Study Desk

Paul,^(a) an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will,^(b) for the promise of life^(c) in Christ Jesus:

To Timothy, my dearly loved son. Grace, mercy, and peace^(d) from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience^(e) as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.^(f)

Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy,

clearly recalling your sincere faith^(g) that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice,^(h) and that I am convinced is in you also.

Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze^[a] the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.⁽ⁱ⁾

For God has not given us a spirit^[b] of fearfulness,^(j) but one of power,^(k) love,^(l) and sound judgment.

So don't be ashamed^(m) of the testimony about our Lord,⁽ⁿ⁾ or of me His prisoner.^(o) Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power^(p) of God.

He has saved us and called us with a holy calling,^(q) not according to our works,^(r) but according to His own purpose^(s) and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

This has now been made evident through the appearing^(t) of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death^(u) and has brought life^(v) and immortality to light through the gospel.

For this gospel I was appointed^(w) a herald, apostle, and teacher,^[c]

and that is why I suffer^(x) these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me^[d](y) until that day.^(z)

Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching^(aa) that you have heard from me,^(ab) in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.

This you know: All those in Asia^(ac) have turned away from me,^(ad) including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

May the Lord grant mercy^(ae) to the household of Onesiphorus,^(af) because he often refreshed me^(ag) and was not ashamed of my chains.^(ah)

On the contrary, when he was in Rome,^(ai) he diligently searched for me and found me.

May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy^(aj) from Him on that day. And you know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.^(ak)

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace^(a) that is in Christ Jesus.

And what you have heard from me^(b) in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful^(c) men who will be able to teach others also.

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.^(d)

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter.

Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.^(e)

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead^(f) and descended from David. This is according to my gospel.

I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God's message is not bound.

This is why I endure^(g) all things for the elect:^(h) so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.⁽ⁱ⁾

This saying is trustworthy:^(j) For if we have died with Him,^(k) we will also live with Him;

if we endure, we will also reign^(l) with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Remind them of these things, charging them before God^[a] not to fight about words;^(m) this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.⁽ⁿ⁾

But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.^(o)

And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus^(p) and Philetus are among them.

They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place,^(q) and are overturning the faith of some.^(r)

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription:^(s) The Lord knows those who are His, ^(t)[b] and Everyone who names the name^(u) of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness.^(v)

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls,^(w) but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable^[c] use, some for dishonorable.^[d](x)

So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,^[e] he will be a special^[f] instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.^(y)

Flee^(z) from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,^(aa) along with those who call on the Lord^(ab) from a pure heart.

But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

The Lord's^(ac) slave must not quarrel,^(ad) but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[g] and patient,

instructing his opponents with gentleness.^(ae) Perhaps God will grant them repentance^(af) leading them to the knowledge of the truth.

Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's trap,^(ag) having been captured by him to do his will.^(ah)