2 Timothy 2

1 You then, my child, must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Do you then, my son, strengthen you heart in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.

2 All that you have been taught by me in the hearing of many witnesses, you must hand on to trusty men who shall themselves, in turn, be competent to instruct others also.

The teachings which you have heard from me, attested by many witnesses, deliver into the keeping of faithful men, who in their turn will be able to teach others also.

3 As a good soldier of Christ Jesus accept your share of suffering.

Take your share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him.

A soldier in active service avoids entangling himself in the every- day affairs of life, so that he may please his commander.

5 And if any one takes part in an athletic contest, he gets no prize unless he obeys the rules.

And again, an athlete is not crowned unless he obeys the rules of the game.

6 The harvestman who labours in the field must be the first to get a share of the crop.

The farmer who has done the work should be the first to get a share of the crop.

7 Mark well what I am saying: the Lord will give you discernment in everything.

Reflect on what I am telling you. The Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Never forget that Jesus Christ has risen from among the dead and is a descendant of David, as is declared in the Good News which I preach.

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, has been raised from the dead according to the gospel I proclaim.

9 For preaching the Good News I suffer, and am even put in chains, as if I were a criminal: yet the word of God is not imprisoned.

For preaching it I am suffering, and am even put in chains as a malefacter. But God’s message is no prisoner.

10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of God's own people; so that they also may obtain salvation--even the salvation which is in Christ Jesus--and with it eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)

That is why I endure everything for the sake of the chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)

11 Faithful is the saying: "If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him;

Faithful is the saying. "If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.

12 "If we patiently endure pain, we shall also share His Kingship; "If we disown Him, He will also disown us;

If we endure suffering, we shall also reign with him. If we disown him, he too will disown us.

13 "And even if our faith fails, He remains true--He cannot prove false to Himself."

If we prove faithless. he abides faithful, for he cannot be false to himself."

14 Bring all this to men's remembrances, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to waste time in wrangling about mere words, a course which is altogether unprofitable and tends only to the ruin of the hearers.

Always call these truths to men’s mind; adjuring them in the presence of God to avoid controversy. It is a useless thing, and subverts those who listen to it.

15 Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because of his straightforward dealing with the word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame.

Strive earnestly to present yourself unto God, tested and proved worthy by trial, a workman unashamed, ever cutting a straight path for the message of the truth.

16 But from irreligious and frivolous talk hold aloof, for those who indulge in it will proceed from bad to worse in impiety,

but avoid profane babble; for people will go farther and farther in impiety,

17 and their teaching will spread like a running sore. Hymenaeus and Philetus are men of that stamp.

and their teaching will spread like a gangrene.

18 In the matter of the truth they have gone astray, saying that the Resurrection is already past, and so they are overthrowing the faith of some.

Among such are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have gone astray concerning the truth by declaring that the resurrection is already past; and they are undermining the faith of some.

19 Yet God's solid foundation stands unmoved, bearing this inscription, "The Lord knows those who really belong to Him." And this also, "Let every one who names the Name of the Lord renounce all wickedness."

Nevertheless God’s firm foundation stands unshaken, bearing this inscription, THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS, and this also, LET EVERY ONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF THE LORD RENOUNCE WICKEDNESS.

20 Now in a great house there are not only articles of gold and silver, but also others of wood and of earthenware; and some are for specially honourable, and others for common use.

Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for noble, some for ignoble uses.

21 If therefore a man keeps himself clear of these latter, he himself will be for specially honourable use, consecrated, fit for the Master's service, and fully equipped for every good work.

If then a man keeps himself clear of these latter, he will be a vessel for honor, consecrated, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

22 Keep a strong curb, however, on your youthful cravings; and strive for integrity, good faith, love, peace, in company with all who pray to the Lord with pure hearts.

Flee from the passions of youth, but run after righteousness, faith, love, and peace, in company with those who out of a pure heart call upon the Lord.

23 But avoid foolish discussions with ignorant men, knowing--as you do--that these lead to quarrels;

Ever shun foolish and puerile discussions, for you know that they lead to quarrels.

24 and a bondservant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be inoffensive towards all men, a skilful teacher, and patient under wrongs.

The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be kind to all men; a skilful teacher, patient of wrong.

25 He must speak in a gentle tone when correcting the errors of opponents, in the hope that God will at last give them repentance, for them to come to a full knowledge of the truth

He must be gentle when instructing opponents; for possibly God may give them a change of mind for the recognition of the truth,

26 and recover sober-mindedness and freedom from the Devil's snare, though they are now entrapped by him to do his will.

and they may come to their senses again, and escape the snare of the devil, as they are restored to life by God to do his will.