Letters to the Churches

whoremongers, sodomites, men-stealers, liars, perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that to sound doctrine is adverse,

according to the good news of the glory of the blessed God, with which I was entrusted.

And I give thanks to him who enabled me--Christ Jesus our Lord--that he did reckon me stedfast, having put me to the ministration,

who before was speaking evil, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did it in unbelief,

and exceedingly abound did the grace of our Lord, with faith and love that is in Christ Jesus:

stedfast is the word, and of all acceptation worthy, that Christ Jesus came to the world to save sinners--first of whom I am;

but because of this I found kindness, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern of those about to believe on him to life age-during:

and to the King of the ages, the incorruptible, invisible, only wise God, is honour and glory--to the ages of the ages! Amen.

This charge I commit to thee, child Timotheus, according to the prophesies that went before upon thee, that thou mayest war in them the good warfare,

having faith and a good conscience, which certain having thrust away, concerning the faith did make shipwreck,

of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I did deliver to the Adversary, that they might be instructed not to speak evil.

I exhort, then, first of all, there be made supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, for all men:

for kings, and all who are in authority, that a quiet and peaceable life we may lead in all piety and gravity,

for this is right and acceptable before God our Saviour,

who doth will all men to be saved, and to come to the full knowledge of the truth;

for one is God, one also is mediator of God and of men, the man Christ Jesus,

who did give himself a ransom for all--the testimony in its own times--

in regard to which I was set a preacher and apostle--truth I say in Christ, I do not lie--a teacher of nations, in faith and truth.

I wish, therefore, that men pray in every place, lifting up kind hands, apart from anger and reasoning;

in like manner also the women, in becoming apparel, with modesty and sobriety to adorn themselves, not in braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or garments of great price,

but--which becometh women professing godly piety--through good works.

Let a woman in quietness learn in all subjection,

and a woman I do not suffer to teach, nor to rule a husband, but to be in quietness,

for Adam was first formed, then Eve,

and Adam was not deceived, but the woman, having been deceived, into transgression came,