Paul Encourages Timothy

1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. God sent me to tell about the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.

² To Timothy, a dear son to me. Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

³ I always remember you in my prayers, day and night. And I thank God for you in these prayers. He is the God my ancestors served. And I serve him, doing what I know is right. ⁴ I remember that you cried for me. And I want very much to see you so that I can be filled with joy. ⁵ I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. And I know that you now have that same faith.

¹⁷ That is why I am sending Timothy to you. He is my son in the Lord. I love Timothy, and he is faithful. He will help you remember the way I live in Christ Jesus. This way of life is what I teach in all the churches everywhere.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon. I will be happy to learn how you are. ²⁰ I have no other person like Timothy. He truly cares for you. ²¹ Other people are interested only in their own lives. They are not interested in the work of Christ Jesus. ²² You know the kind of person Timothy is. You know that he has served with me in telling the Good News, as a son serves his father. ²³ I plan to send him to you quickly when I know what will happen to me. ²⁴ I am sure that the Lord will help me to come to you soon.

² and send Timothy to you. Timothy is our brother, who works with us for God. He helps us tell people the Good News about Christ. We sent Timothy to strengthen and comfort you in your faith.

Personal Words

⁹ Do your best to come to me as soon as you can. ¹⁰ Demas loved this world too much. He left me and went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia. And Titus went to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Luke is the only one still with me. Get Mark and bring him with you when you come. He can help me in my work here. ¹² I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

¹³ When I was in Troas, I left my coat there with Carpus. So when you come, bring it to me. Also, bring my books, particularly the ones written on parchment.^[a]

²¹ Try as hard as you can to come to me before winter.

Eubulus sends greetings to you. Also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers in Christ greet you.