1 Timothy 1:12–3:7

PAUL’S TESTIMONY

12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthenedx me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry—13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer,y a persecutor,z and an arrogant man.aa But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthyab and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the worldac to save sinners”ad—and I am the worst of them.ae 16 But I received mercyaf for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patienceag as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.ah 17 Now to the Kingai eternal,aj immortal,ak invisible, the onlyB God,al be honoram and gloryan forever and ever. Amen.ao

ENGAGE IN BATTLE

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the propheciesap previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faithaq and a good conscience,ar which someas have rejected and have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeusat and Alexander,au whom I have delivered to Satan,av so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

INSTRUCTIONS ON PRAYER

2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority,aw so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godlinessax and dignity.ay 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,az 4 who wants everyoneba to be savedbb and to come to the knowledge of the truth.bc

5 For there is one Godbd and one mediatorbe between God and mankind, the manbf Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all,bg a testimony at the proper time.

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostlebh (I am telling the truth;A I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentilesbi in faith and truth.

INSTRUCTIONS TO MEN AND WOMEN

8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.bj 9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing,a with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold,b pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works,c as is proper for women who profess to worship God. 11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission.d 12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.e 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed.f 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness,g with good sense.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OVERSEERS AND DEACONS

3 This saying is trustworthy:h “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,B,i he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer,j therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,k respectable, hospitable,l able to teach, 3 not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.m 4 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.n 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’so trap.