Bible in 90 Days
Giving Thanks for These Believers
1 (A)Paul, (B)Silvanus, and (C)Timothy,
To the (D)church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: (E)Grace to you and peace.
2 (F)We always give thanks to God for all of you, (G)making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly keeping in mind your (H)work of faith and labor of (I)love and [a](J)perseverance of hope [b]in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of (K)our God and Father, 4 knowing, (L)brothers and sisters, beloved by God, (M)His choice of you; 5 for our (N)gospel did not come to you in word only, but also (O)in power and in the Holy Spirit and with (P)full conviction; just as you know (Q)what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sakes. 6 You also became (R)imitators of us and of the Lord, (S)having received (T)the word during great affliction with the (U)joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in (V)Macedonia and (W)Achaia. 8 For (X)the word of the Lord has (Y)sounded forth from you, not only in (Z)Macedonia and (AA)Achaia, but (AB)in every place the news of your faith toward God has gone out, so that we have no need to say anything. 9 For they themselves report about us [c]as to the kind of (AC)reception we had with you, and how you (AD)turned to God (AE)from [d]idols to serve [e](AF)a living and true God, 10 and to (AG)wait for His Son from [f]heaven, whom He (AH)raised from the dead, that is, Jesus who (AI)rescues us from (AJ)the wrath to come.
Paul’s Ministry
2 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our [g](AK)reception among you (AL)was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been (AM)treated abusively in (AN)Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God (AO)to speak to you the (AP)gospel of God [h]amid much [i](AQ)opposition. 3 For our (AR)exhortation does not come from (AS)error or (AT)impurity or [j]by way of (AU)deceit; 4 (AV)but just as we have been approved by God to be (AW)entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, (AX)not intending to please people, but to please God, who [k](AY)examines our hearts. 5 For we never came [l]with flattering speech, as you know, nor with (AZ)a pretext [m]for greed—(BA)God is our witness— 6 nor did we (BB)seek honor from people, either from you or from others, though [n]we could have [o]asserted our authority as (BC)apostles of Christ. 7 But we [p]proved to be [q](BD)gentle [r]among you. (BE)As a nursing mother [s]tenderly cares for her own children, 8 in the same way we had a fond affection for you and were delighted to (BF)share with you not only the (BG)gospel of God, but also our own [t]lives, because you had become [u]very dear to us.
9 For you recall, brothers and sisters, our (BH)labor and hardship: it was by (BI)working night and day so as not to be a (BJ)burden to any of you, that we proclaimed to you the (BK)gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is (BL)God, of (BM)how devoutly and rightly and blamelessly we [v]behaved toward you [w]believers; 11 just as you know how we were (BN)exhorting and encouraging and (BO)imploring each one of you as (BP)a father would his own children, 12 so that you would (BQ)walk in a manner worthy of the God who (BR)calls you into His own kingdom and (BS)glory.
13 For this reason we also constantly (BT)thank God that when you received the (BU)word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it (BV)not as the word of mere men, but as what it really is, the word of God, (BW)which also is at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became (BX)imitators of (BY)the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are (BZ)in Judea, for (CA)you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, (CB)even as they did from the Jews, 15 (CC)who both killed the Lord Jesus and (CD)the prophets, and [x]drove us out. [y]They are not pleasing to God, [z]but hostile to all people, 16 (CE)hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles (CF)so that they may be saved; with the result that they always [aa](CG)reach the limit of their sins. But (CH)wrath has come upon them [ab]fully.
17 But we, brothers and sisters, having been orphaned from you by absence for a [ac]short while—(CI)in [ad]person, not in [ae]spirit—were all the more eager with great desire (CJ)to see your face. 18 [af]For (CK)we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, [ag](CL)more than once—and (CM)Satan (CN)hindered us. 19 For who is our hope, or (CO)joy or crown of pride, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His [ah](CP)coming? Or is it not indeed you? 20 For you are (CQ)our glory and joy.
Encouragement of Timothy’s Visit
3 Therefore, (CR)when we could no longer endure it, we thought it best to be left behind, alone at (CS)Athens, 2 and we sent (CT)Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the benefit of your faith, 3 so that no one would be [ai]disturbed by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that (CU)we have been destined for this. 4 For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; [aj](CV)and so it happened, [ak]as you know. 5 For this reason, (CW)when I could no longer endure it, I also (CX)sent to [al]find out about your faith, for fear that (CY)the tempter might have tempted you, and (CZ)our labor would be for nothing.
6 But now that (DA)Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of (DB)your faith and love, and that you always (DC)think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7 for this reason, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we really live, if you (DD)stand firm in the Lord. 9 For (DE)what thanks can we give to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God, 10 as we (DF)keep praying most earnestly night and day that we may (DG)see your faces, and may (DH)complete what is lacking in your faith?
11 (DI)Now may (DJ)our God and Father (DK)Himself, and our Lord Jesus, (DL)direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and (DM)overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may (DN)establish your hearts (DO)blameless in holiness before (DP)our God and Father at the [am](DQ)coming of our Lord Jesus (DR)with all His [an]saints.
Sanctification and Love
4 (DS)Finally then, (DT)brothers and sisters, we request and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us as to how you ought to [ao](DU)walk and (DV)please God (just as you actually do [ap]walk), that you (DW)excel even more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you [aq]by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you (DX)abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that (DY)each of you know how to [ar]possess his own [as](DZ)vessel in sanctification and (EA)honor, 5 not in [at](EB)lustful passion, like the Gentiles who (EC)do not know God; 6 and that no one violate the rights and (ED)take advantage of his brother or sister (EE)in the matter, because (EF)the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also (EG)told you previously and solemnly warned you. 7 For (EH)God has not called us for [au](EI)impurity, but in sanctification. 8 Therefore, the one who rejects this is not rejecting man, but the God who (EJ)gives His Holy Spirit to you.
9 Now as to the (EK)love of the brothers and sisters, you (EL)have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are (EM)taught by God to love one another; 10 for indeed (EN)you practice it toward all the brothers and sisters who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to (EO)excel even more, 11 and to make it your ambition (EP)to lead a quiet life and (EQ)attend to your own business and (ER)work with your hands, just as we instructed you, 12 so that you will [av](ES)behave properly toward (ET)outsiders and [aw](EU)not be in any need.
Those Who Died in Christ
13 But (EV)we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who [ax](EW)are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed (EX)the rest of mankind do, who have (EY)no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, (EZ)so also God will bring with Him (FA)those who have fallen asleep [ay]through Jesus. 15 For we say this to you (FB)by the word of the Lord, that (FC)we who are alive [az]and remain until (FD)the coming of the Lord will not precede (FE)those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord (FF)Himself (FG)will descend from heaven with a [ba](FH)shout, with the voice of (FI)the archangel and with the (FJ)trumpet of God, and (FK)the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then (FL)we who are alive, who remain, will be (FM)caught up together with them (FN)in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always (FO)be with the Lord. 18 Therefore, [bb]comfort one another with these words.
The Day of the Lord
5 Now as to the (FP)periods and [bc]times, brothers and sisters, you (FQ)have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that (FR)the day of the Lord is coming (FS)just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, “(FT)Peace and safety!” then (FU)sudden destruction [bd]will come upon them like (FV)labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in (FW)darkness, so that the day would overtake you [be](FX)like a thief; 5 for you are all (FY)sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of (FZ)darkness; 6 so then, let’s not (GA)sleep as [bf](GB)others do, but let’s be alert and [bg](GC)sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, (GD)get drunk at night. 8 But since (GE)we are of the day, let’s (GF)be [bh]sober, having put on the (GG)breastplate of (GH)faith and love, and as a (GI)helmet, the (GJ)hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for (GK)wrath, but for (GL)obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 (GM)who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11 Therefore, [bi]encourage one another and (GN)build one another up, just as you also are doing.
Christian Conduct
12 But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to (GO)recognize those (GP)who diligently labor among you and [bj](GQ)are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you [bk]instruction, 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. (GR)Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish (GS)the [bl]unruly, encourage (GT)the fainthearted, help (GU)the weak, be (GV)patient with everyone. 15 See that (GW)no one repays another with evil for evil, but always (GX)seek what is good for one another and for all people. 16 (GY)Rejoice always, 17 (GZ)pray without ceasing, 18 in everything (HA)give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 (HB)Do not quench the Spirit, 20 do not utterly reject [bm](HC)prophecies, 21 but (HD)examine everything; (HE)hold firmly to that which is good, 22 abstain from every [bn]form of evil.
23 Now (HF)may the God of peace (HG)Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your (HH)spirit and soul and body be kept complete, (HI)without blame at (HJ)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 (HK)Faithful is He who (HL)calls you, and He also will do it.
25 Brothers and sisters, (HM)pray for us[bo].
26 (HN)Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27 I put you under oath by the Lord to (HO)have this letter read to all the (HP)brothers and sisters.
28 (HQ)May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Giving Thanks for Faith and Perseverance
1 (HR)Paul, (HS)Silvanus, and (HT)Timothy,
To the (HU)church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 (HV)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We ought always (HW)to give thanks to God for you, (HX)brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the (HY)love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater. 4 As a result, we ourselves (HZ)speak proudly of you among (IA)the churches of God for your [bp]perseverance and faith [bq](IB)in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5 This is [br]a (IC)plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be (ID)considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you indeed are suffering. 6 [bs]For after all (IE)it is only right [bt]for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us, [bu](IF)when the Lord Jesus will be revealed (IG)from heaven (IH)with [bv]His mighty angels 8 (II)in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who (IJ)do not know God, and to those who (IK)do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These people will pay the penalty of (IL)eternal destruction, (IM)away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be (IN)glorified among His [bw]saints on that (IO)day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—because our (IP)testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end also we (IQ)pray for you always, that our God will (IR)consider you worthy of your (IS)calling, and fulfill every desire for (IT)goodness and the (IU)work of faith with power, 12 so that the (IV)name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Man of Lawlessness
2 Now we ask you, (IW)brothers and sisters, regarding the [bx](IX)coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our (IY)gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your [by]composure or be disturbed either by a (IZ)spirit, or a [bz](JA)message, or a (JB)letter as if from us, to the effect that (JC)the day of the Lord (JD)has come. 3 (JE)No one is to deceive you in any way! For it will not come unless the [ca](JF)apostasy comes first, and the (JG)man of lawlessness is revealed, the (JH)son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above [cb](JI)every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, (JJ)displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that (JK)while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know (JL)what restrains him now, so that he will be revealed in his time. 7 For (JM)the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [cc](JN)He who now restrains will do so until [cd]He is [ce]removed. 8 Then that lawless one (JO)will be revealed, whom the Lord will eliminate (JP)with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the (JQ)appearance of His [cf]coming; 9 that is, the one whose [cg]coming is in accord with the activity of (JR)Satan, with all power and false [ch](JS)signs and wonders, 10 and with [ci]all the deception of wickedness for (JT)those who perish, because they did not accept the love of (JU)the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason (JV)God [cj]will send upon them [ck]a (JW)deluding influence so that they will believe [cl]what is false, 12 in order that they all may be [cm]judged who (JX)did not believe the truth, but [cn](JY)took pleasure in wickedness.
Stand Firm
13 (JZ)But we should always give thanks to God for you, (KA)brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because (KB)God has chosen you [co]from the beginning (KC)for salvation [cp](KD)through sanctification [cq]by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He (KE)called you through (KF)our gospel, [cr]that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, (KG)stand firm and (KH)hold on to the traditions which you were taught, whether (KI)by word of mouth or (KJ)by letter [cs]from us.
16 (KK)Now may our Lord Jesus Christ (KL)Himself and God our Father, who has (KM)loved us and given us eternal comfort and (KN)good hope by grace, 17 (KO)comfort and (KP)strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
Request for Prayer
3 (KQ)Finally, brothers and sisters, (KR)pray for us that (KS)the word of the Lord will [ct]spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it was also with you; 2 and that we will be (KT)rescued from troublesome and evil people; for not all have the faith. 3 But (KU)the Lord is faithful, [cu]and He will strengthen and protect you [cv]from (KV)the evil one. 4 We have (KW)confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you (KX)are doing, and will do, what we command. 5 May the Lord (KY)direct your hearts to the love of God and to the perseverance of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brothers and sisters, (KZ)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you [cw](LA)keep away from every brother or sister who [cx]leads a [cy](LB)disorderly life and not one in accordance with (LC)the tradition which [cz]you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to [da](LD)follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined way among you, 8 nor did we (LE)eat [db]anyone’s bread [dc]without paying for it, but with (LF)labor and hardship we kept (LG)working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have (LH)the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves (LI)as a role model for you, so that you would [dd]follow our example. 10 For even (LJ)when we were with you, we used to give you this order: (LK)if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are (LL)leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like (LM)busybodies. 12 Now we command and (LN)exhort such persons in the Lord Jesus Christ to (LO)work [de]peacefully and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, (LP)brothers and sisters, (LQ)do not grow weary of doing good.
14 If anyone does not obey our [df]instruction [dg](LR)in this letter, take special note of that person so as (LS)not to associate with him, so that he will be (LT)put to shame. 15 And yet (LU)do not regard that person as an enemy, but [dh](LV)admonish that one as a (LW)brother or sister.
16 Now (LX)may the Lord of peace (LY)Himself continually grant you peace in every [di]circumstance. (LZ)The Lord be with you all!
17 [dj]I, Paul, write this greeting (MA)with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18 (MB)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Correcting False Teaching
1 Paul, (MC)an apostle of (MD)Christ Jesus (ME)according to the commandment of (MF)God our Savior, and of (MG)Christ Jesus, who is our (MH)hope,
2 To (MI)Timothy, (MJ)my true [dk]son in the faith: (MK)Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and (ML)Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 Just as I urged you [dl]upon my departure for (MM)Macedonia, to remain on at (MN)Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to (MO)teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to [dm]pay attention to (MP)myths and endless (MQ)genealogies, which give rise to useless (MR)speculation rather than (MS)advance [dn]the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now. 5 But the goal of our [do](MT)instruction is love (MU)from a pure heart, from a (MV)good conscience, and from a sincere (MW)faith. 6 Some people have strayed from these things and have turned aside to (MX)fruitless discussion, 7 (MY)wanting to be (MZ)teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.
8 But we know that (NA)the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that (NB)law is not made for a righteous person but for those who are lawless and (NC)rebellious, for the (ND)ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and (NE)worldly, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the [dp](NF)sexually immoral, (NG)homosexuals, [dq](NH)slave traders, (NI)liars, (NJ)perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to (NK)sound teaching, 11 according to (NL)the glorious gospel of (NM)the blessed God, with which I have been (NN)entrusted.
Paul’s Testimony
12 I thank (NO)Christ Jesus our Lord, who has (NP)strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, (NQ)putting me into service, 13 even though I was previously a blasphemer and a (NR)persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was (NS)shown mercy because (NT)I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the (NU)grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the (NV)faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 (NW)It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that (NX)Christ Jesus came into the world to (NY)save sinners, among whom (NZ)I am foremost. 16 Yet for this reason I (OA)found mercy, so that in me as the foremost sinner Jesus Christ might (OB)demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those [dr]who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the (OC)King [ds]eternal, (OD)immortal, (OE)invisible, the (OF)only God, (OG)be honor and glory [dt]forever and ever. Amen.
18 This (OH)command I entrust to you, Timothy, (OI)my [du]son, in accordance with the (OJ)prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you (OK)fight the good fight, 19 keeping (OL)faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to [dv](OM)their faith. 20 [dw]Among these are (ON)Hymenaeus and (OO)Alexander, whom I have (OP)handed over to Satan, so that they will be (OQ)taught not to blaspheme.
A Call to Prayer
2 First of all, then, I urge that (OR)requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 (OS)for kings and all who are in [dx]authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and [dy]dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of (OT)God our Savior, 4 (OU)who wants all people to be (OV)saved and to (OW)come to the [dz]knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is (OX)one God, and (OY)one mediator also between God and mankind, the (OZ)Man Christ Jesus, 6 who (PA)gave Himself as a ransom for all, the (PB)testimony [ea]given at [eb](PC)the proper time. 7 (PD)For this I was appointed as a [ec]preacher and (PE)an apostle ((PF)I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of (PG)the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Instructions for Believers
8 Therefore (PH)I want the men (PI)in every place to pray, (PJ)lifting up (PK)holy hands, without anger and dispute. 9 Likewise, I want (PL)women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, [ed]modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive apparel, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11 (PM)A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 (PN)But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 (PO)For it was Adam who was first [ee]created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but (PP)the woman was [ef]deceived and [eg]became a wrongdoer. 15 But [eh]women will be [ei]preserved through [ej]childbirth—if they continue in (PQ)faith, love, and sanctity, with moderation.
Overseers and Deacons
3 (PR)It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the (PS)office of [ek]overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 [el](PT)An overseer, then, must be above reproach, (PU)the husband of one wife, [em](PV)temperate, self-controlled, respectable, (PW)hospitable, (PX)skillful in teaching, 3 (PY)not overindulging in wine, not [en]a bully, but gentle, not contentious, (PZ)free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who (QA)manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of (QB)the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become (QC)conceited and fall into (QD)condemnation [eo]incurred by the devil. 7 And he must (QE)have a good reputation with (QF)those outside the church, so that he will not fall into [ep]disgrace and (QG)the snare of the devil.
8 (QH)Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not [eq]insincere, (QI)not prone to drink much wine, (QJ)not greedy for money, 9 (QK)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 (QL)These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [er]Women must likewise be dignified, (QM)not malicious gossips, but [es](QN)temperate, faithful in all things. 12 (QO)Deacons must be (QP)husbands of one wife, and [et](QQ)good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons (QR)obtain for themselves a [eu]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15 but [ev]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in (QS)the household of God, which is the (QT)church of (QU)the living God, the (QV)pillar and support of the truth. 16 Beyond question, great is (QW)the mystery of godliness:
He who was (QX)revealed in the flesh,
Was [ew](QY)vindicated [ex]in the Spirit,
(QZ)Seen by angels,
(RA)Proclaimed among the nations,
(RB)Believed on in the world,
(RC)Taken up in glory.
Abandonment of Faith
4 But (RD)the Spirit explicitly says that (RE)in later times some will [ey]fall away from the faith, paying attention to (RF)deceitful spirits and (RG)teachings of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars (RH)seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 who (RI)forbid marriage and advocate (RJ)abstaining from foods which (RK)God has created to be (RL)gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For (RM)everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is (RN)received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of (RO)the word of God and prayer.
A Good Minister’s Discipline
6 In pointing out these things to (RP)the brothers and sisters, you will be a good (RQ)servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the (RR)good doctrine which you (RS)have been following. 7 But [ez]stay away from (RT)worthless (RU)stories that are typical of old women. Rather, [fa]discipline yourself for the purpose of (RV)godliness; 8 for (RW)bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but (RX)godliness is beneficial for all things, since it (RY)holds promise for the (RZ)present life and also for the life to come. 9 (SA)It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set (SB)our hope on (SC)the living God, who is (SD)the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.
11 [fb](SE)Prescribe and teach these things. 12 (SF)Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, (SG)love, faith, and purity, show yourself (SH)an example [fc]of those who believe. 13 (SI)Until I come, give your attention to the public [fd](SJ)reading, to exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of (SK)prophecy with (SL)the laying on of hands by the [fe](SM)council of elders. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 (SN)Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will (SO)save both yourself and those who hear you.
Honor Widows
5 (SP)Do not sharply rebuke an (SQ)older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to (SR)the younger men as brothers, 2 to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are actually (SS)widows; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, (ST)they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is (SU)acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is actually a (SV)widow and has been left alone (SW)has set her hope on God, and she continues in (SX)requests and prayers night and day. 6 But she who (SY)indulges herself in luxury is (SZ)dead, even while she lives. 7 [ff](TA)Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has (TB)denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 A widow is to be (TC)put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been (TD)the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for (TE)good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has (TF)shown hospitality to strangers, if she (TG)has washed the [fg]saints’ feet, if she has (TH)assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel (TI)physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have [fh]ignored their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become (TJ)gossips and (TK)busybodies, talking about (TL)things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get (TM)married, have children, (TN)manage their households, and (TO)give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15 for some (TP)have already turned away to follow (TQ)Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer (TR)has dependent widows, she must (TS)assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually (TT)widows.
Concerning Elders
17 (TU)The elders who (TV)lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who (TW)work hard [fi]at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “(TX)You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “(TY)The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an (TZ)elder except on the basis of (UA)two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, (UB)rebuke in the presence of all, (UC)so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21 (UD)I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22 (UE)Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and [fj]thereby share (UF)responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself [fk]free from sin.
23 Do not go on drinking only water, but (UG)use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
24 The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins (UH)follow after. 25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and (UI)those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
Instructions to Those Who Minister
6 (UJ)All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor (UK)so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be [fl]spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are (UL)brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who [fm]partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. (UM)Teach and [fn]preach these principles.
3 If anyone (UN)advocates a different doctrine and does not [fo]agree with (UO)sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine (UP)conforming to godliness, 4 he is (UQ)conceited and understands nothing; but he [fp]has a sick craving for (UR)controversial questions and (US)disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between (UT)people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who (UU)suppose that [fq]godliness is a means of gain. 6 (UV)But godliness actually is a means of (UW)great gain when accompanied by (UX)contentment. 7 For (UY)we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. 8 If we (UZ)have food and [fr]covering, with these we shall be content. 9 (VA)But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and (VB)a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For (VC)the love of money is a root of all [fs]sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have (VD)wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many [ft]griefs.
11 But (VE)flee from these things, you (VF)man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, (VG)faith, (VH)love, [fu]perseverance, and gentleness. 12 (VI)Fight the good fight of (VJ)faith; (VK)take hold of the eternal life (VL)to which you were called, and for which you made the good (VM)confession in the presence of (VN)many witnesses. 13 (VO)I direct you in the presence of God, who [fv]gives life to all things, and of (VP)Christ Jesus, who testified the (VQ)good confession (VR)before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without [fw]fault or reproach until the (VS)appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will [fx]bring about at (VT)the proper time—He who is (VU)the blessed and (VV)only Sovereign, (VW)the King of [fy]kings and (VX)Lord of [fz]lords, 16 (VY)who alone possesses immortality and (VZ)dwells in unapproachable light, (WA)whom [ga]no one has seen or can see. (WB)To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
17 Instruct those who are rich in (WC)this present world (WD)not to be conceited or to (WE)set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, (WF)who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in (WG)good [gb]works, (WH)to be generous and ready to share, 19 (WI)storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may (WJ)take hold of that which is truly life.
20 (WK)Timothy, protect (WL)what has been entrusted to you, avoiding (WM)worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21 which some have professed and thereby have (WN)gone astray [gc]from (WO)the faith.
(WP)Grace be with you.
Timothy Charged to Guard His Trust
1 Paul, (WQ)an apostle of (WR)Christ Jesus [gd](WS)by the will of God, according to the promise of (WT)life in Christ Jesus,
2 To (WU)Timothy, my beloved [ge](WV)son: (WW)Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 (WX)I thank God, whom I (WY)serve with a (WZ)clear conscience [gf]the way my forefathers did, (XA)as I constantly remember you in my [gg]prayers night and day, 4 (XB)longing to see you, (XC)even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 [gh]For I am mindful of the (XD)sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and (XE)your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh (XF)the gift of God which is in you through (XG)the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a (XH)spirit of [gi]timidity, but of power and love and [gj]discipline.
8 Therefore (XI)do not be ashamed of the (XJ)testimony of our Lord or of me (XK)His prisoner, but join with me in (XL)suffering for the (XM)gospel according to the power of God, 9 who (XN)saved us and (XO)called us with a holy (XP)calling, (XQ)not according to our works, but according to His own (XR)purpose and grace, which was granted to us in (XS)Christ Jesus from (XT)all eternity, 10 but has (XU)now been revealed by the (XV)appearing of our Savior (XW)Christ Jesus, who (XX)abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 (XY)for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; but (XZ)I am not ashamed, for I know (YA)whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to (YB)protect what I have entrusted to Him [gk]until (YC)that day. 13 (YD)Hold on to the (YE)example of (YF)sound words (YG)which you have heard from me, in the (YH)faith and love which are in (YI)Christ Jesus. 14 Protect, through the Holy Spirit who (YJ)dwells in us, the [gl](YK)treasure which has been entrusted to you.
15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in [gm](YL)Asia (YM)turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to (YN)the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and (YO)was not ashamed of my [gn](YP)chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on (YQ)that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at (YR)Ephesus.
Be Strong
2 You therefore, my [go](YS)son, (YT)be strong in the grace that is in (YU)Christ Jesus. 2 The things (YV)which you have heard from me in the presence of (YW)many witnesses, (YX)entrust these to (YY)faithful [gp]people who will be (YZ)able to teach others also. 3 (ZA)Suffer hardship with me, as a good (ZB)soldier of (ZC)Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service (ZD)entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise (ZE)competes as an athlete, he is not [gq]crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 (ZF)The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, (ZG)risen from the dead, (ZH)descendant of David, (ZI)according to my gospel, 9 [gr]for which I (ZJ)suffer hardship even to (ZK)imprisonment as a (ZL)criminal; but (ZM)the word of God (ZN)is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason (ZO)I endure all things for (ZP)the sake of [gs]those who are chosen, (ZQ)so that they also may obtain the (ZR)salvation which is in (ZS)Christ Jesus and with it (ZT)eternal glory. 11 (ZU)The statement is trustworthy:
For (ZV)if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12 If we endure, (ZW)we will also reign with Him;
If we [gt](ZX)deny Him, He will also deny us;
13 If we are faithless, (ZY)He remains faithful, for (ZZ)He cannot deny Himself.
An Unashamed Worker
14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly (AAA)exhort them in the presence of God not to (AAB)dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. 15 Be diligent to (AAC)present yourself approved to God as a worker who [gu]does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling (AAD)the word of truth. 16 But (AAE)avoid (AAF)worldly and empty chatter, for [gv]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their [gw]talk will spread like [gx]gangrene. Among them are (AAG)Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth, claiming that (AAH)the resurrection has already taken place; and they are jeopardizing (AAI)the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the (AAJ)firm foundation of God stands, having this (AAK)seal: “(AAL)The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “(AAM)Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.”
20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and (AAN)some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from (AAO)these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, (AAP)prepared for every good work. 22 Now (AAQ)flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, (AAR)faith, love, and peace with those who (AAS)call on the Lord (AAT)from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant (AAU)speculations, knowing that they (AAV)produce [gy]quarrels. 24 (AAW)The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, (AAX)skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, 25 (AAY)with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, (AAZ)if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to (ABA)the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from (ABB)the snare of the devil, having been (ABC)held captive [gz]by him to do his will.
Difficult Times Will Come
3 But realize this, that (ABD)in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be (ABE)lovers of self, (ABF)lovers of money, (ABG)boastful, (ABH)arrogant, (ABI)slanderers, (ABJ)disobedient to parents, (ABK)ungrateful, (ABL)unholy, 3 (ABM)unloving, irreconcilable, (ABN)malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, [ha](ABO)haters of good, 4 (ABP)treacherous, (ABQ)reckless, (ABR)conceited, (ABS)lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of [hb](ABT)godliness although they have (ABU)denied its power; (ABV)avoid such people as these. 6 For among them are those who [hc](ABW)slip into households and captivate [hd](ABX)weak women weighed down with sins, led on by (ABY)various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to (ABZ)come to the [he]knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as (ACA)Jannes and Jambres (ACB)opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, (ACC)men of depraved mind, [hf]worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their (ACD)foolishness will be obvious to all, just (ACE)as was that also of [hg]Jannes and Jambres.
10 Now you (ACF)followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, (ACG)love, [hh]perseverance, 11 (ACH)persecutions, and (ACI)sufferings, such as happened to me at (ACJ)Antioch, at (ACK)Iconium, and at (ACL)Lystra; what (ACM)persecutions I endured, and out of them all (ACN)the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus (ACO)will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors (ACP)will proceed from bad to worse, (ACQ)deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, (ACR)continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that (ACS)from childhood you have known (ACT)the sacred writings which are able to (ACU)give you the wisdom that leads to (ACV)salvation through faith which is in (ACW)Christ Jesus. 16 (ACX)All Scripture is [hi]inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for [hj]rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that (ACY)the man or woman of God may be [hk]fully capable, (ACZ)equipped for every good work.
Preach the Word
4 (ADA)I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to (ADB)judge the living and the dead, and by His (ADC)appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach (ADD)the word; be ready [hl]in season and out of season; (ADE)correct, rebuke, and [hm]exhort, with [hn]great (ADF)patience and instruction. 3 For (ADG)the time will come when they will not tolerate (ADH)sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, 4 and they (ADI)will turn their ears away from the truth and (ADJ)will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, (ADK)use self-restraint in all things, (ADL)endure hardship, do the work of an (ADM)evangelist, fulfill your (ADN)ministry.
6 For I am already being (ADO)poured out as a drink offering, and the time of (ADP)my departure has come. 7 (ADQ)I have fought the good fight, I have finished (ADR)the course, I have kept (ADS)the faith; 8 in the future there (ADT)is reserved for me (ADU)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on (ADV)that day; and not only to me, but also to (ADW)all who have loved His (ADX)appearing.
Personal Concerns
9 (ADY)Make every effort to come to me soon; 10 for (ADZ)Demas, having loved (AEA)this present [ho]world, has deserted me and gone to (AEB)Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to [hp](AEC)Galatia, (AED)Titus to Dalmatia. 11 (AEE)Only (AEF)Luke is with me. Take along (AEG)Mark and bring him with you, (AEH)for he is useful to me for service. 12 But I have sent (AEI)Tychicus to (AEJ)Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the overcoat which I left at (AEK)Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 (AEL)Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; (AEM)the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our [hq]teaching.
16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; (AEN)may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and (AEO)strengthened me, so that through me (AEP)the proclamation might [hr]be (AEQ)fully accomplished, and that all (AER)the Gentiles might hear; and I was (AES)rescued out of (AET)the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will [hs](AEU)bring me safely to His (AEV)heavenly kingdom; (AEW)to [ht]Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
19 Greet Prisca and (AEX)Aquila, and (AEY)the household of Onesiphorus. 20 (AEZ)Erastus remained at (AFA)Corinth, but I left (AFB)Trophimus sick at (AFC)Miletus. 21 (AFD)Make every effort to come before (AFE)winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
22 (AFF)The Lord be with your spirit. (AFG)Grace be with you.
Salutation
1 Paul, (AFH)a bond-servant of God and an (AFI)apostle of Jesus Christ, [hu]for the faith of those (AFJ)chosen of God and (AFK)the knowledge of the truth which is (AFL)according to godliness, 2 in (AFM)the hope of eternal life, which God, (AFN)who cannot lie, (AFO)promised [hv](AFP)long ages ago, 3 but (AFQ)at the proper time revealed His word in (AFR)the proclamation (AFS)with which I was entrusted (AFT)according to the commandment of (AFU)God our Savior;
4 To (AFV)Titus, (AFW)my true [hw]son [hx]in a (AFX)common faith: (AFY)Grace and peace from God the Father and (AFZ)Christ Jesus our Savior.
Qualifications of Elders
5 For this reason I left you in (AGA)Crete, that you would set in order what remains and (AGB)appoint (AGC)elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, (AGD)if any man is beyond reproach, the (AGE)husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of (AGF)indecent behavior or (AGG)rebellion. 7 For the [hy](AGH)overseer must be beyond reproach as (AGI)God’s steward, not (AGJ)self-willed, not quick-tempered, not (AGK)overindulging in wine, not [hz]a bully, (AGL)not greedy for money, 8 but (AGM)hospitable, (AGN)loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, 9 (AGO)holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to [ia]exhort in (AGP)sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
10 (AGQ)For there are many (AGR)rebellious people, (AGS)empty talkers and deceivers, especially (AGT)those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting (AGU)whole families, teaching (AGV)things they should not teach (AGW)for the sake of [ib]dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “(AGX)Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason (AGY)reprimand them (AGZ)severely so that they may be (AHA)sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish (AHB)myths and (AHC)commandments of men who (AHD)turn away from the truth. 15 (AHE)To the pure, all things are pure; but (AHF)to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their (AHG)mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 (AHH)They profess to know God, but by their deeds they (AHI)deny Him, being (AHJ)detestable and (AHK)disobedient and (AHL)worthless (AHM)for any good deed.
Proclaim Sound Doctrine
2 But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for (AHN)sound doctrine. 2 (AHO)Older men are to be [ic](AHP)temperate, dignified, self-controlled, (AHQ)sound (AHR)in faith, in love, in [id]perseverance.
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, (AHS)not malicious gossips nor (AHT)enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may [ie]encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, (AHU)workers at home, kind, being (AHV)subject to their own husbands, (AHW)so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
6 Likewise urge (AHX)the young men to be [if]sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be (AHY)an example of good deeds, with [ig]purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, (AHZ)so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
9 Urge [ih](AIA)slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not [ii]argumentative, 10 not stealing, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of (AIB)God our Savior in every respect.
11 For the grace of God has (AIC)appeared, [ij](AID)bringing salvation to all people, 12 [ik]instructing us to deny ungodliness and (AIE)worldly desires and (AIF)to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner (AIG)in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the (AIH)appearing of the glory of [il](AII)our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who (AIJ)gave Himself for us (AIK)to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to (AIL)purify for Himself a (AIM)people for His own possession, (AIN)eager for good deeds.
15 These things speak and [im](AIO)exhort, and (AIP)rebuke with all authority. (AIQ)No one is to disregard you.
Godly Living
3 (AIR)Remind them (AIS)to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be (AIT)ready for every good deed, 2 to slander no one, (AIU)not to be contentious, to be (AIV)gentle, (AIW)showing every consideration for all people. 3 (AIX)For we too were once foolish, (AIY)disobedient, (AIZ)deceived, (AJA)enslaved to (AJB)various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in (AJC)malice and (AJD)envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the (AJE)kindness of (AJF)God our Savior and His love for mankind (AJG)appeared, 5 (AJH)He saved us, (AJI)not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but (AJJ)in accordance with His mercy, by the (AJK)washing of regeneration and (AJL)renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 (AJM)whom He (AJN)richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made (AJO)heirs [in]according to the hope of eternal life. 8 (AJP)This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I (AJQ)want you to speak confidently, so that those who have (AJR)believed God will be careful to (AJS)engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people. 9 But (AJT)avoid (AJU)foolish controversies and (AJV)genealogies and strife and (AJW)disputes about the Law, for they are (AJX)useless and worthless. 10 (AJY)Reject a [io](AJZ)divisive person (AKA)after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person has (AKB)deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Personal Concerns
12 When I send Artemas or (AKC)Tychicus to you, (AKD)make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to (AKE)spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the (AKF)lawyer and (AKG)Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. 14 (AKH)Our people must also learn to (AKI)engage in good [ip]deeds to meet (AKJ)pressing needs, so that they will not be (AKK)unproductive.
15 (AKL)All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us (AKM)in the faith.
(AKN)Grace be with you all.
Salutation
1 (AKO)Paul, (AKP)a prisoner of (AKQ)Christ Jesus, and (AKR)Timothy [iq]our brother,
To Philemon our beloved brother and (AKS)fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia [ir](AKT)our sister, and to (AKU)Archippus our (AKV)fellow soldier, and to (AKW)the church in your house: 3 (AKX)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon’s Love and Faith
4 (AKY)I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 because I (AKZ)hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the [is]saints; 6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective [it]through the (ALA)knowledge of every good thing which is in you [iu]for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have had great (ALB)joy and comfort in your love, because the [iv]hearts of the [iw]saints have been (ALC)refreshed through you, brother.
8 Therefore, (ALD)though I have [ix]enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is (ALE)proper, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather (ALF)appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, [iy]an (ALG)old man, and now also (ALH)a prisoner of (ALI)Christ Jesus—
Plea for Onesimus, a Free Man
10 I (ALJ)appeal to you for my [iz](ALK)son [ja](ALL)Onesimus, whom I [jb]fathered in my [jc]imprisonment, 11 who previously was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. 12 I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, 13 whom I wanted to keep with me, so that in your behalf he might be at my service in my [jd](ALM)imprisonment for the gospel; 14 but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness would (ALN)not be, in effect, by compulsion, but of your own free will. 15 For perhaps it was (ALO)for this reason that he was separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 (ALP)no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, (ALQ)a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both (ALR)in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If then you regard me as a (ALS)partner, accept him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; 19 (ALT)I, Paul, have written this with my own hand, I will repay it ((ALU)not to [je]mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). 20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; (ALV)refresh my heart in Christ.
21 (ALW)Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.
22 At the same time also prepare me a (ALX)guest room, for (ALY)I hope that through (ALZ)your prayers (AMA)I will be given to you.
23 (AMB)Epaphras, my (AMC)fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do (AMD)Mark, (AME)Aristarchus, (AMF)Demas, and (AMG)Luke, my (AMH)fellow workers.
25 (AMI)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be (AMJ)with your spirit.[jf]
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