Paul urges Timothy to stay in Ephesus and stop those who teach false doctrine and get lost in endless speculation. The aim of the command is love from a pure heart. Paul thanks Christ, who made a persecutor into a servant.
1 Paul , an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour , and Lord Jesus Christ , which is our hope ;
2 Unto Timothy , my own son in the faith : Grace , mercy , and peace , from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord .
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus , when I went into Macedonia , that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine ,
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies , which minister questions , rather than godly edifying which is in faith : so do.
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart , and of a good conscience , and of faith unfeigned :
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling ;
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law ; understanding neither what they say , nor whereof they affirm .
8 But we know that the law is good , if a man use it lawfully ;
9 Knowing this , that the law is not made for a righteous man , but for the lawless and disobedient , for the ungodly and for sinners , for unholy and profane , for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers , for manslayers ,
10 For whoremongers , for them that defile themselves with mankind , for menstealers , for liars , for perjured persons , and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine ;
11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God , which was committed to my trust .
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord , who hath enabled me , for that he counted me faithful , putting me into the ministry ;
13 Who was before a blasphemer , and a persecutor , and injurious : but I obtained mercy , because I did it ignorantly in unbelief .
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus .
15 This is a faithful saying , and worthy of all acceptation , that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ; of whom I am chief .
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy , that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering , for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting .
17 Now unto the King eternal , immortal , invisible , the only wise God , be honour and glory for ever and ever . Amen .
18 This charge I commit unto thee , son Timothy , according to the prophecies which went before on thee , that thou by them mightest war a good warfare ;
19 Holding faith , and a good conscience ; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck :
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander ; whom I have delivered unto Satan , that they may learn not to blaspheme .