1:3 As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus ¹  to instruct ²  certain people not to spread false teachings, ³  1:4 nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. ⁴  Such things promote useless speculations rather than God’s redemptive plan ⁵  that operates by faith. 1:5 But the aim of our instruction ⁶  is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. ⁷  1:6 Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion. 1:7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently. ⁸ 

1:8 But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately, 1:9 realizing that law ⁹  is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 1:10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, ¹⁰  kidnappers, liars, perjurers – in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. 1:11 This ¹¹  accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God ¹²  that was entrusted to me. ¹³