1 Paul, one sent away with a commission pertaining to [the] Anointed Jesus (or: Jesus Christ's representative and envoy), down from (or: in line and accord with) an imposed arrangement from (an injunction of; a decree and charge set upon [me] pertaining to) God our Savior, even (or: and) from Christ Jesus, our Expectation (or: expectant Hope),"
2 to Timothy, a genuine child (a legitimate born-one) within the midst of faith (or: in union with trust): Grace and favor, mercy and compassion [together with] peace and harmony [= shalom], from God, our Father, even (and) Christ Jesus, our Lord (Owner; Master)."
3 Just as I called you alongside – while traveling into Macedonia – to encourage you to remain focused in Ephesus, to the end that you should pass on an announcement (should notify; would bring along a message) to certain folks (or: for some) not to continue teaching different things,"
4 nor yet to constantly hold toward myths (or: stories; fictions) and unbounded (= endless) genealogies, which things habitually hold investigations and inquiries alongside which involve speculations and disputes, rather than God's house-administration (management; stewardship) – the one within trust and in union with faith."
5 Yet the purpose and goal of the notification (the message and announcement which is brought alongside and passed on) continues being love (the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object – Paul Tillich) forth from out of the midst of a clean heart and a good conscience (virtuous knowing-together; profitable impression of reality) and of unhypocritical faith (or: unfeigned trust; or: loyalty that is not overly critical; or: belief that lacks the qualities of being overly concerned with small details or hyper-evaluations),"
6 of which things some (or: certain folks), being without a mark or target (or: deviating and swerving from the goal), were turned aside from out of [them] into vain (fruitless; profitless) talking and idle disputation,"
7 wanting to be teachers of Law and custom, [yet] by habit not mentally apprehending either what things they are saying or about what things they are constantly insisting (thoroughly asserting and maintaining)."
8 Now we have seen and thus know that the Law [= Torah] is beautiful (ideal and of good quality; useful; fine), if ever anyone could be continuously making use in it (employing and behaving with it, by it and to it) lawfully,"
9 having seen and knowing this, that a law is not continually being laid down for one in accord with the Way pointed out (a just one; one who lives in right relationship with fair and equitable dealings; = one in new covenant standing, i.e., in Christ), but for lawless people and for insubordinate (non-self-subjecting; out of rank) folks; for irreverent ones (folks devoid of awe) and for failures (folks shooting off-line and missing the target; people making mistakes); for those without regard for divine or natural laws (impious, maligning, disloyal ones lacking loving-kindness) and for profane folks (people without connection to the set-apart and holy, who live in what is accessible to all); for those who strike (or: thrash) fathers and for people who strike (or: thrash) mothers; for those murdering men;"
10 for men who use prostitutes (or: who are male prostitutes; fornicators; or: = those who “worship” in pagan temples); for men who lie with males (sodomites); for kidnappers (those catching men by the foot; = slave dealers); for liars; for ones who violate their oaths (perjurers); and whatever different thing which is continually occupying an opposite position (lying in opposition or in replacement) to the sound and healthful teaching,"
11 [which is] in accord with (or: down from; in line with and on the level of) the good news of (or: the message of goodness and ease pertaining to) the glory and reputation of The Happy God, which I, myself, was persuaded to believe (or: upon Whom I am made to trust)."
12 I continue holding (or: having) grace and favor by and in the One enabling me (putting ability within me; empowering me): Christ Jesus, our Lord, because He considers me full of faith (or: deems me loyal and faithful), Himself placing [me] into a position of giving attending service,"
13 – one being formerly a blasphemer (a vilifier and slanderer; one using abusive speech and hindering the Light while bringing injury) and a persecutor and a violent, insolent aggressor (an overbearing, insolent, riotous and outrageous person), but to the contrary, I was mercied (or: given mercy), because, being continuously ignorant (without intimate, experiential knowledge or personal insight), I acted (or: did it) within unbelief (or: in distrust)."
14 Yet our Lord's grace and favor overwhelms (is above more than enough; is overabounding) with faith and trust, as well as love, which are resident within Christ Jesus."
15 The Word [is] full of faith, and [is] deserving of every welcome reception of equal value, because (or: Faithful and trustworthy, even worthy of all and complete acceptance, [is] the message and saying that) Christ Jesus came into the ordered System (the world of secular culture, religion, government and economy; or: the cosmos) to rescue failures (to deliver those missing the target; to save and make sinners healthy and whole; to restore outcasts to their rightful position), of whom I myself exist being first (or: am foremost)."
16 But nonetheless, through this I was mercied (or: I am given mercy), to the end that within me first (= as the foremost case) Jesus Christ may point out so as to publicly display every emotion which is long in arriving (all long-suffering patience) with a view to being an underline (toward [being] a subtype; as facing a sketch or outline; for a pattern) of those about to be habitually believing (or: progressively trusting; one-after-another placing faith) upon Him, [that is, ] into the midst of eonian life (into Life which pertains to and has the qualities and characteristics of the Age [of Messiah]; into life of, and which lasts through, the ages)."
17 So, to [the] King of The Ages (or: eons; indefinite time periods), to [the] incorruptible (undecayable; unspoilable), invisible (unseen; not-able-to be seen) One, to [the] only God [some MSS add: wise; so: only wise God], [be] honor (value; worth) and glory (reputation which calls forth praise), on into the ages (or: indefinite time periods) of the ages. It is so (Amen)! (or: Now in and by the King to Whom belongs the ages – in and by the imperishable, invisible [and] only One – in and by God [is] honor and glory, [leading] into the [most important] eons of the eons. So it is!)"
18 I am presently placing this passed-on message (notification; announcement) to your side, child Timothy, down from the preceding prophecies upon you (or: in accord with the prophecies habitually leading forth upon you), to the end that you may constantly perform military service (or: do battle; perform warfare) within them (or: in union with them) – the beautiful (fine; ideal) military service (or: battle; warfare),"
19 while constantly holding (or: having) faith (and: trust) and a good conscience (a profitable knowing-together) – which some (or: certain ones), thrusting away (or: pushing and driving away), experienced shipwreck about the faith (or: concerning [their] trust, confidence and loyalty):"
20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I gave (or: hand) over to the adversary (or: satan) to the end that they would be child-trained, educated and disciplined with a view toward maturity, [so as] not to constantly blaspheme (speak abusively or slanderously; vilify; malign; defame; give a false image or misrepresent in a way that hinders the Light)."
1 Consequently I am habitually calling you alongside to encourage, counsel and exhort you to first of all be constantly making petitions for needs, prayers (speaking, thinking and doing toward things being well), encounters (or: intercessions; meetings within situations to converse or hit and obtain the objective), [and] expressions of gratitude (or: of the goodness of grace and favor) over (or: on behalf of; for) all mankind (humanity) –"
2 over (or: for) kings and all those being folks within a position of holding control over (or: above) [others] (or: being in superiority or high station), to the end that we may continuously lead (or: carry through) a course of life that is still – at rest (free from all agitation or disturbance with tranquility arising from without), and also quiet – peaceable (gentle, exciting no disturbance in others, with tranquility arising from within) in all reverence (pious and devout relations with everything) and majestic seriousness (dignity and gravity which inspire awe)."
3 This [is] beautiful (fine; ideal) and welcomingly received from the presence of, and in the sight of, God, our Deliverer (our Savior; the One Who heals us and makes us whole, restoring us to our original state and condition),"
4 Who is constantly willing (continuously intending and purposing) all mankind (all humanity) to be saved (delivered; rescued; made healthy and whole), and (or: even) to come into a full, accurate, experiential and intimate knowledge and insight of Truth (or: into a realization of reality),"
5 for God [is] One, and One [is the] Mediator of God and mankind, a Man, Christ Jesus (or: for [there is] one God, and one medium between God and humans, [the] human, Anointed Jesus),"
6 the One giving Himself a correspondent ransom (a ransom in the place of and directed toward the situation) over [the situation of and] on behalf of (or: for) all (everyone; all humanity and all things) – the witness [note: “the witness” is omitted by A; other MSS: the evidence of which] [will come] in its own fitting situations (or: the Witness for their own seasons; the Testimony to and for His own particular occasions; the evidence [appears] in its own fertile moments) –"
7 into the midst of which I, a preacher (or: herald) and one sent with a mission (an envoy and representative), was placed (or: am set) – I am speaking truth, I am not lying – a teacher of multitudes (nations; the multiplied ethnic groups; non-Jews), within faith and Truth (or: in union with trust and reality)."
8 I am wanting and intending, then, the men (adult males) within every place to habitually pray (constantly think, speak and act toward having ease, goodness and well-being), continually lifting up loyal and dutiful hands that are pure from all crime, apart from impulse of intrinsic fervor (or: passion and swelling desire; or: anger, indignation or wrath) and reasonings (debates; divisions in thinking; dialogues; computations)."
9 Likewise, women to habitually adorn and arrange themselves in an ordered and arranged system of proper behavior and descent clothing: with modesty, so as to be unseen (or: as having downcast eyes), and soundness of mind (sanity and sensibility), not in braids (or: inter-weavings) and in golden ornaments, or in pearls or expensive garments,"
10 but rather – what is suitable (proper; fitting; becoming) in (or: for; to) women giving instruction on reverence for God [note: refers to women who taught “God-fearers” in synagogues, to prepare these folks for conversion] – through good works and virtuous actions."
11 A woman (or: wife) must be habitually learning – within calm quietness (without making a fuss; in peaceableness and gentleness, exciting no disturbance in others, and with tranquility arising from within) – in union with every humble alignment while giving support (or: within every subordinate arrangement)."
12 Now I am not turning upon a woman, so as to direct her to be habitually teaching (or: Yet I do not habitually turn on a wife, to regularly teach [her]) – neither to continually act in self-authority to use arms for murdering an adult male (or: = habitually to be a self-appointed master to domineer over a man [note: this may have been an exhortation against Gnosticism, and a possible rendering could be: And I am not permitting a woman to teach that she is the originator of a man]) – but rather to exist (or: be) within quietness (centered in gentleness, exciting no disturbance, with tranquility arising from within) –"
13 for you see, Adam was molded and formed first, thereafter (or: next), Eve."
14 Also, Adam was not seduced and deceived, but the woman being completely cheated out by seduction (or: thoroughly deluded) has come to be and exists within deviation (transgression; a stepping by the side),"
15 yet she will be delivered (rescued; saved; made whole and restored to her original state and condition) through the Birth (or: birthing) of the Child – should they dwell (abide) within faith (and: trust) and love and the results of being set-apart (holiness; the quality of sacred difference), with soundness of mind (sanity; sensibility). The Word [is] full of faith! (or: Trustworthy [is] this message.)"
1 If anyone is habitually stretching himself in reaching out toward a distant object upon which the eye is fixed, he is by habit craving a beautiful deed (or: If anyone continues reaching after visitation for inspection and tender guardianship, he fully desires a fine action; If anyone stretches out in reaching for the duties of looking around upon things {duties of one who watches upon, or oversees}, he completely desires ideal work)."
2 It is therefore binding upon (necessary for) the person fixing his eye upon a distant object (or: the one doing visitation for inspection and tender guardianship; the one watching upon or overseeing) to be someone not to be laid hold of (thus: one in whom is no just cause for blame), a husband of one wife (or: an adult male in relationship to one woman), sober (unintoxicated; clear-headed; moderate in habits), sound in mind (sensible), have his world ordered and arranged (or: systematic, proper, descent and decorous), be fond of strangers (or: hospitable), skillful and qualified to teach,"
3 not addicted to wine (or: not one who keeps wine at his side), not quarrelsome and apt to strike another, but rather, yielding (lenient; gently equitable; reasonable; considerate), not disposed to fight nor belligerent, not fond of silver (= money),"
4 habitually putting himself at the head of (= lead, provide for and protect) his own household so as to beautifully (ideally; finely) stand before and lead them, having children in the midst of, and centered in, humble alignment for support (or: within subjection) with all majestic seriousness (dignity and gravity which inspire awe) –"
5 now if anyone does not know (has not seen and is not aware) to put himself or herself at the head of (= lead, provide for and protect) her or his own household so as to stand before and lead them, how will she or he be thoughtful of, take an interest in, and take care of, God's called-out community?"
6 not a novice (neophyte; a newly placed member of the body), lest, being inflated with the fumes of conceit, she or he may fall into an effect of the adversary's judgment (the result of sifting, separation and decision made in regard to someone who thrusts or throws something through another; or: a judgment-effect from the adversary)."
7 Yet it is also necessary and binding to continuously hold (or: have) a beautiful witness and testimony (= a fine reputation) from those outside, so that s/he would not fall into reproach (lest s/he may fall into a censorious report regarding character) and [into] a trick (snare; gin; device; stratagem) belonging to or devised by the adversary (or: whose source is the one who, or [that spirit and attitude] which, thrusts things through folks and causes injury or division; or: which is the adversary)."
8 Attending servants, similarly, [should be] serious (dignified with gravity) – not double-talking (or: speaking with double meanings; or: divided in thought or reason), neither [being] folks having a propensity toward much wine, nor people eager for dishonorable (deformed or ugly; = dishonest) gain –"
9 continuously holding (or: having) the secret (or: mystery) of the faith (trust; loyalty) within (or: in union with) a clean conscience."
10 And so, let these folks also be first put through a process of examination, testing and proving. Thereafter, let them be regularly giving supporting service [to the community], being folks that have not been called up before a judge (or: free from accusation; unimpeachable)."
11 Women (or: Wives) [of the community], similarly, [should be] serious (dignified with majestic gravity, inspiring awe), not devils (or: adversaries; women who thrust things through folks), sober (unintoxicated; clear-headed; moderate in habits), full of faith and trust (or: faithful; trustworthy; loyal) in all things."
12 Let those giving supporting service be adult males having a relationship with one woman (or: husbands of one wife), habitually placing themselves in front of their children, as well as their own households, to beautifully (or: finely; ideally) lead, protect and provide [for them]."
13 You see, those giving supporting service in a beautiful and ideal manner continue in (or: by; for; among) themselves building around themselves a beautiful (fine; excellent; ideal) circular staircase (that which enables folks to step up to a higher place) and much freedom of speech (confident outspokenness and boldness which is the right of citizens) resident within faith, trust and loyalty – that which is resident within, and in union with, Christ Jesus."
14 I am writing these things to you, expecting to come toward you swiftly (in quickness; or: = soon),"
15 but if ever I should be slow (or: delay), [I am writing this] to the end that you may see and thus know how it is necessary and binding to be twisted and turned back up again within God's household (or: to be treated, conducted or caused to behave in God's house), which is (or: exists being) a called-out community of [the] Living God (or: whose source is a living God; which has the qualities and character of [the] living God; or: which is a living god), a pillar and foundational seat of The Truth (or: a base from and an effect of a settling of reality),"
16 and so confessedly (admittedly; with common consent and sameness of speech) great is the secret (or: mystery) of the reverence (the standing in awe of goodness, with adoration; the healthful devotion and virtuous conduct of ease, in true relation to God): which is made visible (manifested) within flesh (= a physical body), is rightwised (set in equity and right relationship in the Way pointed out; also = is placed in covenant) in spirit (in union with Breath-effect), is seen by agents (or: messengers), is heralded (preached) within multitudes (among nations and ethnic groups), is trusted and believed within [the] world (an ordered system; secular culture), is received back in good opinion and reputation. (or: Who [some MSS read: God; others: He] was brought to clear light within flesh (= the natural realm); was shown righteous and just (= set in covenant) within spirit and attitude; was seen by agents; was proclaimed among Gentiles {non-Jews}; was believed within [the] world of society, religion, and government; was taken back up again, within glory – a manifestation which calls forth praise!)"
1 Now the Spirit (or: Breath-effect) is explicitly saying that within subsequent seasons (in fitting situations and on appropriate occasions which will be afterwards) some of the faith (or: certain folks belonging to this trust) will proceed standing off and away [from the Path, or from the Community] (or: some people will progressively withdraw from this conviction and loyalty), habitually holding toward (having a propensity to) wandering and deceptive spirits (or: straying and seducing breath-effects and attitudes) and to teachings of demons (to teachings about and pertaining to, or which are, demons [note: a Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences]; or: to instructions and training which come from animistic influences [= pagan religions]), [comment: this prophesied about the future institutionalization of the called-out community, and the introduction of pagan teachings, all of which later came to be called "orthodox"]"
2 within perverse scholarship of false words (or: in association with overly critical hairsplitting of false messages; in the midst of gradually separated interpretations of false expressions; or: in union with deceptive decisions by speakers of lies), from folks having their own consciences cauterized (seared; branded) as with a hot iron,"
3 coming from people habitually forbidding (preventing; hindering) [folks] to be marrying [and to be] constantly abstaining from [certain] foods – which things God creates (or: created; reduced from a state of wildness and disorder) into something to be shared and partaken of with thanksgiving by those full of faith (by the faithful and loyal folks) and by those having experienced full, intimate knowledge and realization of the Truth (or: of Reality)!"
4 Because all God's creation (or: every creature of God) [is] beautiful (fine; ideal), and not one thing is to be thrown away – being habitually received with thanksgiving –"
5 for it is continuously (or: progressively) being set-apart (made holy; rendered sacred) through God's Word (or: by means of a word which is God; through a message and an idea from God) and an encounter (or: a meeting and falling in with someone; or: conversation; or: hitting on target within a matter to assist; thus: intercession)."
6 Placing these things under as a base or foundation, to give advice or make suggestions to and for the brothers (= fellow believers), you will continue being a beautiful (fine; ideal; excellent) supportive servant of Christ Jesus, habitually being inwardly nourished by the words of the faith (or: in the arranged expressions, utterances and messages of trust; or: with ideas of loyalty; or: for thoughts from trust), and of the beautiful (fine; ideal; excellent; good quality) teaching in which you follow alongside closely (or: to which you nearly accompany and attend)."
7 Now you must constantly refuse and avoid (excuse yourself from) profane and old-womanish myths, yet habitually be training and exercising yourself, as in gymnastic discipline, toward reverence (standing in awe of wellness, with adoration; healthful devotion and virtuous conduct of ease, in true relation to God),"
8 for gymnastic discipline for bodily exercise is beneficial toward a few things and with a view to a few people (or: for a little while), yet reverence (devoutness; standing well in awe; virtuous conduct from ease with God) is beneficial toward all things and with a view to all people, continuously holding (having; possessing) a promise of life – of the one now (at the present time), and of the impending one (the one being about to be)."
9 The Word [is] full of faith (or: Faithful and Trustworthy [is] the word) and worthy of all welcomed reception,"
10 for into this [end] are we constantly working hard unto weariness, and are continuously struggling in the contest (contending for the prize; other MSS: being reproached), because we have placed our expectation (or: set our hope) and thus rely upon a living God (or: upon [the] living God), Who is (exists being) [the] Savior (Deliverer; Rescuer; Restorer to health and wholeness) of all human beings (all mankind) – especially of believers (of folks full of faith and trust; of faithful ones)!"
11 Be constantly announcing these things to those at your side, passing them along from one to another, and keep on teaching them!"
12 Let no one be despising (thinking down on; having a negative opinion of) your youth. On the contrary, continue coming to be a model (pattern; example) of (or: pertaining to) those full of faith (of the faithful ones; for believers): in word, in conduct (behavior), in love, in faith (or: trust), in purity (or: propriety)."
13 While I am coming, continue holding toward a propensity for the reading (in the means of knowing again), for the calling alongside to give relief, aid, exhortation, comfort and encouragement (in the work of a paraclete), [and] for the teaching (to the instruction and in the training)."
14 Do not make it a habit to neglect the care of or disregard this result of grace (or: the effect of favor) residing within you, which was given to you through a prophecy (a coming or manifestation of light ahead of time), accompanied by a laying on of the hands of the body of elder folks."
15 Continually meditate on, give attention to and cultivate these things; be absorbed in them (exist centered within them), to the end that your cutting a passage forward (your progress and advancement) may be visibly apparent to all (for everyone; among all folks)."
16 Habitually have a hold upon yourself and the teaching (or: Constantly attend to yourself and to the instruction and training). Continue abiding on and remaining in them (or: Constantly dwell on, while settling in them; or: Be progressively and fully persisting with them), for, continuously doing this, you will progressively rescue (deliver; save; restore to health and wholeness) both yourself and those regularly hearing you."
1 You should not inflict blows upon (or: = verbally attack; severely criticize; give reproofs to) an older man. To the contrary, habitually call [him] alongside, as a father, to aid, give relief and assist, to encourage and exhort (= be a paraclete to him). [Treat] younger men as brothers,"
2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, within all purity and propriety."
3 Be constantly honoring (valuing; thus: = assisting and supporting) widows – those actually being widows."
4 But if any widow currently has children or grandchildren (descendants), let these keep on learning to first show reverence with ease and virtuous devotion to goodness with pious care, for and in their own household, and to keep paying a due compensation to their parents and grandparents (progenitors), for this is welcomely received in God's sight."
5 Now the one actually being a widow, and having been left alone (= without a dowry and destitute), has placed expectation upon, and now relies on God, and constantly remains focused in requests regarding needs, and in prayers (thoughts, words and deeds aimed toward having goodness and well-being) during night and during day,"
6 yet the woman continuously indulging herself in riotous luxury (excessive comfort; sensual gratification), continuing being alive (or: [though] living), she is dead (or: she has died)."
7 So keep on announcing these things along the way (telling them to the one at your side), to the end that they may be folks not to be laid hold of for being reprehensible (thus: people in whom is no just cause for blame)."
8 Now if anyone is not habitually having forethought or perceiving beforehand in order to provide for those who are his or her own (= relatives), and especially ones of the household (family or domestics) she or he has disowned (turned her or his back on; denied; renounced; refused) the Faith-loyalty and is worse than an unbeliever (or: has disregarded and declined their trust and exists being worse than one without faith)."
9 Let a widow be put on the list, and continue enrolled, who has become no younger than sixty years old, a wife of one man (= not married a second time?),"
10 having a continuing reputation founded in beautiful acts (ideal works; fine deeds): if she nourishes children (or: reared a family), if she is (or: was) hospitable to strangers and foreigners, if she washes (or: bathed) the feet of the set-apart folks (the holy ones; the saints), if she successfully wards off distress for those being constantly pressured (or: relieves those consistently being in tribulation and affliction), if she follows up on every good work (attends to every virtuous deed)."
11 On the other hand, turn aside requests of (or: refuse) younger widows [from being on the list], for you see, whenever they may develop headstrong pride (live strenuously or rudely) against Christ (or: may come down to the level of sexual impulse, be in the sphere of sensual desire, feel licentious or become wanton in relation to or in regard to the Anointed [body]) they are continually wanting to be marrying [note: it was a Gnostic belief that a person could gain knowledge (gnosis) by having sex with someone],"
12 habitually holding an effect of a decision: that they set-aside the first faith-loyalty (or: continuing to possess the result of a judgment, because they displace their first trust)."
13 Yet at the same time, they also are constantly learning inactiveness (idleness; unemployment), wandering around the houses (= going from home to home), and not only [are they] inactive (ineffective; unemployed; idle), but further [they are] also gossips (babblers; ones bubbling over with prattle) and meddlers (or: gaining knowledge by supernatural means or practicing magic), women constantly saying unnecessary things (or: continuously speaking the things they should not speak)."
14 I am wanting and intending, therefore, younger women to be marrying: to be bearing children; to continuously rule and manage a household; to be by habit giving not even one starting point (base of operation; opportunity; incentive; inducement) favoring verbal abuse (slander; reviling) to the person occupying an opposing position (or: in the one lying in opposition; for the opposer or the opposing counterpart),"
15 for you see, already some (or: certain folks) were turned out [of the path] (or: were turned aside [from the goal]), behind the adversary (= to follow after satan; or: = some were by their opponents turned out of the midst of the community to the adversarial counterpart [religion] which lay behind them)."
16 If any woman of faith (or: faithful, trusting and believing woman) continues having widows [in her circle of influence or in her family], let her continue warding off [disaster] for them (or: relieving and being sufficient for them [= by paying their expenses]), and then the called-out community [will] not be continuously burdened (weighed down), to the end that it may continually ward off [disaster] (or: bring relief and be sufficient [by paying expenses]) for those actually being widows."
17 Let the older men – ones having beautifully (ideally; finely) placed [themselves] at the head so as to stand before, to lead and to provide – be considered worthy of double value, worth and honor, especially those being continually wearied and spent with labor in [the] Word (or: in the midst of the message) and by teaching (or: instruction and training),"
18 for the Scripture is saying, "You shall not muzzle a bull (or: ox) when it is threshing out grain, " [Deut. 25:4] and, "The worker [is] worthy (of equalvalue) of his wages." [Luke 10:7]"
19 Do not normally accept (or: receive; entertain) [from the] outside (= from outside the community) an accusation down on (or: charge against) an older man, except “upon two or three witnesses, ” [Deut. 17:6]"
20 yet habitually put to the proof, test or expose (or: lay bare and reprove) the [older men] habitually missing the target or constantly being in error (or: the [older men] repeatedly sinning; those continuously failing) before all onlookers (or: in the sight of all), to the end that the rest, also, may continue holding reverence (or: having respectful fear)."
21 I continue bearing complete and thorough witness (or: I habitually give evidence and testimony throughout) in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus and of the selected, picked out and chosen agents (or: messengers; folks with the message), to the end that you may keep watch on so as to guard these things apart from effects of fore-decisions (prejudgment; prejudice), continually doing nothing (constructing not one thing) down from (in accord with; on the level of) inclination (or: a leaning toward [something]) or bias."
22 In practice, place (or: lay) your hands quickly upon no one, neither be habitually having common existence with, partnering with, participating in or sharing in common in the failures (errors; sins; misses of the target; deviations from the goal) belonging to other folks. Constantly keep yourself pure (or: Make it a habit to watch over and guard so as to preserve yourself with propriety)."
23 No longer continue being a water-drinker, but rather, habitually make use of a little wine because of your throat (or: orifice of the stomach; neck of the bladder) and your thick (or: close together, firm, solid) or frequent weaknesses (deficiencies in strength; infirmities; sicknesses [note: this may have been a bladder ailment cause by the local water, causing frequent urination])."
24 The failures (shortfalls; errors; mistakes; deviations; sins) of some people are obvious (portrayed before the public), continually proceeding into a separation and then a decision which leads into judging, yet also, for certain (or: with some) folks, they are normally following upon (or: after; = they have not yet caught up with them; or: they habitually accompanying [them])."
25 Similarly, the beautiful acts (the excellent deeds; the fine and ideal works) are obvious (portrayed before the public), and yet the ones habitually holding otherwise (having [acts or deeds] in a different way) are not able to be continuously hidden."
1 Let as many as are (or: exist being) slaves, joined under a yoke, constantly regard (consider; esteem) their own masters (or: owners) worthy of all honor, to the end that God's Name and the teaching may not be repeatedly blasphemed (defamed with a false image; vilified; misrepresented in a way that hinders the Light; spoken of injuriously; slandered)."
2 Further, let not those having believing masters (or: trusting and loyal owners who are full of faith) be in the habit of despising (having a condescending attitude about; be thinking down upon) [them], because they are brothers (= fellow believers). But rather, let them consistently perform as slaves to a greater extent, because those being continual recipients of their good service (receiving the well-doing in return; those being supported by the benefits) are believers and beloved (or: are folks full of faith and love). Keep on teaching these things, and keep on encouraging by calling others alongside to aid and exhort them (or: continually perform as a paraclete)."
3 If anyone continues teaching something different, and is not approaching by sound words (or: in healthful messages; with sound thoughts or ideas) – in or by those of our Lord, Jesus Christ – even in the teaching which accords with reverence (or: by instruction which is down from a standing in awe of wellness, with adoration, and with training that is in line with a healthful devotion to virtuous conduct for goodness, that is in true relation to God),"
4 he has smoldered and has been puffed up with the fumes of conceit, continues versed in nothing (capable of nothing; unskilled and able to fix upon nothing; understanding nothing of how to know), but rather, continues being sick with a morbid craving concerning investigations (or: seekings; questionings; inquiries) and debates (word fights; disputes; controversies), forth from out of which things continually come to be (or: are birthed) envy, strife (discord; contention), blasphemies (slanderous or abusive speeches which vilify, give a false image, defame, aver harm or hinder the Light), bad (labor-inducing; unprofitable; malicious; misery-gushed) suspicions and intrigues,"
5 altercations and mutual irritations from throughout rubbing against (= friction with) people being folks having been utterly spoiled, ruined, corrupted or perished in the mind (= lost their wits), and having been deprived from the Truth (or: defrauded of reality), folks continually prescribing it a customary law, inferring providing (or: procuring; acquiring; furnishing and supplying to one's self; capital; financial gain) to be the Reverence (the standing in awe of wellness, with adoration; the virtuous conduct, in true relation to God; or: devoutness)."
6 Now the Reverence (or: devoutness and standing in awe of the ease and well-being associated with God; virtuous conduct for goodness, that is in true relation to God) is a great providing of supply (or: means of acquiring; furnishing and supplying to one's self; or: capital) along with a contented self-sufficiency from independent means, (or: Yet is great financial gain accompanied with independent means this Reverence?)"
7 for we carried (or: You see we brought) nothing into the world (the ordered system; secular society) [and] it is evident that neither are we able to carry anything out."
8 So, continuously holding (or: having) nourishments (foods; sustenance) and effects of coverings (clothing or shelter) we will constantly be defended, made a match for, and warded off by these things (or: we shall habitually be contentedly satisfied with and sufficed in these things)."
9 Yet those wanting and determining to be rich are continually falling in – into a trial and a trap and many senseless and hurtful strong passions (many over-desires void of understanding and bringing weakness; disadvantageous wants and needs), which things habitually swamp those people, sinking them to the bottom, into ruinous corruption (or: destruction) and loss,"
10 for a root of all the bad things (the worthless qualities; the injurious situations; the poor craftsmanship; the ugly personalities; the malicious desires) is the fondness of silver (= love of money; = covetousness) of which some, habitually extending and stretching themselves out to reach, are caused to wander off (or: were led astray) away from the faith and they pierce themselves through with a rod and put themselves on a spit (or: they run themselves through, stabbing themselves all around) for (or: in; to; with; by) many pains."
11 However you, O human from God (or: O person whose source and origin is God), be constantly fleeing (taking flight from) these things. But continuously pursue (or: rapidly follow, press forward and chase) fair and equitable dealings in right relationships in the Way pointed out (rightwisedness; justice; = loyal covenantal living), faith (trust; trustworthiness; loyalty), love, persistent remaining under in patient yet relentless endurance to give support, meek and gentle sensitivity (mildness of temper)."
12 Constantly contend (as in the public games in the stadium or on the racecourse) the beautiful (ideal; fine) struggling contest of the faith (or: whose source and character are trust, conviction and loyalty). Take hold of (or: Get a firm grip upon) the eonian life (the Life that has the quality and characteristic of the Age, and pertains to the eons, continuing on into the ages) into which you were called – even [when] you agreed with (or: confessed; said the same thing with another person) the beautiful (fine; ideal) like-message of agreement in the sight and presence of many witnesses."
13 In the sight and presence of God – the One continuously bringing forth all things as living creatures (the One habitually or repeatedly generating all things alive, keeping The Whole alive) – and of Christ Jesus, the One who was testifying the beautiful like-message (or: fine confession; making the ideal and excellent public declaration) on [the occasion with] Pontius Pilate, I am announcing to you (bringing this message to your side) and passing on this notification,"
14 [that] you yourself keep watch on, so as to guard and preserve, the spotless, not-to-be-laid-hold-of-for-blame implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive; or: irreprehensible commandment), until the shining upon from (or: the display in clear light of) our Lord, Jesus Christ (or: the manifestation pertaining to, and which is, our Owner, Jesus [the] Anointed [= Messiah]),"
15 which, in its own fitting situations (appropriate seasons; appointed occasions; fertile moments), will proceed to exhibit and point out The Happy and Only Able One (only Powerful One; alone Potent One): The King of those reigning as kings, and Lord (Master; Owner) of those ruling as lords,"
16 the Only One continuously holding and having possession of immortality (the absence or privation of death; deathlessness), the One continuously making inaccessible (or: unapproachable) light His home (or: dwelling), Whom not one of mankind sees, saw or perceived, nor is able or has power to see or perceive, in Whom [is] honor (value; worth), and eonian strength (might having the qualities and characteristics of the Age; strength enduring through and pertaining to the eons). It is so (Amen)!"
17 Pass along the notice (or: be announcing) to those rich (or: wealthy) within the present age (the current eon) to not be habitually high-minded (proud; arrogant; or: to ponder high things), neither to have put expectation upon, and thus rely on, the uncertainty (insecurity; non-evidence) of riches (or: wealth), but rather, upon God, the One continuously holding all things alongside for us (or: the One constantly offering and providing all thing to us) richly, unto [our] enjoyment (or: into beneficial participation; unto the obtaining of a portion to enjoy; [leading] into pleasure),"
18 to be habitually energizing goodness and working at virtue (or: working profitably), to continue being rich in beautiful deeds (to continue wealthy in ideal actions and in union with fine works), to be liberal contributors (folks good with giving) – folks having the qualities of community and common existence (people who partner and are ready to share; folks who are fellow participants),"
19 constantly securing and laying away in store for themselves (or: in themselves) a beautiful (fine; ideal) foundation, into the thing being about to be (or: unto [that which is] impending; = for the future), to the end that they can from Being (or: pertaining to essential existence) receive upon themselves things pertaining to the Life (or: so that in themselves they could lay hold upon the existing life; or: in order to lay claim to a way of being that is really life)."
20 O Timothy, guard and protect that which is placed beside [you] (or: = the deposit laid up in trust), constantly turning yourself out of the profane, empty voices (vacuous sounds; fruitless discussions) and oppositions (or: standings against in an opposing position; disputes; antitheses; opposing technical or theoretical arguments) of the falsely named "knowledge" or “insight” (or: even contradictions of the lie termed “Gnosis”),"
21 which some are continuously professing and making announcements upon. They miss the mark (or: are without a mark), swerving (deviating) around The Faith and trust. Grace [is] with you folks! (or: The unearned Favor [is] together with you!) [written circa A. D. 55 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]"