Paul writes a letter to Timothy instructing him to remain in Ephesus and warn others against false teachings. He encourages Timothy to promote love, faith, and stewardship over myths and empty discussions. Paul explains that while the law is good, it was designed for rebellious people rather than the righteous. He is grateful for God's mercy in forgiving his past sins as a blasphemer. Paul charges Timothy with continuing the prophecies by holding onto faith and a clear conscience, citing two people whose faith was destroyed after abandoning these principles.
5. CHAPTER ONE
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to
the command of God our Saviour and Christ
Jesus our hope.
2 To Timothy my true child in the faith. Grace,
mercy and peace from God our Father and
Christ Jesus our Lord.
6. CHAPTER ONE
3 When I was going on to Macedonia I asked
you to remain in Ephesus so that you could
warn certain men not to teach other
doctrines 4 or to give credence to myths and
endless genealogies, which only promote
speculations rather than stewarding what
has come from God and works by faith.
7. CHAPTER ONE
5 The outworking of our instruction is love
that flows from a pure heart, a good
conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some
people have missed this point. As a result
they have become distracted by empty
discussions. 7 They want to become teachers
of the law even though they know neither
what they are talking about nor the things
they boldly assert.
8. CHAPTER ONE
8 There is no doubt that the law is good if a
person uses it properly. 9 But the law was
not designed to preoccupy righteous people
but as a redemptive tool the rebellious,
ungodly, sinful, unholy and profane people.
It is for father-killers, mother-killers or
murderers in general.
9. CHAPTER ONE
10 It is for those who are sexually immoral,
homosexual, slave traders, liars, perjurers
and for everything else that fails to produce
well-being 11 that is consistent with the
gospel entrusted to me by our glorious and
blessed God.
10. CHAPTER ONE
12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has
given me strength and considered me worthy to
be appointed to serve him. 13 I was previously a
blasphemer and an arrogant persecutor of his
people. I was shown mercy because of my
ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of God
overflowed toward me, as did the faith and love
that comes from Christ Jesus.
11. CHAPTER ONE
15 This is a trustworthy statement deserving full
acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners, and I am the worst sinner of all. 16
I was shown mercy so that I would be a prime
example of the great patience of Jesus toward
even the worst of sinners so that others would
be encouraged to believe in him and receive
eternal life.
12. CHAPTER ONE
17 To the king of the ages, immortal, invisible, to
God alone be honour and glory forever and ever,
amen.
13. CHAPTER ONE
18 Timothy my son, I am giving this responsibility
to you. It is consistent with the prophecies that
were spoken to you previously so that you will
be able them to keep fighting the good fight
19 by holding on to faith and a good conscience.
14. CHAPTER ONE
Some people have thrown these away and their
faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymeneus and
Alexander are two such people. I have handed
them over to Satan so that they might be taught
not to blaspheme.