Teach them and exhort them about these things. 4
2:1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, 5 prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, 6
1 tc Although most witnesses, including some early versions and fathers (D2 Ψ Ï sy Cyp Lcf Ambst), have ἀφίστασο ἀπὸ τῶν τοιούτων (afistaso apo’ twn toioutwn, “stay away from such things!”) after εὐσεβείαν (eusebeian, “godliness”; thus, “who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit; stay away from such things!”), there seems to be little good reason for this clause’s omission in some of the oldest and best witnesses (א A D* F G 048 6 33 81 1175 1739 1881 lat co). It is likely that it crept into the text early, perhaps as a marginal comment, but it should not be considered authentic in light of the strong external evidence against it.
2 tn Or “think the less of them”; Grk “despise them,” “look down on them.”
3 tn Or “those who devote themselves to service are faithful and dearly loved” (referring to slaves who serve them).
4 tn Grk “these things teach and exhort.”
5 tn Or “petitions.”
6 tn Grk “all men”; but here ἀνθρώπων (anqrwpwn) is used generically, referring to both men and women.