^1. YOU therefore, my [1] son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

^2. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

^3. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

^4. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

^5. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he [2] does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

^6. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

^7. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

^8. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,

^9. [3] for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.

^10. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

^11. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

^12. If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we [4] deny Him, He also will deny us;

^13. If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

^14. Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

^15. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

^16. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for [5] it will lead to further ungodliness,

^17. and their [7] talk will spread like [6] gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

^18. men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

^19. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, « The Lord knows those who are His,» and, « Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.»

^20. Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.

^21. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

^22. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

^23. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce [8] quarrels.

^24. The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,

^25. with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

^26. and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive [9] by him to do his will.