Chapter 71

We require you brethren in the name of our lord Iesu Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh inordinately, and not after the institution which ye received of us. Ye yourselves know how ye ought to counterfeit us: For we behaved not ourselves inordinately among you. Neither took we bread of any man for nought: but wrought with labour and travail night and day, because we would not be grievous to any of you: not but that we had authority: but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, to counterfeit us. For when we were with you, this we warned you of, that if there were any which would not work, that the same should not eat. We have heard say no doubt that there are some which walk among you inordinately, and work not at all, but are busybodies. Them that are such, we command and exhort in the name of our lord Iesu Christ, that they work with quietness, and eat their bread. Brethren be not weary in well doing. If any man obey not our sayings, send us word of him by a letter: and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed: And count him not as an enemy: but warn him as a brother.

The very lord of peace, give you peace always, by all means. The lord be with you all. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. This is the token in all pistels. So I write. The grace of our lord Iesus be with you all Amen.

Sent from Athens.

The first pistel of S. Paul to Timothe.

The first Chapter.

Paul an Apostle of Iesus Christ, by the commandment of God our saviour, and of the lord Iesu Christ, which is our hope.

Unto Timothy his natural son in the faith.

Grace mercy and peace from God our father, and from the lord Iesu Christ.

As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus when I departed into Macedonia, even so do that thou command some that they teach no other wise: neither give heed to fables and genealogies, which are endless, and breed doubts, more than Godly edifying which is by faith: for the end of the commandment is love that cometh of a pure heart and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from the which things, some have erred, and have turned unto vain jangling, because they would be doctors in the scripture, and yet understand not what they speak, neither whereof they affirm.

We know that the law is god, {good} if a man use it lawfully, understanding this, how that the law is not given unto a righteous man, but unto the unrighteous and disobedient, to the ungodly and to sinners, to unholy and unclean, to murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, to manslayers and whoremongers: to them that defile themselves with mankind: to menstealers: to liars and to perjured, and so forth if there be any other thing that is contrary to wholesome doctrine according to the glorious gospell of the holy God, which gospel is committed unto me.

And I thank him that hath made me strong in Christ Iesu our lord: for he counted me true, and put me in office, when before I was a blasphemer, and a persecuter, and a tyrant. Nevertheless I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly, in unbelief: but the grace of our lord was more abundant, with faith and love, which is in Christ Iesu.

This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received, that Christ Iesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief: Notwithstanding unto me was mercy given, that Iesus Christ should first shew on me all long patience, unto the ensample of them which shall in time to come believe on him unto eternal life. So then unto God, king everlasting, immortal, invisible, and wise only, be honour and praise for ever and ever Amen.

This commandment commit I unto thee son Timotheus, according to the prophecies which in time past were prophesied of thee, that thou in them shouldest fight a good fight, having faith and good conscience, which some have put away from them, and as concerning faith have made shipwreck. Of whose number is Himeneus, and Alexander, which I have delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

The .ij. Chapter.

I exhort therefore that above all things prayers, supplications, petitions, and giving of thanks, be had for all men: for kings, and for all that are in preeminence, that we may live a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. For that is good and accepted in the sight of god our saviour, which would have all men saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one god, and one mediator between God and man, which is the man Christ Iesus, which gave himself a ransom for all men, that it should be preached at his time, whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle (I tell the truth in Christ and lie not) being the teacher of the gentiles in faith and verity.

I woll therefore that the men pray every where, lifting up pure hands without wrath, or arguing. Likewise also the women that they array themselves in mannerly apparel with shamefastness, and honest behavior, not with broided hair, other gold, or pearls, or costly array: but with such as becometh women that profess the worshipping of God thorow good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. I suffer not a woman to teach, neither to have authority over the man: but for to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, and then Eve. Also Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived, and was in transgression. Notwithstanding they shall be saved thorow bearing of children, if they continue in the faith and in love, and in sanctifying.

The .iij. Chapter.

This is a true saying: If a man covet the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. Yea and a bishop must be faultless, the husband of one wife, sober, of honest behavior, honestly apparelled, harbourous, apt to teach, not drunken, no fighter, not given to filthy lucre: but gentle, abhorring fighting, abhorring covetousness, and one that ruleth his own house honestly, having children under obedience, with all honesty. For if a man cannot rule his own house, how shall he care for the congregation of God. He may not be a young man, lest he swell and fall into the judgment of the evil speaker. He must also be well reported of among them which are without forth, lest he fall into rebuke, and into the snare of the evil speaker.

Likewise must the deacons be honest, not double tongued, not given unto much drinking, neither unto filthy lucre: but having the mystery of the faith in pure conscience. And let them first be proved, and then let them minister, if they be found faultless.

Even so must their wives be honest, not evil speakers: but sober, and faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife and such as rule their children well, and their own households. For they that minister well, get themselves good degree, and great liberty in the faith, which is in Christ Iesu.

These things write I unto thee, trusting to come shortly unto thee. And if I come not, that thou mayst yet have knowledge how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth. And without nay great is that mystery of godliness. God was shewed in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, was seen of angels, was preached unto the gentiles, was believed on in earth and received up in glory.

The .iiij. Chapter.

The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error, and devilish doctrine of them which speak false thorow hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with an hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth, for all the creatures of God are good: and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God, and prayer. If thou shalt put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Iesu Christ which hast been nourished up in the words of the faith, and good doctrine, which doctrine thou hast continually followed. But cast away unghostly and old wives' fables.

Exercise thyself unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: But godliness is good unto all things, as a thing which hath promises of the life that is now, and of the life to come. This is a sure saying, and of all parties worthy to be received. For therefore we labour and suffer rebuke, because we believe in the living God, which is the saviour of all men: but specially of those that believe. Such things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth: but be unto them that believe, an ensample, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith and in pureness.

Till I come give attendance to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine. Despise not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee thorow prophecy, and with laying on of the hands of a senior. These things exercise, and give thyself unto them, that all men may see how thou profitest. Take heed unto thyself and unto learning, and continue therein. For if thou shalt so do thou shalt save thyself, and them that hear thee.

The .v. Chapter.

Rebuke not a senior: but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as brethren, the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all pureness. Honour widows which are true widows. If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to rule their own houses godly, and to recompense their elders. For that is good and acceptable before God. She that is a very widow, and friendless, putteth her trust in God, and continueth in supplication and prayer night and day: but she that liveth in pleasure, is dead even yet alive. And such things command, that they may be without fault. If there be any that provideth not for his own, and namely for them of his household, the same denieth the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Let no widow be chosen under threescore year old, and such a one as was the wife of one man, and well reported of in good works: if she have nourished children, if she have been liberal to strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered unto them which were in adversity, if she were continually given unto all manner good works. The younger widows refuse. For when they have begun to wax wanton, to the dishonour of Christ, then will they marry, having damnation, because they have despised their first faith. And also they learn to go from house to house idle, yee not idle only, but also trifling and busybodies, speaking things which are not comely.

I will therefore that the younger women marry and bear children, and guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak evil. For many of them are all ready turned back, and are gone after Satan. And if any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them minister unto them, and let not the congregation be charged: that it may have sufficient for them that are widows in deed.

The seniors that rule well are worthy of double honour, most specially they which labour in the word and in teaching. For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. And the laborer is worthy of his reward. Against an senior receive none accusation: but under two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke openly that other may fear.

I testify before God, and the lord Iesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without hasty judgment, and do nothing partially. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be part taker of other men's sins: Keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine, for thy stomach's sake, and thine often diseases.

Some men's sins are open beforehand and go before unto judgement: some men's sins follow after. Likewise also good works are manifest beforehand, and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.

The .vj. Chapter.

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God, and his doctrine be not evil spoken of. See that they which have believing masters despise them not because they are brethren: but so much the rather do service, for as much as they are believing and beloved and part takers of the benefite.

These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and is not content with the wholesome words of our lord Iesu Christ, and with the doctrine of godliness, he is puffed up and knoweth nothing: but wasteth his brains about questions, and strife of words, whereof spring envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings superfluous disputings in scowls of men with corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, which think that lucre is godliness. From such separate thyself. Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is a plain case that we can carry nothing out.

When we have food and raiment, let us therewith be content. They that will be rich, fall into temptation and snares, and into many foolish and noisome lusts, which drown men in perdition, and destruction. For covetousness is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after, they erred from the faith, and tangled themselves with many sorrows. But thou which art the man of God, fly such things. Follow righteousness, godliness, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hand on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

I give thee charge in the sight of God, which quickeneth all things, and before Iesus Christ, which under Pontius Pilate witnessed a good witnessing, that thou keep the commandment without spot, so that no man find fault with thee, until the appearing of our lord Iesus Christ, which appearing (when the time is come) he shall shew that is blessed and mighty only, king of kings, and lord of lords, which only hath immortality, and dwelleth in light that no man can obtain, whom never man saw, neither can see: unto whom be honour and rule everlasting Amen.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not exceeding wise, and that they trust not in the uncertain riches, but in the living God, which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy them, and that they do good and be rich in good works, and ready to give and to distribute, laying up in store for themselves, a good foundation against the time to come, that they may obtain eternal life.

O Timothy save that which is given thee to keep, and avoid unghostly vanities of voices, and oppositions of science falsely so called, which science, while some professed, they have erred as concerning the faith. Grace be with thee Amen.

Sent from Laodicea, which is the chefest cite of Phrigia Pacaciana.

The second pistel of S. Paul to Timothe.

The first Chapter.

Paul an Apostle of Iesu Christ, by the will of God, to preach the promise of life, which life is in Christ Iesu.

To Timothy his beloved son. Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the father, and from Iesus Christ our lord.

I thank God, whom I serve from mine elders with pure conscience, that without ceasing I make mention of thee in my prayers night and day, desiring to see thee, mindful of thy tears: so that I am filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunica: and am assured that it dwelleth in thee also.

Wherefore I warn thee that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee, by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given to us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of honest behavior. Be not ashamed to testify our lord, neither be ashamed of me, which am bound for his sake: but suffer adversity with the gospell also thorow the power of God, which saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not after our deeds, but for his purpose and grace, which grace was given us thorow Christ Iesu before the world was, but is now declared openly by the appearing of our saviour Iesu Christ, which hath put away death, and hath brought life and immortality unto light thorow the gospell, whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the gentiles: for the which cause I also suffer this. Nevertheless I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed, and am sure that he is able keep that which I have committed to his keeping against that day.

See thou have the example of the wholesome words which thou heardest of me, in faith and love which is in Iesu Christ. That good thing which was committed to thy keeping, keep in the holy ghost which dwelleth in us. This thou knowest how that all they which are in Asia be turned from me. Of which sort are Phigellos and Hermogenes. The lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: but when he was at Rome he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The lord grant unto him that he may find mercy with the lord at that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus thou knowest very well.

The second Chapter.

Thou therefore my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Iesu. And what things thou hast heard of me, many bearing witness, the same deliver to faithful men, which are apt to teach other. Thou therefore suffer affliction as a good soldier of Iesu Christ. No man that warreth, entangleth himself with worldly business, and that because he would please him that hath chosen him to be a soldier. And though a man strive for a mastery, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must first receive of the fruits. Consider what I say. The lord give thee understanding in all things.

Remember that Iesus Christ being of the seed of David, rose again from death according to my gospell, wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds. But the word of God was not bound. Herefore I suffer all things, for the elects' sakes, that they might also obtain that health which is in Christ Iesu, with eternal glory.

It is a true saying, if we be dead with him, we also shall live with him. If we be patient, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he also shall deny us. If we believe not, yet abideth he faithful. He cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, and testify before the lord, that they strive not about words, which is to no profit, but to pervert the hearers.

Study to shew thyself laudable unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, dividing the word of truth justly. Unghostly and vain voices pass over. For they shall increase unto greater ungodliness, and their words shall fret even as doth a cancre: of whose number is Hymeneos and Philetos, which as concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past all ready, and do destroy the faith of diverse persons.

But the sure ground of God remaineth, and hath this seal: the lord knoweth them that are his, and let every man that calleth on the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. Notwithstanding in a great house are not only vessels of gold and of silver: but also of wood and of earth: Some for honour, and some unto dishonour. If a man purge himself from such fellows, he shall be a vessel sanctified unto honour meet for the lord, and prepared unto all good works.

Lusts of youth avoid, and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with them that call on the lord with pure heart. Foolish and unlearned questions put from thee, remembering that they do but make strife. But the servant of the lord must not strive: but must be peaceable unto all men, and ready to teach, and one that can suffer the evil in meekness, and can inform them that resist, if that God at any time will give them repentance for to know the truth: that they may wake out of sleep again, out of the snare of the devil, which are now taken of him at his will.

The .iij. Chapter.

This understand, that in the last days shall come parlous times: For the men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to father and mother, unthankful, unholy, churlish, stubborn, false accusers, rioters, fierce, despisers of them which are good, traitors, heady, high minded, greedy upon voluptuousness more than the lovers of God, having a similitude of godly living, but have denied the power there of. Such abhor. For of this sort are they which enter into houses, and bring into bondage women laden with sin, which women are led of divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

As Iannes and Iambres withstood Moses, even so do these resist the truth, men they are of corrupt minds, and lewd as concerning the faith: but they shall prevail no longer. For their madness shall be uttered unto all men as theirs was: but thou hast seen the experience of my doctrine, ordinance, purpose, faith, long suffering, love, patience, persecutions, and afflictions which happened unto me at Antioche, at Iconium, and at Lystra: which persecutions I suffered patiently, And from them all the lord delivered me. Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Iesu, must suffer persecutions. But the evil men and deceivers, shall wax worse and worse, while they deceive, and are deceived themselves.

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, which also were committed unto thee seeing thou knowest of whom thou hast learned them. and for as much also as thou hast known holy scripture of a child, which is able to make thee wise unto health thorow faith, which is in Christ Iesu. For all scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable to teach, to improve, to inform, and to instruct in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, and prepared unto all good works.

The .iiij. Chapter.

I testify therefore before God, and before the lord Iesu Christ, which shall judge quick and dead at his appearing in his kingdom, preach the word, be fervent, be it in season, or out of season. Improve, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering. For the time will come, when they will not suffer wholesome doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they (whose ears itch) get them an heap of teachers, and shall turn their ears from the truth, and shall be given unto fables: But watch thou in all things, and suffer adversity, and do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thine office unto the utmost.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departing is at hand. I have fought a good fight, and have fulfilled my course, and have kept the faith. From henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the lord that is a righteous judge shall give me at that day: not to me only: but unto all them that love his coming. Make speed to come unto me at once.

For Demas hath left me, and hath loved this present world, and is departed into Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galatia, and Titus unto Dalmacea. Only Lucas is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is necessary unto me for to minister. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troada with Carpus when thou comest bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchment. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil, the lord reward him according to his deeds, of whom be thou ware also. For he withstood our preaching sore.

At my first answering for myself, no man assisted me, but all forsook me. I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charges: notwith standing the lord assisted me, and strengthed me, that by me the preaching should be fulfilled to the utmost and that all the gentiles should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the lord shall deliver me from all evil doing, and shall keep me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be praise for ever and ever Amen.