2 Timothy 1:1-7

Contemporary English Version

1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus.

God himself chose me to be an apostle, and he gave me the promised life that Jesus Christ makes possible.

²^(A) Timothy, you are like a dear child to me. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Christ Jesus will be kind and merciful to you and will bless you with peace!

Do Not Be Ashamed of the Lord

³Night and day I mention you in my prayers. I am always grateful for you, as I pray to the God my ancestors and I have served with a clear conscience. ⁴I remember how you cried, and I want to see you, because this would make me truly happy. ⁵^(B) I also remember the genuine faith of your mother Eunice. Your grandmother Lois had the same sort of faith, and I am sure you have it as well. ⁶So I ask you to make full use of the gift God gave you when I placed my hands on you.^[a] Use it well. ⁷God's Spirit^[b] doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.

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Footnotes

1.6 when I placed my hands on you: Church leaders placed their hands on people who were being appointed to preach or teach (see 2 Timothy 4.14).
1.7 God's Spirit: Or “God.”