This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received, that Christ Iesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief: Notwithstanding unto me was mercy given, that Iesus Christ should first shew on me all long patience, unto the ensample of them which shall in time to come believe on him unto eternal life. So then unto God, king everlasting, immortal, invisible, and wise only, be honour and praise for ever and ever Amen.
This commandment commit I unto thee son Timotheus, according to the prophecies which in time past were prophesied of thee, that thou in them shouldest fight a good fight, having faith and good conscience, which some have put away from them, and as concerning faith have made shipwreck. Of whose number is Himeneus, and Alexander, which I have delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
The .ij. Chapter.
I exhort therefore that above all things prayers, supplications, petitions, and giving of thanks, be had for all men: for kings, and for all that are in preeminence, that we may live a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. For that is good and accepted in the sight of god our saviour, which would have all men saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one god, and one mediator between God and man, which is the man Christ Iesus, which gave himself a ransom for all men, that it should be preached at his time, whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle (I tell the truth in Christ and lie not) being the teacher of the gentiles in faith and verity.
I woll therefore that the men pray every where, lifting up pure hands without wrath, or arguing. Likewise also the women that they array themselves in mannerly apparel with shamefastness, and honest behavior, not with broided hair, other gold, or pearls, or costly array: but with such as becometh women that profess the worshipping of God thorow good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. I suffer not a woman to teach, neither to have authority over the man: but for to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, and then Eve. Also Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived, and was in transgression. Notwithstanding they shall be saved thorow bearing of children, if they continue in the faith and in love, and in sanctifying.
The .iij. Chapter.
This is a true saying: If a man covet the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. Yea and a bishop must be faultless, the husband of one wife, sober, of honest behavior, honestly apparelled, harbourous, apt to teach, not drunken, no fighter, not given to filthy lucre: but gentle, abhorring fighting, abhorring covetousness, and one that ruleth his own house honestly, having children under obedience, with all honesty. For if a man cannot rule his own house, how shall he care for the congregation of God. He may not be a young man, lest he swell and fall into the judgment of the evil speaker. He must also be well reported of among them which are without forth, lest he fall into rebuke, and into the snare of the evil speaker.
Likewise must the deacons be honest, not double tongued, not given unto much drinking, neither unto filthy lucre: but having the mystery of the faith in pure conscience. And let them first be proved, and then let them minister, if they be found faultless.
Even so must their wives be honest, not evil speakers: but sober, and faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife and such as rule their children well, and their own households. For they that minister well, get themselves good degree, and great liberty in the faith, which is in Christ Iesu.
These things write I unto thee, trusting to come shortly unto thee. And if I come not, that thou mayst yet have knowledge how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth. And without nay great is that mystery of godliness. God was shewed in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, was seen of angels, was preached unto the gentiles, was believed on in earth and received up in glory.