1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, appointed by the command of God, our Savior, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our hope, 2To Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God, our Father, and Jesus Christ, our Lord.

3When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to remain at Ephesus and command those who were teaching a false doctrine to stop doing so, 4Wasting their time on myths, fables and endless genealogies, that only lead to useless speculative questions, rather than advancing faith in God. 5The goal of our teaching is love that comes out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and genuine faith, 6From which some have swerved and turned to pursue useless speculation, 7Trying to be teachers of the law, but do not know what they are talking about, nor what they so confidently affirm. 8But we know that the law is good, if one uses it properly. 9We also know this: that the law is not made for the righteous; but for the lawless and disobedient - for the ungodly and sinners, the unholy, the profane, who murder their parents, or other people, 10For those that engage in illicit sex or homosexuality, for kidnapers, liars, false witnesses, and whatever else that is in conflict with the sound doctrine, 11The doctrine that comes from the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has enabled me, in that He counted me faithful, appointing me to His service. 13Despite the fact that I had been a blasphemous, violent persecutor of believers, I was shown grace and mercy, because I did it out of ignorant unbelief. 14This grace of our Lord was generously lavished upon me, along with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful (trustworthy) saying, deserving full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason, I was shown mercy: so that in me, the worst of sinners, Jesus Christ might display His amazing patience, as an example to others who would hereafter believe in Him and receive life everlasting. 17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible - the only true and wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18This charge I entrust to you, son Timothy, in keeping with the prophecies spoken of you (possibly at his ordination and/or baptism, 1Tim.4:14), that by recalling them, you might fight the battle well, 19Holding firmly to your faith in Christ, and a good conscience - which some have rejected, and have suffered shipwreck with regard to their faith; 20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.