2 Timothy 1-2

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Salutation

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

² To Timothy, my beloved child:

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

Thanksgiving and Encouragement

³ I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.^{(A) 4} Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.^{(B) 6} For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands, ⁷ for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.^(C)

⁸ Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, in the power of God,^{(D) 9} who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, and this grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,^{[a](E) 10} but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ,^[b] who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.^{(F) 11} For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher,^{[c](G) 12} and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day the deposit I have entrusted to him.^{[d](H) 13} Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^{(I) 14} Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

¹⁵ You are aware that all who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. ¹⁶ May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain;^{(J) 17} when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly^[e] searched for me and found me ¹⁸ —may the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well how much service he rendered in Ephesus.^(K)

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, ² and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.^{(L) 3} Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer. ⁵ And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.^{(M) 6} It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. ⁷ Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, ⁹ for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.^{(N) 10} Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^{(O) 11} The saying is sure:

A Worker Approved by God

¹⁴ Remind them of this, and warn them before the Lord^[g] that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.^{(R) 15} Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people^[h] into more and more impiety,^{(S) 17} and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,^{(T) 18} who have swerved from the truth, saying resurrection^[i] has already occurred. They are upsetting the faith of some.^{(U) 19} But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.”^(V)

²⁰ In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special^[j] use, some for ordinary.^{[k](W) 21} All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned^[l] will become special^[m] utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.^{(X) 22} Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.^{(Y) 23} Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.^{(Z) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient,^{(AA) 25} correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth^{(AB) 26} and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.^[n]