Letters to the Churches

for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching

that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.

I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,

holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,

but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness.

I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.

For Adam was formed first, and then Eve.

And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression.