Reinforce ¹  these commands, ²  so that they will be beyond reproach.

He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant ¹  and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact. ² 

Those guilty of sin ¹  must be rebuked ²  before all, ³  as a warning to the rest. ⁴ 

In this way they will save up ¹  a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation ²  for the future and so lay hold of ³  what is truly life.

As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus ¹  to instruct ²  certain people not to spread false teachings, ³ 

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan ¹  to be taught not to blaspheme.

And he must be well thought of by ¹  those outside the faith, ²  so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap. ³ 

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

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.

even for kings ¹  and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves ¹  in the household of God, because it is ²  the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth.

If a believing woman ¹  has widows in her family, ²  let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need. ³ 

Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind. ¹ 

Those who are under the yoke as slaves ¹  must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent ²  the name of God and Christian teaching ³  from being discredited. ⁴ 

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.