For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it.


I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my nation, and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.


But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased


to reveal his Son in me so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from any human being,


nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me, but right away I departed to Arabia, and then returned to Damascus.


Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and get information from him, and I stayed with him fifteen days.


But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.


I assure you that, before God, I am not lying about what I am writing to you!


Afterward I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.


But I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.


They were only hearing, “The one who once persecuted us is now proclaiming the good news of the faith he once tried to destroy.”


So they glorified God because of me.


Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, taking Titus along too.


I went there because of a revelation and presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so only in a private meeting with the influential people, to make sure that I was not running – or had not run – in vain.


Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek.


Now this matter arose because of the false brothers with false pretenses who slipped in unnoticed to spy on our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, to make us slaves.


But we did not surrender to them even for a moment, in order that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.


But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people ) – those influential leaders added nothing to my message.


On the contrary, when they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised just as Peter was to the circumcised


(for he who empowered Peter for his apostleship to the circumcised also empowered me for my apostleship to the Gentiles)


and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.


They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do.


But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he had clearly done wrong.


Until certain people came from James, he had been eating with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he stopped doing this and separated himself because he was afraid of those who were pro-circumcision.


And the rest of the Jews also joined with him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray with them by their hypocrisy.


But when I saw that they were not behaving consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, although you are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”


We are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners,


yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.


But if while seeking to be justified in Christ we ourselves have also been found to be sinners, is Christ then one who encourages sin? Absolutely not!


But if I build up again those things I once destroyed, I demonstrate that I am one who breaks God’s law.


For through the law I died to the law so that I may live to God.


I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.


I do not set aside God’s grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing!


You foolish Galatians! Who has cast a spell on you? Before your eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified!


The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?


Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort?


Have you suffered so many things for nothing? – if indeed it was for nothing.


Does God then give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard?


Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,


so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham.


And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you*.”


So then those who believe are blessed along with Abraham the believer.


For all who rely on doing the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not keep on doing everything written in the book of the law.”


Now it is clear no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous one will live by faith.


But the law is not based on faith, but the one who does the works of the law will live by them.


Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)


in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.


Brothers and sisters, I offer an example from everyday life: When a covenant has been ratified, even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it.


Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. Scripture does not say, “and to the descendants,” referring to many, but “and to your descendant,” referring to one, who is Christ.


What I am saying is this: The law that came four hundred thirty years later does not cancel a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to invalidate the promise.


For if the inheritance is based on the law, it is no longer based on the promise, but God graciously gave it to Abraham through the promise.


Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the descendant to whom the promise had been made. It was administered through angels by an intermediary.


Now an intermediary is not for one party alone, but God is one.


Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.


But the scripture imprisoned everything and everyone under sin so that the promise could be given – because of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ – to those who believe.


Now before faith came we were held in custody under the law, being kept as prisoners until the coming faith would be revealed.


Thus the law had become our guardian until Christ, so that we could be declared righteous by faith.


But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.


For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.


For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.


There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female – for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.


And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise.


Now I mean that the heir, as long as he is a minor, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything.


But he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.


So also we, when we were minors, were enslaved under the basic forces of the world.


But when the appropriate time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,


to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights.


And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls “Abba! Father!”


So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if you are a son, then you are also an heir through God.


Formerly when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods at all.


But now that you have come to know God (or rather to be known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?


You are observing religious days and months and seasons and years.


I fear for you that my work for you may have been in vain.


I beg you, brothers and sisters, become like me, because I have become like you. You have done me no wrong!


But you know it was because of a physical illness that I first proclaimed the gospel to you,


and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself!


Where then is your sense of happiness now? For I testify about you that if it were possible, you would have pulled out your eyes and given them to me!


So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?


They court you eagerly, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you would seek them eagerly.


However, it is good to be sought eagerly for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you.


My children – I am again undergoing birth pains until Christ is formed in you!


I wish I could be with you now and change my tone of voice, because I am perplexed about you.


Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law?


For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.


But one, the son by the slave woman, was born by natural descent, while the other, the son by the free woman, was born through the promise.


These things may be treated as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar.


Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.


But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.


For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman who does not bear children; break forth and shout, you who have no birth pains, because the children of the desolate woman are more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband.”


But you, brothers and sisters, are children of the promise like Isaac.


But just as at that time the one born by natural descent persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so it is now.


But what does the scripture say? “Throw out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the inheritance with the son” of the free woman.


Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman.


For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.


Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all!


And I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.


You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace!


For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait expectantly for the hope of righteousness.


For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight – the only thing that matters is faith working through love.


You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth?


This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you!


A little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise!


I am confident in the Lord that you will accept no other view. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.


Now, brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.


I wish those agitators would go so far as to castrate themselves!


For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another.


For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”


However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.


But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.


For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want.


But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.


Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity,


idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions,


envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,


gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.


If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit.


Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.


Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.


Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.


For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.


Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else.


For each one will carry his own load.


Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it.


Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows,


because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.


So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.


So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.


See what big letters I make as I write to you with my own hand!


Those who want to make a good showing in external matters are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.


For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh.


But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.


For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation!


And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God.


From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.


From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints [in Ephesus], the faithful in Christ Jesus.


Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!


Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ.


For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love.


He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will –


to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dearly loved Son.


In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace


that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight.


He did this when he revealed to us the secret of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ,


toward the administration of the fullness of the times, to head up all things in Christ – the things in heaven and the things on earth.


In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will


so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory.


And when you heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation) – when you believed in Christ – you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit,


who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.


For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,


I do not cease to give thanks for you when I remember you in my prayers.


I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him,


– since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened – so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints,


and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength.


This power he exercised in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms


far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.


And God put all things under Christ’s feet, and he gave him to the church as head over all things.


Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.


And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins,


in which you formerly lived according to this world’s present path, according to the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit that is now energizing the sons of disobedience,


among whom all of us also formerly lived out our lives in the cravings of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest...


But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us,


even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you are saved! –


and he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,


to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.


For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God;


it is not from works, so that no one can boast.


For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.


Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh – who are called “uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body by human hands –


that you were at that time without the Messiah, alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.


But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.


For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility,


when he nullified in his flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace,


and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed.


And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near,


so that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.


So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,


because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.


In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,


in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.


For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles –


if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,


that by revelation the divine secret was made known to me, as I wrote before briefly.


When reading this, you will be able to understand my insight into this secret of Christ.


Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,


namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.


I became a servant of this gospel according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power.


To me – less than the least of all the saints – this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ


and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan – a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.


The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.


This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,


in whom we have boldness and confident access to God because of Christ’s faithfulness.


For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.


For this reason I kneel before the Father,


from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named.


I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,


that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love,


you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,


and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.


Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think,


to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.


I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called,


with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,


making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling,


one Lord, one faith, one baptism,


one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.


But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.


Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave gifts to men.”


Now what is the meaning of “he ascended,” except that he also descended to the lower regions, namely, the earth?


He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.


It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,


to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ,


until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God – a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature.


So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes.


But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head.


From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love.


So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.


They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.


Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.


But you did not learn about Christ like this,


if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus.


You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires,


to be renewed in the spirit of your mind,


and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.


Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.


Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger.


Do not give the devil an opportunity.


The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need.


You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear.


And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.


You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk.


Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.


Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children


and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.


But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints.


Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving.


For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.


Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience.


Therefore do not be partakers with them,


for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light –


for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth –


trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.


Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.


For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention.


But all things being exposed by the light are made evident.


For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says: “Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!”


Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise,


taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.


For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.


And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit,


speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord,


always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,


and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.


Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord,


because the husband is the head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the church – he himself being the savior of the body.


But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.


Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her


to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word,


so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.


In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.


For no one has ever hated his own body but he feeds it and takes care of it, just as Christ also does the church,


for we are members of his body.


For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.


This mystery is great – but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church.


Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.


Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.


“Honor your father and mother,,*” which is the first commandment accompanied by a promise, namely,


“that it may go well with you and that you will live a long time on the earth.”


Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.


Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart as to Christ,


not like those who do their work only when someone is watching – as people-pleasers – but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart.


Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people,


because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord.


Masters, treat your slaves the same way, giving up the use of threats, because you know that both you and they have the same master in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.


Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power.


Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.


For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.


For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.


Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness,


by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace,


and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.


And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints.


Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak – that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel,


for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak.


Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you, so that you too may know about my circumstances, how I am doing.


I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.


Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


Grace be with all of those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.


From Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.


Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!


I thank my God every time I remember you.


I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you


because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.


For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.


For it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in God’s grace together with me.


For God is my witness that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.


And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight


so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ,


filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.


I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel:


The whole imperial guard and everyone else knows that I am in prison for the sake of Christ,


and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly.


Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill.


The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel.


The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment.


What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,


for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.


My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die.


For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.


Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer:


I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,


but it is more vital for your sake that I remain in the body.


And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith,


so that what you can be proud of may increase because of me in Christ Jesus, when I come back to you.


Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that – whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent – I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,


and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation – a sign which is from God.


For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him,


since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.


Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy,


complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose.


Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.


Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.


You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,


who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,


but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature.


He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross!


As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,


so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth –


and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.


So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence,


for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.


Do everything without grumbling or arguing,


so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world


by holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.


But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.


And in the same way you also should be glad and rejoice together with me.


Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be encouraged by hearing news about you.


For there is no one here like him who will readily demonstrate his deep concern for you.


Others are busy with their own concerns, not those of Jesus Christ.


But you know his qualifications, that like a son working with his father, he served with me in advancing the gospel.


So I hope to send him as soon as I know more about my situation,


though I am confident in the Lord that I too will be coming to see you soon.


But for now I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. For he is my brother, coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to me in my need.


Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill.


In fact he became so ill that he nearly died. But God showed mercy to him – and not to him only, but also to me – so that I would not have grief on top of grief.


Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you can rejoice and I can be free from anxiety.


So welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,


since it was because of the work of Christ that he almost died. He risked his life so that he could make up for your inability to serve me.


Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.


Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh!


For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials


– though mine too are significant. If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more:


I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee.


In my zeal for God I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law I was blameless.


But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ.


More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things – indeed, I regard them as dung! – that I may gain Christ,


and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness – a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness.


My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death,


and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.


Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me.


Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead,


with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.


Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways.


Nevertheless, let us live up to the standard that we have already attained.


Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.


For many live, about whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.


Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, they exult in their shame, and they think about earthly things.


But our citizenship is in heaven – and we also await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,


who will transform these humble bodies of ours into the likeness of his glorious body by means of that power by which he is able to subject all things to himself.


So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!


I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord.


Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.


Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!


Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near!


Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.


And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.


Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.


And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.


I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)


I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.


I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.


I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.


Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble.


And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone.


For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion you sent something for my need.


I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.


For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent – a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.


And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.


May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.


Give greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me here send greetings.


All the saints greet you, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.


The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.


From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,


to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father!


We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,


since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints.


Your faith and love have arisen from the hope laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard about in the message of truth, the gospel


that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.


You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave – a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf –


who also told us of your love in the Spirit.


For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,


so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects – bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God,


being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully


giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.


He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves,


in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.


He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation,


for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers – all things were created through him and for him.


He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him.


He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things.


For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son


and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross – through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.


And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your minds as expressed through your evil deeds,


but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him –


if indeed you remain in the faith, established and firm, without shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has also been preached in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become its servant.


Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body – for the sake of his body, the church – what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.


I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God – given to me for you – in order to complete the word of God,


that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden from ages and generations, but has now been revealed to his saints.


God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.


We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.


Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.


For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face.


My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ,


in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.


I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable.


For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ.


Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,


rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.


Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.


For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form,


and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.


In him you also were circumcised – not, however, with a circumcision performed by human hands, but by the removal of the fleshly body, that is, through the circumcision done by Christ.


Having been buried with him in baptism, you also have been raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead.


And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions.


He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.


Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.


Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days –


these are only the shadow of the things to come, but the reality is Christ!


Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels pass judgment on you. That person goes on at great lengths about what he has supposedly seen, but he is puffed up with empty notions by his fleshly mind.


He has not held fast to the head from whom the whole body, supported and knit together through its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.


If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world?


“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”


These are all destined to perish with use, founded as they are on human commands and teachings.


Even though they have the appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship and false humility achieved by an unsparing treatment of the body – a wisdom with no true value – they in reality result in fleshly indulgence.


Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.


Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth,


for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.


When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.


So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry.


Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.


You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them.


But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth.


Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices


and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.


Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.


Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,


bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.


And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.


Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful.


Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God.


And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.


Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.


Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.


Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened.


Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.


Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,


because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.


For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.


Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.


Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.


At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.


Pray that I may make it known as I should.


Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.


Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.


Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.


I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts.


I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.


Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).


And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.


Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.


For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.


Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you.


Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.


And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well.


And tell Archippus, “See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord.”


I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.


From Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you!


We thank God always for all of you as we mention you constantly in our prayers,


because we recall in the presence of our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.


We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,


in that our gospel did not come to you merely in words, but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you).


And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction.


As a result you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.


For from you the message of the Lord has echoed forth not just in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place reports of your faith in God have spread, so that we do not need to say anything.


For people everywhere report how you welcomed us and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God


and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.


For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless.


But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition.


For the appeal we make does not come from error or impurity or with deceit,


but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.


For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness –


nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others,


although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children,


with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.


For you recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery: By working night and day so as not to impose a burden on any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.


You are witnesses, and so is God, as to how holy and righteous and blameless our conduct was toward you who believe.


As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children,


exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory.


And so we too constantly thank God that when you received God’s message that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human message, but as it truly is, God’s message, which is at work among you who believe.


For you became imitators, brothers and sisters, of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they in fact did from the Jews,


who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us severely. They are displeasing to God and are opposed to all people,


because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins, but wrath has come upon them completely.


But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person.


For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again) but Satan thwarted us.


For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you?


For you are our glory and joy!


So when we could bear it no longer, we decided to stay on in Athens alone.


We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you about your faith,


so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.


For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.


So when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter somehow tempted you and our toil had proven useless.


But now Timothy has come to us from you and given us the good news of your faith and love and that you always think of us with affection and long to see us just as we also long to see you!


So in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters, through your faith.


For now we are alive again, if you stand firm in the Lord.


For how can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God?


We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person and make up what may be lacking in your faith.


Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.


And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you,


so that your hearts are strengthened in holiness to be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.


Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and please God (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more.


For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.


For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality,


that each of you know how to possess his own body in holiness and honor,


not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God.


In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly.


For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness.


Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.


Now on the topic of brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.


And indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers and sisters in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,


to aspire to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you.


In this way you will live a decent life before outsiders and not be in need.


Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope.


For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also we believe that God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep as Christians.


For we tell you this by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not go ahead of those who have fallen asleep.


For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.


Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.


Therefore encourage one another with these words.


Now on the topic of times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you.


For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come in the same way as a thief in the night.


Now when they are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape.


But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.


For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.


So then we must not sleep as the rest, but must stay alert and sober.


For those who sleep, sleep at night and those who get drunk are drunk at night.


But since we are of the day, we must stay sober by putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet our hope for salvation.


For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.


He died for us so that whether we are alert or asleep we will come to life together with him.


Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.


Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,


and to esteem them most highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.


And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all.


See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.


Always rejoice,


constantly pray,


in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


Do not extinguish the Spirit.


Do not treat prophecies with contempt.


But examine all things; hold fast to what is good.


Stay away from every form of evil.


Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this.


Brothers and sisters, pray for us too.


Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.


I call on you solemnly in the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


From Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!


We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith flourishes more and more and the love of each one of you all for one another is ever greater.


As a result we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you are enduring.


This is evidence of God’s righteous judgment, to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which in fact you are suffering.


For it is right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,


and to you who are being afflicted to give rest together with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.


With flaming fire he will mete out punishment on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.


They will undergo the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his strength,


when he comes to be glorified among his saints and admired on that day among all who have believed – and you did in fact believe our testimony.


And in this regard we pray for you always, that our God will make you worthy of his calling and fulfill by his power your every desire for goodness and every work of faith,


that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.


Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with him, we ask you, brothers and sisters,


not to be easily shaken from your composure or disturbed by any kind of spirit or message or letter allegedly from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here.


Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not arrive until the rebellion comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.


He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, and as a result he takes his seat in God’s temple, displaying himself as God.


Surely you recall that I used to tell you these things while I was still with you.


And so you know what holds him back, so that he will be revealed in his own time.


For the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work. However, the one who holds him back will do so until he is taken out of the way,


and then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy by the breath of his mouth and wipe out by the manifestation of his arrival.


The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders,


and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved.


Consequently God sends on them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false.


And so all of them who have not believed the truth but have delighted in evil will be condemned.


But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.


He called you to this salvation through our gospel, so that you may possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.


Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope,


encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good thing you do or say.


Finally, pray for us, brothers and sisters, that the Lord’s message may spread quickly and be honored as in fact it was among you,


and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil people. For not all have faith.


But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.


And we are confident about you in the Lord that you are both doing – and will do – what we are commanding.


Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God and the endurance of Christ.


But we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who lives an undisciplined life and not according to the tradition they received from us.


For you know yourselves how you must imitate us, because we did not behave without discipline among you,


and we did not eat anyone’s food without paying. Instead, in toil and drudgery we worked night and day in order not to burden any of you.


It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate.


For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.”


For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, not doing their own work but meddling in the work of others.


Now such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and so provide their own food to eat.


But you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing what is right.


But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed.


Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.


Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.


I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which is how I write in every letter.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.


From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,


to Timothy, my genuine child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!


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


nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. Such things promote useless speculations rather than God’s redemptive plan that operates by faith.


But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.


Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion.


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.


But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately,


realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,


sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers – in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching.


This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me.


I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry,


even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief,


and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.


This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them!


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.


Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.


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


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.


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


First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people,


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


Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior,


since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.


For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human,


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


For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle – I am telling the truth; I am not lying – and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.


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


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


but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God.


A woman must learn quietly with all submissiveness.


But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet.


For Adam was formed first and then Eve.


And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, because she was fully deceived, fell into transgression.


But she will be delivered through childbearing, if she continues in faith and love and holiness with self-control.


This saying is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.”


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


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


He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity.


But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?


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


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.


Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain,


holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.


And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.


Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect.


Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households.


For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.


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


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


And we all agree, our religion contains amazing revelation: He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.


Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings,


influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.


They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.


For every creation of God is good and no food is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.


For it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.


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


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


For “physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.”


This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.


In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.


Command and teach these things.


Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.


Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.


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


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


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.


Do not address an older man harshly but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers,


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


Honor widows who are truly in need.


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.


But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day.


But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.


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


But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.


No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband,


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


But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry,


and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge.


And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.


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


For some have already wandered away to follow Satan.


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.


Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.


For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker deserves his pay.”


Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.


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


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.


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


(Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion and your frequent illnesses.)


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


Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.


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.


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


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


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,


and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.


Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.


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


But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.


Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.


For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.


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


Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.


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


to obey this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ


– whose appearing the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the right time.


He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.


Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.


Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others.


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.


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


By professing it, some have strayed from the faith. Grace be with you all.


From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to further the promise of life in Christ Jesus,


to Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!


I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day.


As I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.


I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.


Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands.


For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.


So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.


He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,


but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!


For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.


Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.


Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.


Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.


You know that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.


May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment.


But when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me.


May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well all the ways he served me in Ephesus.


So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.


And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.


Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.


No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him.


Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules.


The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops.


Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.


Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel,


for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God’s message is not imprisoned!


So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory.


This saying is trustworthy: If we died with him, we will also live with him.


If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.


If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.


Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.


Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.


But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness,


and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group.


They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith.


However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”


Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use.


So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.


But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart.


But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting.


And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,


correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth


and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.


But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come.


For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,


unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good,


treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God.


They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.


For some of these insinuate themselves into households and captivate weak women who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions.


Such women are always seeking instruction, yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.


And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people – who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith – also oppose the truth.


But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.


You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance,


as well as the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all.


Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.


But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.


You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you


and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.


Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,


that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.


I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:


Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.


For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things.


And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.


You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.


For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand.


I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!


Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day – and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.


Make every effort to come to me soon.


For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia.


Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry.


Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.


When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments.


Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds.


You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words.


At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it.


But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth!


The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.


Greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus.


Erastus stayed in Corinth. Trophimus I left ill in Miletus.


Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.


The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.


From Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness,


in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began.


But now in his own time he has made his message evident through the preaching I was entrusted with according to the command of God our Savior.


To Titus, my genuine son in a common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior!


The reason I left you in Crete was to set in order the remaining matters and to appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.


An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.


For the overseer must be blameless as one entrusted with God’s work, not arrogant, not prone to anger, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain.


Instead he must be hospitable, devoted to what is good, sensible, upright, devout, and self-controlled.


He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.


For there are many rebellious people, idle talkers, and deceivers, especially those with Jewish connections,


who must be silenced because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught.


A certain one of them, in fact, one of their own prophets, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”


Such testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith


and not pay attention to Jewish myths and commands of people who reject the truth.


All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted.


They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.


But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.


Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.


Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good.


In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children,


to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.


Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled,


showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,


and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.


Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back,


not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.


For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.


It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,


as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.


He gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, who are eager to do good.


So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you.


Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.


They must not slander anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people.


For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another.


But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,


he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,