As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

We know, of course, that the Law is excellent, when used legitimately,

when before I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and a tyrant. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly, through unbelief:

And for this matter I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying [when I say this]—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

And Adam was not [the one] deceived, but [it was] the woman who, when deceived, fell into sin.

How true is that saying! When a man aspires to be a Presiding-Officer in the Church, he is ambitious for a noble task.

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of [only] one wife, sober-minded [Note: When this word, used here figuratively, is used in its literal sense, it means to abstain from intoxicating drinks], sensible, respectable, hospitable, capable of teaching.

And they must also be well-tried men, and when found to be of unblemished character then let them serve as deacons.

Because every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, when it is received with thanksgiving;

Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands on you [at your ordination].

(When a widow has children or grandchildren, they must learn that the first duty of religion is to their own household, and that they should make some return to those who have brought them up. In God's sight this is an acceptable thing.)

Let a widow be put on the list when not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband,

But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

Say sharp words to sinners when all are present, so that the rest may be in fear.

Likewise, good deeds are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be hidden [indefinitely].

And godliness *is* gain, when associated with contentment;

When we have food and raiment, let us therewith be content.

Exert all your strength in the honourable struggle for the faith; lay hold of the Life of the Ages, to which you were called, when you made your noble profession of faith before many witnesses.

I [solemnly] urge you in the presence of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession when He testified in front of Pontius Pilate [See John 18:37; Matt. 27:17],

which appearing, when the time is come, he shall show that is blessed and mighty only, King of Kings, and Lord of lords,