1From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our confidence.

2To Timothy, a genuine child in faith. Good will, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord are yours!

3When I was going to the province of Macedonia, I encouraged you to stay in the city of Ephesus. That way you could order certain people to stop teaching false doctrine 4and occupying themselves with myths and endless genealogies. These myths and genealogies raise a lot of questions rather than promoting God's plan, which centers in faith. 5My goal in giving you this order is for love to flow from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith. 6Some people have left these qualities behind and have turned to useless discussions. 7They want to be experts in Moses' Teachings. However, they don't understand what they're talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently.

8We know that Moses' Teachings are good if they are used as they were intended to be used. 9For example, a person must realize that laws are not intended for people who have God's approval. Laws are intended for lawbreakers and rebels, for ungodly people and sinners, for those who think nothing is holy or sacred, for those who kill their fathers, their mothers, or other people. 10Laws are intended for people involved in sexual sins, for homosexuals, for kidnappers, for liars, for those who lie when they take an oath, and for whatever else is against accurate teachings. 11Moses' Teachings were intended to be used in agreement with the Good News that contains the glory of the blessed God. I was entrusted with that Good News.

12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord that he has trusted me and has appointed me to do his work with the strength he has given me. 13In the past I cursed him, persecuted him, and acted arrogantly toward him. However, I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in my unbelief. 14Our Lord was very kind to me. Through his kindness he brought me to faith and gave me the love that Christ Jesus shows people. 15This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost sinner. 16However, I was treated with mercy so that Christ Jesus could use me, the foremost sinner, to demonstrate his patience. This patience serves as an example for those who would believe in him and live forever. 17Worship and glory belong forever to the eternal king, the immortal, invisible, and only God. Amen.

18Timothy, my child, I'm giving you this order about the prophecies that are still coming to you: Use these prophecies in faith and with a clear conscience to fight this noble war. 19Some have refused to let their faith guide their conscience and their faith has been destroyed like a wrecked ship. 20Among these people are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan in order to teach them not to dishonor God.