The Skeptics Annotated Bible (957 page)

6
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

(6.1)
“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.”

2 And
they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

(6.2)
“They that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.”

3
If any man teach otherwise
, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

4
He is proud, knowing nothing
, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

(6.3-4)
“If any man teach otherwise … He is proud, knowing nothing.”

5
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth
, supposing that gain is godliness:
from such withdraw thyself.

(6.5) “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth … from such withdraw thyself.” Stay away from those who disagree with you about religion.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

(6.7-10) On money

7
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

(6.7)
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

8 And
having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

(6.8)
“Having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

9 But
they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

(6.9)
“They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

10 For
the love of money is the root of all evil
: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

(6.10)
“The love of money is the root of all evil.”
315 Is money good or bad?

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

14 That thou
keep this commandment
without spot, unrebukeable,
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

(6.14) “Keep this commandment … until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul (or whoever wrote this) expected Jesus to return within his lifetime.

15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16 Who only hath immortality,
dwelling in the light
which no man can approach unto;
whom no man hath seen
, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

(6.16) “Dwelling in the light … whom no man hath seen.”
227 Does God dwell in darkness or in light?
49 Can God be seen?

17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be
not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works,
ready to distribute
, willing to communicate;

(6.17-18)
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be … ready to distribute.”

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20 O Timothy,
keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called
:

(6.20) “Keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.” This verse is often used by believers to justify the rejection of any idea, scientific or otherwise, that contradicts the Bible.
468 Should believers discuss their faith with non-believers?

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

In the last days … shall be … silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
—
2 Timothy 3.1-7

Like the other Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy and Titus), 2 Timothy was written by someone who claimed to be Paul, but wasn’t. It was written by an unknown author long after the real Paul had died.