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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with [a]joy; having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also. For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou [b]stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and [c]discipline. Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the [d]gospel according to the power of God; who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus [e]before times eternal, 10 but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and [f]immortality to light through the [g]gospel, 11 whereunto I was appointed a [h]preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher. 12 For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard [i]that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold the pattern of [j]sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 [k]That good thing which was committed unto thee guard through the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us.

15 This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but, when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me 18 (the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day); and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. [l]Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully. The husbandman that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits. Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my [m]gospel: wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 Faithful is the [n]saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him: 12 if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us: 13 if we are faithless, he abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them in the sight of [o]the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear. 15 Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, [p]handling aright the word of truth. 16 But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness, 17 and their word will [q]eat as doth a gangrene: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 men who concerning the truth have [r]erred, saying that [s]the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, [t]The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, [u]Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness. 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master’s use, prepared unto every good work. 22 But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes. 24 And the Lord’s [v]servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, 25 in meekness [w]correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may [x]recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been [y]taken captive [z]by him unto his will.

But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away. For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be evident unto all men, as theirs also came to be. 10 But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, [aa]patience, 11 persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: and out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of [ab]whom thou hast learned them; 15 and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 [ac]Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [ad]instruction which is in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

[ae]I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; [af]reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the [ag]sound [ah]doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. For I am already being [ai]offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

Give diligence to come shortly unto me: 10 for Demas forsook me, having loved this present [aj]world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to [ak]Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering. 12 But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith [al]did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works: 15 of whom do thou also beware; for he greatly withstood our words. 16 At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account. 17 But the Lord stood by me, and [am]strengthened me; that through me the [an]message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be the glory [ao]for ever and ever. Amen.

19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick. 21 Give diligence to come before winter. Eubulus saluteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

22 The Lord be with thy spirit. Grace be with you.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 1:4 Or, joy in being reminded
  2. 2 Timothy 1:6 Greek stir into flame.
  3. 2 Timothy 1:7 Greek sobering.
  4. 2 Timothy 1:8 Greek good tidings: and so elsewhere. See marginal note on Mt. 4:23.
  5. 2 Timothy 1:9 Or, long ages ago
  6. 2 Timothy 1:10 Greek incorruption. See Rom. 2:7.
  7. 2 Timothy 1:10 Greek good tidings. See verse 8.
  8. 2 Timothy 1:11 Greek herald.
  9. 2 Timothy 1:12 Or, that which he hath committed unto me. Greek my deposit.
  10. 2 Timothy 1:13 Greek healthful.
  11. 2 Timothy 1:14 Greek The good deposit.
  12. 2 Timothy 2:3 Or, Take thy part in suffering hardship, as etc.
  13. 2 Timothy 2:8 See marginal note on 1:8.
  14. 2 Timothy 2:11 Or, saying; for if etc.
  15. 2 Timothy 2:14 Many ancient authorities read God.
  16. 2 Timothy 2:15 Or, holding a straight course in the word of truth. Or, rightly dividing the word of truth
  17. 2 Timothy 2:17 Or, spread
  18. 2 Timothy 2:18 Greek missed the mark. 1 Tim. 1:6.
  19. 2 Timothy 2:18 Some ancient authorities read a resurrection.
  20. 2 Timothy 2:19 Num. 16:5?
  21. 2 Timothy 2:19 Isa. 26:13?
  22. 2 Timothy 2:24 Greek bondservant.
  23. 2 Timothy 2:25 Or, instructing
  24. 2 Timothy 2:26 Greek return to soberness.
  25. 2 Timothy 2:26 Greek taken alive.
  26. 2 Timothy 2:26 Or, by him, unto the will of God. Compare 2 Cor. 10:5. Greek by him, unto the will of him. In the Greek the two pronouns are different.
  27. 2 Timothy 3:10 Or, stedfastness
  28. 2 Timothy 3:14 Greek what persons.
  29. 2 Timothy 3:16 Or, Every scripture is inspired of God, and profitable
  30. 2 Timothy 3:16 Or, discipline
  31. 2 Timothy 4:1 Or, I testify, in the sight . . . dead, both of his appearing etc.
  32. 2 Timothy 4:2 Or, bring to the proof
  33. 2 Timothy 4:3 Greek healthful.
  34. 2 Timothy 4:3 Or, teaching
  35. 2 Timothy 4:6 Greek poured out as a drink-offering.
  36. 2 Timothy 4:10 Or, age
  37. 2 Timothy 4:10 Or, Gaul
  38. 2 Timothy 4:14 Greek showed.
  39. 2 Timothy 4:17 Or, gave me power
  40. 2 Timothy 4:17 Or, proclamation
  41. 2 Timothy 4:18 Greek unto the ages of the ages.

Paul, an apostle(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,(B) in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,(C)

To Timothy,(D) my dear son:(E)

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.(F)

Thanksgiving

I thank God,(G) whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,(H) as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.(I) Recalling your tears,(J) I long to see you,(K) so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith,(L) which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice(M) and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.(N) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,(O) but gives us power,(P) love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed(Q) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.(R) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,(S) by the power of God. He has saved(T) us and called(U) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done(V) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed(W) through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus,(X) who has destroyed death(Y) and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel(Z) I was appointed(AA) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.(AB) 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,(AC) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard(AD) what I have entrusted to him until that day.(AE)

13 What you heard from me,(AF) keep(AG) as the pattern(AH) of sound teaching,(AI) with faith and love in Christ Jesus.(AJ) 14 Guard(AK) the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.(AL)

Examples of Disloyalty and Loyalty

15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia(AM) has deserted me,(AN) including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,(AO) because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed(AP) of my chains.(AQ) 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day!(AR) You know very well in how many ways he helped me(AS) in Ephesus.(AT)

The Appeal Renewed

You then, my son,(AU) be strong(AV) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say(AW) in the presence of many witnesses(AX) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering,(AY) like a good soldier(AZ) of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(BA) except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.(BB) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,(BC) descended from David.(BD) This is my gospel,(BE) for which I am suffering(BF) even to the point of being chained(BG) like a criminal. But God’s word(BH) is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything(BI) for the sake of the elect,(BJ) that they too may obtain the salvation(BK) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.(BL)

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:(BM)

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;(BN)
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.(BO)
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;(BP)
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,(BQ)
    for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;(BR) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.(BS) 16 Avoid godless chatter,(BT) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus(BU) and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,(BV) and they destroy the faith of some.(BW) 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,(BX) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”(BY) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord(BZ) must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.(CA) 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.(CB)

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love(CC) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord(CD) out of a pure heart.(CE) 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(CF) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.(CG) 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,(CH) 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,(CI) who has taken them captive to do his will.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.(CJ) People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,(CK) boastful, proud,(CL) abusive,(CM) disobedient to their parents,(CN) ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous,(CO) rash, conceited,(CP) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness(CQ) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.(CR)

They are the kind who worm their way(CS) into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.(CT) Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses,(CU) so also these teachers oppose(CV) the truth. They are men of depraved minds,(CW) who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men,(CX) their folly will be clear to everyone.

A Final Charge to Timothy

10 You, however, know all about my teaching,(CY) my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch,(CZ) Iconium(DA) and Lystra,(DB) the persecutions I endured.(DC) Yet the Lord rescued(DD) me from all of them.(DE) 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,(DF) 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse,(DG) deceiving and being deceived.(DH) 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,(DI) 15 and how from infancy(DJ) you have known the Holy Scriptures,(DK) which are able to make you wise(DL) for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed(DM) and is useful for teaching,(DN) rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,(DO) 17 so that the servant of God[a](DP) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.(DQ)

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead,(DR) and in view of his appearing(DS) and his kingdom, I give you this charge:(DT) Preach(DU) the word;(DV) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke(DW) and encourage(DX)—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.(DY) Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.(DZ) They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.(EA) But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,(EB) do the work of an evangelist,(EC) discharge all the duties of your ministry.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,(ED) and the time for my departure is near.(EE) I have fought the good fight,(EF) I have finished the race,(EG) I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me(EH) the crown of righteousness,(EI) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day(EJ)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.(EK)

Personal Remarks

Do your best to come to me quickly,(EL) 10 for Demas,(EM) because he loved this world,(EN) has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.(EO) Crescens has gone to Galatia,(EP) and Titus(EQ) to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke(ER) is with me.(ES) Get Mark(ET) and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus(EU) to Ephesus.(EV) 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas,(EW) and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander(EX) the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.(EY) 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.(EZ) 17 But the Lord stood at my side(FA) and gave me strength,(FB) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.(FC) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.(FD) 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack(FE) and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.(FF) To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(FG)

Final Greetings

19 Greet Priscilla[b] and Aquila(FH) and the household of Onesiphorus.(FI) 20 Erastus(FJ) stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus(FK) sick in Miletus.(FL) 21 Do your best to get here before winter.(FM) Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.[c]

22 The Lord be with your spirit.(FN) Grace be with you all.(FO)

Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 3:17 Or that you, a man of God,
  2. 2 Timothy 4:19 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
  3. 2 Timothy 4:21 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.