Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.
NIV
For Paul had determined to sail on past Ephesus, lest he might have to spend time [unnecessarily] in [the province of] Asia; for he was hastening on so that he might reach Jerusalem, if at all possible, by the day of Pentecost.
AMP
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
KJV
Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
NIV
For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid[all] such people [turn away from them].
AMP
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
KJV
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
NIV
But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers' tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit].
AMP
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
KJV
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
NIV
Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath and escape punishment, but also as a matter of principle and for the sake of conscience.
AMP
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
KJV
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
NIV
Therefore, my dearly beloved, shun (keep clear away from, avoid by flight if need be) any sort of idolatry (of loving or venerating anything more than God).
AMP
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
KJV
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
NIV
To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
AMP
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
KJV
Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
NIV
Remind [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers.
AMP
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
KJV
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
NIV
By mercy and love, truth and fidelity [to God and man--not by sacrificial offerings], iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil.
AMP
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
KJV
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
NIV
But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels.
AMP
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
KJV
