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作基督的精兵

所以,我儿啊,你应当在基督耶稣的恩典里刚强起来, 又应当把你在许多见证人面前从我这里听见的,交托给那些又忠心又能够教导别人的人。 你应当和我同受磨难,好象基督耶稣的精兵。 当兵的人不让世务缠身,为要使那招兵的人欢喜。 竞赛的人若不遵守规则,就不能得冠冕。 劳力的农夫理当先尝果实。 你要想想我的话,因为凡事主必给你领悟力。

你要记得那从死人中复活的耶稣基督,他是大卫的后裔所生的,这就是我所传的福音。 我为了这福音受了磨难,甚至像犯人一样被捆绑起来;可是, 神的话却不被捆绑。 10 因此,我为了选民忍受一切,好叫他们也可以得着在基督耶稣里的救恩,和永远的荣耀。

11 “我们若与基督同死,就必与他同活;

12 我们若能坚忍,就必与他一同作王;

我们若不认他,他必不认我们;

13 我们纵然不信,他仍然是信实的,

因为他不能否定自己。”

这话是可信的。

作无愧的工人

14 你要在 神面前把这些事提醒众人,叮嘱他们不要作无益的争辩;这只能败坏听见的人。 15 你应当竭力在 神面前作一个蒙称许、无愧的工人,正确地讲解真理的道。 16 总要远避世俗的空谈,因为这些必会引人进到更不敬虔的地步。 17 他们的话好象毒瘤一样蔓延;他们当中有许米乃和腓理徒。 18 他们偏离了真道,说复活的事已经过去了,于是毁坏了一些人的信心。 19 然而, 神坚固的根基已经立定,上面刻着这样的印:“主认识属于他的人”和“凡称呼主名的人都应当离开不义”。 20 在富贵人的家里(“富贵人的家里”原文作“大房子”),不但有金器、银器,也有木器、瓦器;有贵重的,也有卑贱的。 21 人若自洁,离开卑贱的事,就必作贵重的器皿,成为圣洁,合主使用,预备行各样的善事。 22 你应当逃避年轻人的私欲,要和那些以清洁的心求告主的人,一同追求公义、信心、爱心、和平。 23 你要拒绝愚蠢无知的问难;你知道这些事会引起争论。 24 但主的仆人却不可争论,总要待人温和,善于教导,存心忍耐, 25 以温柔劝导那些对抗的人,或许 神给他们悔改的心,可以认识真理。 26 他们虽然曾经被魔鬼掳去,随从他的意思而行,或许也能醒悟过来,脱离魔鬼的陷阱。

Be Strong in Grace

You therefore, (A)my son, (B)be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must (C)endure[a] hardship (D)as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (E)No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also (F)if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and [b]may the Lord (G)give you understanding in all things.

Remember that Jesus Christ, (H)of the seed of David, (I)was raised from the dead (J)according to my gospel, (K)for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, (L)even to the point of chains; (M)but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore (N)I endure all things for the sake of the [c]elect, (O)that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 This is a faithful saying:

For (P)if we died with Him,
We shall also live with Him.
12 (Q)If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
(R)If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He (S)cannot deny Himself.

Approved and Disapproved Workers

14 Remind them of these things, (T)charging them before the Lord not to [d]strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 (U)Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and [e]idle babblings, for they will [f]increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. (V)Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, (W)saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless (X)the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord (Y)knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of [g]Christ depart from iniquity.”

20 But in a great house there are not only (Z)vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, [h]sanctified and useful for the Master, (AA)prepared for every good work. 22 (AB)Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And (AC)a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, (AD)able to teach, (AE)patient, 25 (AF)in humility correcting those who are in opposition, (AG)if God perhaps will grant them repentance, (AH)so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and (AI)escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 2:3 NU You must share
  2. 2 Timothy 2:7 NU the Lord will give you
  3. 2 Timothy 2:10 chosen ones
  4. 2 Timothy 2:14 battle
  5. 2 Timothy 2:16 empty chatter
  6. 2 Timothy 2:16 lead
  7. 2 Timothy 2:19 NU, M the Lord
  8. 2 Timothy 2:21 set apart

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The Appeal Renewed

You then, my son,(A) be strong(B) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say(C) in the presence of many witnesses(D) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering,(E) like a good soldier(F) of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(G) except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.(H) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,(I) descended from David.(J) This is my gospel,(K) for which I am suffering(L) even to the point of being chained(M) like a criminal. But God’s word(N) is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything(O) for the sake of the elect,(P) that they too may obtain the salvation(Q) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.(R)

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:(S)

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;(T)
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.(U)
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;(V)
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,(W)
    for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;(X) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.(Y) 16 Avoid godless chatter,(Z) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus(AA) and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,(AB) and they destroy the faith of some.(AC) 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,(AD) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”(AE) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord(AF) must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.(AG) 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.(AH)

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love(AI) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord(AJ) out of a pure heart.(AK) 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(AL) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.(AM) 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,(AN) 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,(AO) who has taken them captive to do his will.

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

You then, (A)my child, (B)be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and (C)what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses (D)entrust to faithful men,[a] (E)who will be able to teach others also. (F)Share in suffering as (G)a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier (H)gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. (I)An athlete is not (J)crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is (K)the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, (L)risen from the dead, the (M)offspring of David, (N)as preached in my gospel, (O)for which I am suffering, (P)bound with chains as a criminal. But (Q)the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore (R)I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain (S)the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with (T)eternal glory. 11 The saying is (U)trustworthy, for:

(V)If we have died with him, we will also (W)live with him;
12 (X)if we endure, we will also reign with him;
(Y)if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 (Z)if we are faithless, (AA)he remains faithful—

for (AB)he cannot deny himself.

A Worker Approved by God

14 Remind them of these things, and (AC)charge them before God[b] (AD)not to quarrel about words, (AE)which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[c] a worker (AF)who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But (AG)avoid (AH)irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are (AI)Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, (AJ)saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: (AK)“The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone (AL)who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

20 Now in (AM)a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, (AN)some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, (AO)if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,[d] he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, (AP)ready for every good work.

22 So (AQ)flee (AR)youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with (AS)those who call on the Lord (AT)from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant (AU)controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And (AV)the Lord's servant[e] must not be quarrelsome but (AW)kind to everyone, (AX)able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents (AY)with gentleness. God (AZ)may perhaps grant them repentance (BA)leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from (BB)the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 2:2 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women, depending on the context
  2. 2 Timothy 2:14 Some manuscripts the Lord
  3. 2 Timothy 2:15 That is, one approved after being tested
  4. 2 Timothy 2:21 Greek from these things
  5. 2 Timothy 2:24 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface

作基督的精兵

所以,我儿啊,你应当在基督耶稣的恩典里刚强起来, 又应当把你在许多见证人面前从我这里听见的,交托给那些又忠心又能够教导别人的人。 你应当和我同受磨难,好象基督耶稣的精兵。 当兵的人不让世务缠身,为要使那招兵的人欢喜。 竞赛的人若不遵守规则,就不能得冠冕。 劳力的农夫理当先尝果实。 你要想想我的话,因为凡事主必给你领悟力。

你要记得那从死人中复活的耶稣基督,他是大卫的后裔所生的,这就是我所传的福音。 我为了这福音受了磨难,甚至像犯人一样被捆绑起来;可是, 神的话却不被捆绑。 10 因此,我为了选民忍受一切,好叫他们也可以得着在基督耶稣里的救恩,和永远的荣耀。

11 “我们若与基督同死,就必与他同活;

12 我们若能坚忍,就必与他一同作王;

我们若不认他,他必不认我们;

13 我们纵然不信,他仍然是信实的,

因为他不能否定自己。”

这话是可信的。

作无愧的工人

14 你要在 神面前把这些事提醒众人,叮嘱他们不要作无益的争辩;这只能败坏听见的人。 15 你应当竭力在 神面前作一个蒙称许、无愧的工人,正确地讲解真理的道。 16 总要远避世俗的空谈,因为这些必会引人进到更不敬虔的地步。 17 他们的话好象毒瘤一样蔓延;他们当中有许米乃和腓理徒。 18 他们偏离了真道,说复活的事已经过去了,于是毁坏了一些人的信心。 19 然而, 神坚固的根基已经立定,上面刻着这样的印:“主认识属于他的人”和“凡称呼主名的人都应当离开不义”。 20 在富贵人的家里(“富贵人的家里”原文作“大房子”),不但有金器、银器,也有木器、瓦器;有贵重的,也有卑贱的。 21 人若自洁,离开卑贱的事,就必作贵重的器皿,成为圣洁,合主使用,预备行各样的善事。 22 你应当逃避年轻人的私欲,要和那些以清洁的心求告主的人,一同追求公义、信心、爱心、和平。 23 你要拒绝愚蠢无知的问难;你知道这些事会引起争论。 24 但主的仆人却不可争论,总要待人温和,善于教导,存心忍耐, 25 以温柔劝导那些对抗的人,或许 神给他们悔改的心,可以认识真理。 26 他们虽然曾经被魔鬼掳去,随从他的意思而行,或许也能醒悟过来,脱离魔鬼的陷阱。

Be Strong in Grace

You therefore, (A)my son, (B)be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must (C)endure[a] hardship (D)as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (E)No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also (F)if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and [b]may the Lord (G)give you understanding in all things.

Remember that Jesus Christ, (H)of the seed of David, (I)was raised from the dead (J)according to my gospel, (K)for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, (L)even to the point of chains; (M)but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore (N)I endure all things for the sake of the [c]elect, (O)that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 This is a faithful saying:

For (P)if we died with Him,
We shall also live with Him.
12 (Q)If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
(R)If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He (S)cannot deny Himself.

Approved and Disapproved Workers

14 Remind them of these things, (T)charging them before the Lord not to [d]strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 (U)Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and [e]idle babblings, for they will [f]increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. (V)Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, (W)saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless (X)the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord (Y)knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of [g]Christ depart from iniquity.”

20 But in a great house there are not only (Z)vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, [h]sanctified and useful for the Master, (AA)prepared for every good work. 22 (AB)Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And (AC)a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, (AD)able to teach, (AE)patient, 25 (AF)in humility correcting those who are in opposition, (AG)if God perhaps will grant them repentance, (AH)so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and (AI)escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 2:3 NU You must share
  2. 2 Timothy 2:7 NU the Lord will give you
  3. 2 Timothy 2:10 chosen ones
  4. 2 Timothy 2:14 battle
  5. 2 Timothy 2:16 empty chatter
  6. 2 Timothy 2:16 lead
  7. 2 Timothy 2:19 NU, M the Lord
  8. 2 Timothy 2:21 set apart

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The Appeal Renewed

You then, my son,(A) be strong(B) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say(C) in the presence of many witnesses(D) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering,(E) like a good soldier(F) of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(G) except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.(H) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,(I) descended from David.(J) This is my gospel,(K) for which I am suffering(L) even to the point of being chained(M) like a criminal. But God’s word(N) is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything(O) for the sake of the elect,(P) that they too may obtain the salvation(Q) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.(R)

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:(S)

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;(T)
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.(U)
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;(V)
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,(W)
    for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;(X) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.(Y) 16 Avoid godless chatter,(Z) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus(AA) and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,(AB) and they destroy the faith of some.(AC) 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,(AD) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”(AE) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord(AF) must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.(AG) 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.(AH)

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love(AI) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord(AJ) out of a pure heart.(AK) 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(AL) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.(AM) 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,(AN) 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,(AO) who has taken them captive to do his will.

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

You then, (A)my child, (B)be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and (C)what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses (D)entrust to faithful men,[a] (E)who will be able to teach others also. (F)Share in suffering as (G)a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier (H)gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. (I)An athlete is not (J)crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is (K)the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, (L)risen from the dead, the (M)offspring of David, (N)as preached in my gospel, (O)for which I am suffering, (P)bound with chains as a criminal. But (Q)the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore (R)I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain (S)the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with (T)eternal glory. 11 The saying is (U)trustworthy, for:

(V)If we have died with him, we will also (W)live with him;
12 (X)if we endure, we will also reign with him;
(Y)if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 (Z)if we are faithless, (AA)he remains faithful—

for (AB)he cannot deny himself.

A Worker Approved by God

14 Remind them of these things, and (AC)charge them before God[b] (AD)not to quarrel about words, (AE)which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[c] a worker (AF)who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But (AG)avoid (AH)irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are (AI)Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, (AJ)saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: (AK)“The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone (AL)who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

20 Now in (AM)a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, (AN)some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, (AO)if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,[d] he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, (AP)ready for every good work.

22 So (AQ)flee (AR)youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with (AS)those who call on the Lord (AT)from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant (AU)controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And (AV)the Lord's servant[e] must not be quarrelsome but (AW)kind to everyone, (AX)able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents (AY)with gentleness. God (AZ)may perhaps grant them repentance (BA)leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from (BB)the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 2:2 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women, depending on the context
  2. 2 Timothy 2:14 Some manuscripts the Lord
  3. 2 Timothy 2:15 That is, one approved after being tested
  4. 2 Timothy 2:21 Greek from these things
  5. 2 Timothy 2:24 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface