Do not lay hands on anyone hastily and so identify with the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day.

First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people,

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you.

As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings,

No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband,

But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry,

Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.

And we all agree, our religion contains amazing revelation: He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently.

In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Command and teach these things.

Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.

But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.

To do this you must hold firmly to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith.

Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion.

and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge.