITUS.

CHAP. I.