After this letter has been read to you, make sure that it’s read to the church in Laodicea. I sent them a letter also; make sure that you have that one read in your church too.
I command you in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels to follow these instructions. Treat everyone the same and don’t favor one person over another.
As I told you when I went into Macedonia, I want you to stay there in Ephesus. I need you to command certain people not to teach things that aren’t true and not to spend their time on made-up stories
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to set free those who were controlled by demons. They said, “In the name of the Jesus that Paul is preaching about, I command you to come out.”
Holy brothers and sisters, who take part in God’s calling, I want you to focus your attention on Jesus, who is the messenger and high priest of our faith.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because he and his kingdom are coming, I’m giving you these instructions:
Command people who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to put their hope in riches, which are so uncertain. Tell them to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who told the truth when he was a witness in front of Pontius Pilate, I give you a command.
Timothy, my son, I’m giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies that were once made about you. By remembering them, you’ll be able to fight the battle well