I charge you ¹  before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession ²  before Pontius Pilate,

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, ¹  given to you and confirmed by prophetic words ²  when the elders laid hands on you. ³ 

But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that ¹  in me as the worst, ²  Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.

But you, as a person dedicated to God, ¹  keep away from all that. ²  Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. This gives rise to envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions,

Likewise ¹  the women are to dress ²  in suitable apparel, with modesty and self-control. ³  Their adornment must not be ⁴  with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothing,

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, ¹  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. ² 

But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect ¹  because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. ² Teach them and exhort them about these things. ³ 

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress. ¹ 

older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters – with complete purity.

Honor ¹  widows who are truly in need. ² 

The overseer ¹  then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, ²  temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,

not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

who gave himself as a ransom for all, revealing God’s purpose at his appointed time. ¹ 

The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment, but for others, they show up later. ¹ 

If someone spreads false teachings ¹  and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,

and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, ¹  practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress – as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works. ² 

I put this charge ¹  before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, ²  in order that with such encouragement ³  you may fight the good fight.

Command and teach these things.

But reject those myths ¹  fit only for the godless and gullible, ²  and train yourself for godliness.