1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope.
2 To Timothy, a true child to me because you believe:Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I asked you to stay longer in Ephesus when I went into Macedonia so you could command some people there to stop teaching false things.
4 Tell them not to spend their time on stories that are not true and on long lists of names in family histories. These things only bring arguments; they do not help God’s work, which is done in faith.
5 The purpose of this command is for people to have love, a love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a true faith.
6 Some people have missed these things and turned to useless talk.
7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand either what they are talking about or what they are sure about.