Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach.

and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge.

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.

For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.

O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and absurdities of so-called “knowledge.”

So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us.

In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

So I want the men to pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute.

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

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.

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.

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.

And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.

If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.

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.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God.

Those guilty of sin must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest.

Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.

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

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you