Amplified Bible (AMP)

Timothy Charged to Guard His Trust

1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed) by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 I thank God, whom I worshipandserve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,

4 and as I recall your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

5 I remember your sincereandunqualified faith [the surrendering of your entire self to God in Christ with confident trust in His power, wisdom and goodness, a faith] which first lived in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am confident that it is in you as well.

6 That is why I remind you tofan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire–the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidityorcowardiceorfear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgmentandpersonal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible],

9 for He delivered usandsaved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life–a life set apart–a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit–we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],

10 but now [that extraordinary purpose and grace] has been fully disclosedandrealized by us through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who [through His incarnation and earthly ministry] abolished death [making it null and void] and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher [of this good news regarding salvation].

12 This is why I suffer as I do. Still, I am not ashamed; for I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him untilthat day [when I stand before Him].

13 Keepandfollow the pattern of sound teaching (doctrine) which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

14 Guard [with greatest care]andkeep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in [the province of] Asia turned awayanddeserted me, Phygelus and Hermogenes among them.

16 The Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed meandshowed me kindness [comforting and reviving me like fresh air] and he was not ashamed of my chains [for Christ’s sake];

17 but [instead] when he reached Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me–

18 the Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord onthat [great] day. You know very well how many things he did for meandwhat a help he was at Ephesus [you know better than I can tell you].

Be Strong

1 So you, my son, be strong [constantly strengthened]andempowered in the grace that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus.

2 The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teachin the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliableandfaithful men who will also be capableandqualified to teach others.

3 Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve.

5 And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules.

6 The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

7 Think over the things I am saying [grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you insightandunderstanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ [the ever-living Lord who has] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied King] descended from David [king of Israel], according to my gospel [the good news that I preach],

9 for that [gospel] I am suffering even to [the point of] wearing chains like a criminal; but the word of God is not chainedorimprisoned!

10 For this reason I [am ready to] patiently endure all things for the sake of those who are the elect (God’s chosen ones), so that they too may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it the reward of eternal glory.

11 This is a faithfulandtrustworthy saying:

If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him;

If we deny Him, He will also deny us;

13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful [true to His word and His righteous character], for He cannot deny Himself.

An Unashamed Workman

14 Remindthe peopleof these facts, and solemnly chargethemin the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen.

15 Studyanddo your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handlingandskillfully teaching the word of truth.

16 But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness,

17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus,

18 who have deviated from the truth. They claim that the resurrection has already taken place, and they undermine the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God [which He has laid] stands [sure and unshaken despite attacks], bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand apart from wickednessandwithdraw from wrongdoing.”

20 Now in a large house there are not onlyvesselsandobjects of gold and silver, but also vesselsandobjects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common).

21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from thesethings[which are dishonorable–disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

22 Run away from youthful lusts–pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strifeandgive birth to quarrels.

24 The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be], skilled in teaching, patientandtolerant when wronged.

25 He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesyandgentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it],

26 and that they may come to their senses andescapefrom the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

“Difficult Times Will Come”

1 But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear].

2 For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholyandprofane,

3 [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good,

4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such peopleandkeep far away from them.

6 For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivatemorallyweakandspiritually-dwarfed women weighed down by [the burden of their] sins, easily swayed by various impulses,

7 always learningandlistening to anybody who will teach them, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres [the court magicians of Egypt] opposed Moses, so thesemenalso oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, unqualifiedandworthless [as teachers] in regard to the faith.

9 But they will not get very far, for their meaningless nonsenseandignorance will become obvious to everyone, as was that of Jannes and Jambres.

10 Now you have diligently followed [my example, that is] my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,

11 persecutions, and sufferings–such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, but the Lord rescued me from them all!

12 Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousnessandare determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be huntedandpersecuted [because of their faith].

13 But evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But as for you, continue in the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced [holding tightly to the truths], knowing from whom you learnedthem,

15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings (Hebrew Scriptures) which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus [surrendering your entire self to Him and having absolute confidence in His wisdom, power and goodness].

16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately–behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];

17 so that theman of God may be completeandproficient, outfittedandthoroughly equipped for every good work.

“Preach the Word”

1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

2 preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right andevenwhen it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhortandencourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.

3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrineandaccurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; butwantingto have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desiresandto support the errors they hold,

4 and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into mythsandman-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].

5 But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.

6 For I am already beingpoured out as a drink offering, and the time ofmy departure [from this world] is at handandI will soon go free.

7 I have fought the goodandworthyandnoble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error].

8 In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day–and not to me only, but also to all those who have lovedandlonged forandwelcomed His appearing.

Personal Concerns

9 Make every effort to come to me soon;

10 for Demas, having loved [the pleasures of] this presentworld, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescenshas goneto Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very helpful to me for the ministry.

12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13 When you come bring the coat that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; [but that is no concern of mine, for] the Lord will repay him according to his actions.

15 Be on guard against him yourself, because he vigorously opposed our message.

16 At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate]orstood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].

17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthenedandempowered me, so that through me the [gospel] message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from themouth of the lion.

18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil assault, and He will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

19 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, and to the household of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus stayed on at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.

21 Try your best to come [to me] before winter. Eubulus wishes to be remembered to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all thebrothers and sisters.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Misleadings in Doctrine and Living

1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus by the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed) our Hope [the fulfillment of our salvation],

2 to Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 As I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia, stay on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain individuals not to teach any different doctrines,

4 nor to pay attention to legends (fables, myths) and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculationandmeaningless arguments rather than advancing God’s programof instructionwhich is grounded in faith [and requires surrendering the entire self to God in absolute trust and confidence].

5 But the goal of our instruction is love [which springs] from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

6 Some individuals have wandered away from these things into empty argumentsanduseless discussions,

7 wanting to be teachers of the Law [of Moses], even though they do not understand the terms they use or the subjects about which they make [such] confident declarations.

8 Now we know [without any doubt] that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfullyandappropriately,

9 understanding the fact that law is not enacted for the righteous person [the one in right standing with God], but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinful, for the irreverent and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

10 for sexually immoral persons, for homosexuals, forkidnappersandslave traders, for liars, for perjurers–and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,

11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has granted me [the needed] strengthandmade me able for this, because He considered me faithfulandtrustworthy, putting me into service [for this ministry],

13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer [of our Lord] and a persecutor [of His church] and a shamefulandoutrageousandviolent aggressor [toward believers]. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief.

14 The grace of our Lord [His amazing, unmerited favor and blessing] flowed out in superabundance [for me, together] with the faith and love which are [realized] in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithfulandtrustworthy statement, deserving full acceptanceandapproval, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost.

16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an exampleorpattern for those whowould believe in Him for eternal life.

17 Now to the King of the ages [eternal], immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, so that [inspired and aided] by them you may fight the good fight [in contending with false teachers],

19 keeping your faith [leaning completely on God with absolute trust and confidence in His guidance] and having a good conscience; for some [people] have rejected [their moral compass] and have made a shipwreck of their faith.

20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I havehanded over to Satan, so that they will be disciplinedandtaught not to blaspheme.

A Call to Prayer

1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people,

2 forkings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

3 This [kind of praying] is good and acceptableandpleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

4 whowishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledgeandrecognition of the [divine] truth.

5 For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus,

6 who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone] for all, the testimony given at the rightandproper time.

7 And for this matter I was appointed a preacher and an apostle–I am telling the truth, I am not lying [when I say this]–a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputingorquarrelingordoubt [in their mind].

Women Instructed

9 Likewise,I wantwomen to adorn themselves modestlyandappropriately and discreetly in proper clothing, not with [elaborately] braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothes,

10 but insteadadornedby good deeds [helping others], as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with all submissiveness.

12 I do not allow a woman toteach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet [in the congregation].

13 For Adam was formed first [by God from the earth], then Eve;

14 and it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was led astray andfell into sin.

15 Butwomenwill bepreserved (saved) through [the pain and dangers of] the bearing of childrenif they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-controlanddiscretion.

Overseers and Deacons

1 This is a faithfulandtrustworthy saying: if any man [eagerly] seeks the office ofoverseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task.

2 Now an overseer must be blamelessandbeyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3 not addicted to wine, nota bullynorquick-temperedandhot-headed, but gentleandconsiderate, free from the love of money [not greedy for wealth and its inherent power–financially ethical].

4 He mustmanage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [keeping them respectful and well-behaved]

5 (for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?).

6 andHe mustnot be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride].

7 And he must have a good reputationandbe well thought of by those outsidethe church,so that he will not be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap.

8 Deacons likewisemust bemen worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain,

9 but upholdingandfully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity].

10 These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blamelessandbeyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons.

11 Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things.

12 Deacons must be husbands ofonlyone wife, and good managers oftheirchildren and their own households.

13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a high standing [having a good reputation among the congregation], and great confidence in the faith which is [founded on and centered] in Christ Jesus.

14 I hope to come to you before long, but I am writing these instructions to you

15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

16 And great, we confess, is the mystery [the hidden truth] of godliness:

He (Jesus Christ) who was revealed in human flesh,

Was justifiedandvindicated in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the nations,

Believed on in the world,

Taken up in glory.

Apostasy

1 But the [Holy] Spirit explicitlyandunmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitfulandseductive spirits and doctrines of demons,

2 [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning],

3 who forbid marriage andadvocateabstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth.

4 For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;

5 for it is sanctified [set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister’s Discipline

6 If you point out these instructions to thebrothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus,constantlynourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine which you have closely followed.

7 But have nothing to do with irreverent folkloreandsilly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit].

8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everythingandin every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.

9 This is a faithfulandtrustworthy saying worthy of full acceptanceandapproval.

10 It is for this that we labor and strive [often called to account], because we have fixed our [confident] hope on the living God, who is theSavior of all people, especially of those who believe [in Him, recognize Him as the Son of God, and accept Him as Savior and Lord].

11 Keep commanding and teaching these things.

12 Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an exampleandset a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.

13 Until I come, devote yourself to public reading [of Scripture], to preaching and to teaching [the sound doctrine of God’s word].

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] through prophetic utterance when theelders laid their hands on you [at your ordination].

15 Practiceandwork hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all.

16 Pay close attention to yourself [concentrate on your personal development] and to your teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

Honor Widows

1 Do not sharply reprimand an older man, but appeal to him as [you would to] a father, to younger men as brothers,

2 to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters, in all purity [being careful to maintain appropriate relationships].

3 Honorandhelp those widows who are truly widowed [alone, and without support].

4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren [who are adults], see to it that these first learn to show great respect to their own family [as their religious duty and natural obligation], and to compensate their parentsorgrandparents [for their upbringing]; for this is acceptableandpleasing in the sight of God.

5 Now a woman who is really a widow and has been left [entirely] alone [without adequate income] trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

6 Whereas she who lives for pleasureandself-indulgence isspirituallydead even while shestilllives.

7 Keep instructing [the people to do] these things as well, so that they may be blamelessandbeyond reproach.

8 If anyone fails to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he has denied the faith [by disregarding its precepts] and is worse than an unbeliever [who fulfills his obligation in these matters].

9 A widow is to be put on the list [to receive regular assistance] only if she is over sixty years of age, [having been] the wife of one man,

10 and has a reputation for good deeds; [she is eligible] if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints (God’s people), if she has assisted the distressed, and has devoted herself to doing good in every way.

11 But refuse [to enroll the] younger widows, for when they feel their natural desires in disregard of Christ, they wish to marryagain,

12 and so they incur condemnation for having set aside theirprevious pledge.

13 Now at the same time, they also learn to be idle as they go from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips andbusybodies [meddlers in things that do not concern them], talking about things they should notmention.

14 So I want youngerwidowsto get married, have children, manage their households, and not give opponents of the faith any occasion for slander.

15 Some [widows] have already turned away [from the faith] to follow Satan.

16 If any believing woman has [dependent] widows [in her household],she must assist them [according to her ability]; and the church must not be burdened [with them], so that it may assist those who are truly widows [those who are all alone and are dependent].

Concerning Elders

17 The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor (financial support), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ].

18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain[to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].”

19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it is based on [the testimony of at least] two or three witnesses.

20 As for those [elders] who continue in sin, reprimand them in the presence of all [the congregation], so that the rest will be warned.

21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels that you guardandkeep these rules without bias, doing nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not hurry to lay hands on anyone [ordaining and approving someone for ministry or an office in the church, or in reinstating expelled offenders], and thereby share in the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.

23 No longercontinue drinking [only] water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, leading the way for them into judgment [so that they are clearly not qualified for ministry]; but the sins of others appear later [for they are hidden and follow behind them].

25 Likewise, good deeds are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be hidden [indefinitely].

Instructions to Those Who Minister

1 All who are under the yoke as bond-servants (slaves) are to regard their own masters as worthy of honorandrespect so that the name of God and the teaching [about Him] will not be spoken against.

2 Those who have believing masters are not to be disrespectful toward them because they are brothers [in Christ], but they should serve them even better, because those who benefit from their kindly service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these [duties and principles].

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrineandteaching which is in agreement with godliness (personal integrity, upright behavior),

4 he is conceited and woefully ignorant [understanding nothing]. He has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, which produces envy, quarrels, verbal abuse, evil suspicions,

5 and perpetual friction between men who are corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, who think that godliness is a source of profit [a lucrative, money-making business–withdraw from them].

6 But godlinessactuallyis a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God].

7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so [it is clear that] we cannot take anything out of it, either.

8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

9 But those who [are not financially ethical and] crave to get rich [with a compulsive, greedy longing for wealth] fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction [leading to personal misery].

10 For the love of money [that is, the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically] is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves [through and through] with many sorrows.

11 But as for you,O man of God, flee from these things; aim atandpursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.

13 Isolemnlycharge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and [in the presence] of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession [in His testimony] before Pontius Pilate,

14 to keep all His precepts without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 which He will bring about in His own time–He who is the blessed and only Sovereign [the absolute Ruler], the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords,

16 He alone possesses immortality [absolute exemption from death] and lives in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal poweranddominion! Amen.

17 As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceitedandarrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richlyandceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

18 Instruct themto do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share [with others].

19 In this way storing up for themselves theenduringriches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

20 O Timothy, guardandkeep safe the deposit [of godly truth] entrusted to you, turn away from worldly and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge”–

21 which some have professed and by doing so have erred (missed the mark)andstrayed from the faith.

Grace be with you.