6. Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion.
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. But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately,
9. realizing that law 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,
10. sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers – in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching.
11. This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me.
12. I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry,
13. even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief,
14. and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.
15. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them!
16. But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.
17. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.