CHAPTER 6

1 Let all who are slaves under the yoke reckon their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine may not be blasphemed.

2 And they who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren; but let them serve so much the more, because they are believers and beloved, and partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

3 If any man teacheth otherwise (or, other thing), and consenteth not to the healthful words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to that doctrine which is according to godliness,

4 He is puffed up, knowing nothing, but sickening after questions and debates of words, out of which spring envy, strife, slanders, unfounded suspicions,

5 Useless disputes of men corrupt in understanding, and that are destitute of the truth, thinking that gain is godliness. Withdraw thyself from such.

6 But godliness with sufficiency ¹ is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into the world; it is certain that neither can we carry anything out.

8 And having food and raiment, we shall be content with these.

9 For they who wish to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into numerous and hurtful follies, which plunge men into ruin and destruction.

10 For the root of all evils is avarice, which some eagerly desiring, have gone astray from the faith, and have entangled themselves with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, piety, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life, to which also thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses.

13 I charge (or, command) thee before God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who testified a good confession before Pontius Pilate,

14 That thou keep the commandment without spot and unblameably, till the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;

15 Which shall be manifested in due season by the blessed and only Prince, the King of kings, and Lord of lords,

16 Who along bath immortality, who inhabiteth unapproachable light, whom no man hath seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power (or, everlasting dominion). Amen.

17 Command (or, charge) those who are rich, that they be not haughty, nor hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God, who supplieth all things abundantly for enjoyment;

18 To do good, to be rich in good works, ready to distribute (or, to bestow), willingly imparting,

19 Laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20 O Timothy, guard that which is committed to thee, avoiding profane vanities of noises, idle talking, and contradictions of science falsely so called,

21 Which some professing, have erred concerning the faith. Grace (be) with thee. Amen.

The first (Epistle) to Timothy was sent from Laodicea, which is the chief city of Phrygia Pacatiana.