8. But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully.
9. And we know that the law is not given for a righteous person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers,
10. for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine,
11. according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
12. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.
13. I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14. The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
16. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life.
17. Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
18. This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might fight a good fight,