2 Timothy 2:1-26
2 You, therefore, my child,+ keep on acquiring power*+ in the undeserved kindness+ that is in connection with Christ Jesus,
2 and the things you heard from me with the support of many witnesses,+ these things commit to faithful men, who, in turn, will be adequately qualified to teach others.+
3 As a fine soldier+ of Christ Jesus take your part in suffering evil.+
4 No man serving as a soldier*+ involves himself in the commercial businesses of life,+ in order that he may gain the approval of the one who enrolled him as a soldier.
5 Moreover, if anyone contends even in the games,*+ he is not crowned unless he has contended according to the rules.
6 The hardworking farmer must be the first to partake of the fruits.+
7 Give constant thought* to what I am saying; the Lord will really give you discernment+ in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ was raised up from the dead+ and was of David’s seed,+ according to the good news I preach;+
9 in connection with which I am suffering evil to the point of [prison] bonds+ as an evildoer. Nevertheless, the word of God is not bound.+
10 On this account I go on enduring all things for the sake of the chosen ones,+ that they too may obtain the salvation that is in union with Christ Jesus along with everlasting glory.+
11 Faithful is the saying:+ Certainly if we died together, we shall also live together;+
12 if we go on enduring, we shall also rule together as kings;+ if we deny,+ he also will deny us;
13 if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,+ for he cannot deny himself.
14 Keep reminding+ them of these things, charging+ them before God* as witness,+ not to fight about words,+ a thing of no usefulness at all because it overturns those listening.
15 Do your utmost to present yourself approved+ to God, a workman+ with nothing to be ashamed of,+ handling the word of the truth aright.+
16 But shun empty speeches that violate what is holy;+ for they will advance to more and more ungodliness,*+
17 and their word will spread like gangrene.+ Hy·me·naeʹus and Phi·leʹtus are of that number.+
18 These very [men] have deviated from the truth,+ saying that the resurrection has already occurred;+ and they are subverting the faith of some.+
19 For all that, the solid foundation* of God* stays standing,+ having this seal: “Jehovah* knows those who belong to him,”+ and: “Let everyone naming the name of Jehovah*+ renounce unrighteousness.”+
20 Now in a large house there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for an honorable purpose but others for a purpose lacking honor.+
21 If, therefore, anyone keeps clear of the latter ones,* he will be a vessel for an honorable purpose, sanctified, useful to his owner, prepared for every good work.+
22 So, flee from the desires incidental to youth,*+ but pursue righteousness,+ faith, love, peace,+ along with those who call upon the Lord* out of a clean heart.+
23 Further, turn down foolish and ignorant questionings,+ knowing they produce fights.+
24 But a slave of the Lord* does not need to fight,+ but needs to be gentle* toward all,+ qualified to teach,+ keeping himself restrained under evil,+
25 instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed;+ as perhaps God may give them repentance+ leading to an accurate knowledge of truth,+
26 and they may come back to their proper senses out from the snare+ of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive+ by him for the will of that one.
Footnotes
^ Lit., “be being empowered.”
^ Lit., “doing military service.”
^ Lit., “if anyone may be acting as athlete.”
^ Lit., “Be you seeing mentally.”
^ “God,” אC; ADVg, “the Lord”; J7,8,13,14,16, “Jehovah.”
^ Lit., “irreverence.”
^ “Foundation.” Gr., the·meʹli·os; Lat., fun·da·menʹtum.
^ See App 1D.
^ See App 1D.
^ “God,” AVgSypJ17,18,22; א, “the Lord.”
^ Or, “of these.”
^ “The Lord,” אAVg; J7,8,17,22, “Jehovah.”
^ “Incidental to youth.” Or, “natural to youth.” Lit., “youthful.” Gr., ne·o·te·ri·kasʹ; Lat., iu·ve·niʹli·a.
^ “Lord,” אAVg; J16,24, “Jehovah.”
^ Or, “tactful.”
