The Lord’s Grace to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,^(A) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.^{(B) 13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(C) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(D) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^{(E) 14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(F) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(G)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(H) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(I)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(J) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(K) as an example for those who would believe^(L) in him and receive eternal life.^{(M) 17} Now to the King^(N) eternal, immortal,^(O) invisible,^(P) the only God,^(Q) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(R)

⁷ And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying^(A)—and a true and faithful teacher^(B) of the Gentiles.^(C)

1 Paul, an apostle^(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(B) in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,^(C)

² To Timothy,^(D) my dear son:^(E)

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.^(F)

Thanksgiving

³ I thank God,^(G) whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,^(H) as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.^{(I) 4} Recalling your tears,^(J) I long to see you,^(K) so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith,^(L) which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice^(M) and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

⁶ For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.^{(N) 7} For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,^(O) but gives us power,^(P) love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed^(Q) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(R) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(S) by the power of God.

Personal Remarks

⁹ Do your best to come to me quickly,^{(A) 10} for Demas,^(B) because he loved this world,^(C) has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.^(D) Crescens has gone to Galatia,^(E) and Titus^(F) to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke^(G) is with me.^(H) Get Mark^(I) and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. ¹² I sent Tychicus^(J) to Ephesus.^{(K) 13} When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas,^(L) and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

¹⁴ Alexander^(M) the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.^{(N) 15} You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

¹⁶ At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.^{(O) 17} But the Lord stood at my side^(P) and gave me strength,^(Q) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.^(R) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.^{(S) 18} The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack^(T) and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.^(U) To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(V)

Final Greetings

¹⁹ Greet Priscilla^[a] and Aquila^(W) and the household of Onesiphorus.^{(X) 20} Erastus^(Y) stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus^(Z) sick in Miletus.^{(AA) 21} Do your best to get here before winter.^(AB) Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.^[b]

²² The Lord be with your spirit.^(AC) Grace be with you all.^(AD)

Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good^(A)

⁵ The reason I left you in Crete^(B) was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint^[a] elders^(C) in every town, as I directed you.

Final Remarks

¹² As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus^(A) to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.^{(B) 13} Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos^(C) on their way and see that they have everything they need.