¹¹ Command and teach these things.^{(A) 12} Don’t let anyone look down on you^(B) because you are young, but set an example^(C) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^(D) and in purity. ¹³ Until I come,^(E) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,^(F) to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy^(G) when the body of elders^(H) laid their hands on you.^(I)

¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save^(J) both yourself and your hearers.

Thanksgiving

³ I thank God,^(A) whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,^(B) as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.^{(C) 4} Recalling your tears,^(D) I long to see you,^(E) so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith,^(F) which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice^(G) 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.^{(H) 7} For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,^(I) but gives us power,^(J) love and self-discipline.