2 Timothy 1-4
1599 Geneva Bible
The Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy
1 3 He commendeth Timothy’s faith, 6 and exhorteth him to go on faithfully in the charge committed unto him: 8 and that neither for his bonds, 15 nor the revolting of others, he faint. 11 He triumpheth of his Apostleship. 14 He willeth him to have care of the thing committed unto him, 16 and praiseth Onesiphorus.
1 Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, [a]according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 [b]I thank God, (A)whom I serve from mine [c]elders with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.
4 Desiring to see thee, mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy:
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice, and am assured that it dwelleth in thee also.
6 [d]Wherefore, I put thee in remembrance that thou [e]stir up the gift of God which is in thee, by the putting on of mine hands.
7 For God hath not given to us the Spirit of [f]fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
8 [g]Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, neither of me [h]his prisoner: but be partaker of the afflictions of the [i]Gospel according to the [j]power of God,
9 [k]Who hath saved us, and called us with an (B)holy calling, not according to our (C)works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was [l]given to us through Christ Jesus [m]before the (D)world was,
10 But is now made manifest by that appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality unto [n]light through the Gospel.
11 (E)[o]Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 [p]For the which cause I also suffer these things, [q]but I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day.
13 [r]Keep the true pattern of the wholesome words, which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 [s]That worthy thing, which was committed to thee, keep [t]through the holy Ghost, which dwelleth in us.
15 [u]This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia, be turned from me: of which sort are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
17 But when he was at Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
18 The Lord grant unto him, that he may find mercy with the Lord at that day, and in how many things he hath ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
2 2 The better to set out perseverance in the Christian warfare, 3 he taketh similitudes, 4 from soldiers, 6 and from husbandmen. 10 He showeth that his bonds are for the profit of the Saints: 15 Then he warneth Timothy to divide the word of truth aright, 17 to beware of the examples of the wicked, 22 and to do all things modestly.
1 Thou [v]therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And what things thou hast heard of me, by [w]many witnesses, the same deliver to faithful men, which shall be able to teach others also.
3 [x]Thou therefore suffer affliction as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth, entangleth himself with the affairs of [y]this life, because he would please him that hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5 [z]And if any man also strive for a mastery, he is not crowned, except he strive as he ought to do.
6 [aa]The husbandman must labor before he receive the fruits.
7 [ab]Consider what I say: and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8 [ac]Remember that Jesus Christ, made of the seed of David, was raised again from the dead according to my Gospel,
9 [ad]Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds: but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I suffer all things for the elect’s sake, that they might also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 [ae]It is a true saying, For if we be (F)[af]dead together with him: we also shall live together with him.
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign together with him: (G)if we deny him, he also will deny us.
13 If (H)we believe not, yet abideth he faithful: he cannot deny himself.
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, and [ag]protest before the Lord, that they strive not about words, which is to no profit, but to the perverting of the hearers.
15 [ah]Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, dividing the word of truth [ai]aright.
16 [aj]Stay profane, and vain babblings: [ak]for they shall increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word shall fret as a canker: of which sort is Hymenaeus and Philetus.
18 Which as concerning the truth have erred from the mark, saying that the resurrection is past already, and do destroy the faith of certain.
19 [al]But the foundation of God remaineth sure, and hath this seal, The Lord knoweth who are his: and, Let everyone that [am]calleth on the Name of Christ, depart from iniquity.
20 [an]Notwithstanding in a great house are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, (I)and some for honor, and some unto dishonor.
21 If any man therefore [ao]purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Lord, and prepared unto every good work.
22 [ap]Flee also from the lusts of youth, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, and [aq]peace, with them that (J)call on the Lord with pure heart,
23 (K)And put away foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they engender strife.
24 But the servant of the Lord must not strive, but must be gentle toward all men, apt to teach, [ar]suffering the evil,
25 Instructing them with meekness that are [as]contrary minded, proving if God at any time will give them repentance, that they may acknowledge the truth,
26 And come to amendment out of that snare of the devil, of whom they are taken prisoners, to do his will.
3 1 He foretelleth the dangerous times that are to ensue: 9 but with the certain hope of victory, 10 he encourageth him to the combat, 14 setting out especially the trial of sound doctrine.
1 This [at]know also, that in the (L)last days shall come perilous times.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, [au]unholy,
3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, intemperate, fierce, no lovers at all of them which are good,
4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,
5 Having a show of godliness, but have denied the power thereof: [av]turn away therefore from such.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive simple women laden with sins, and led with divers lusts,
7 Which women are ever learning, and are never able to come to the acknowledging of the truth.
8 (M)And as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 [aw]But they shall prevail no longer: for their madness shall be evident unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 ¶ [ax]But thou hast [ay]fully known my doctrine, manner of living, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
11 Persecutions, and afflictions which came unto me at [az]Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, which persecutions I suffered: but from them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.
13 But the evil men and deceivers shall wax [ba]worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and which are committed unto thee, knowing of whom thou hast learned them:
15 And that thou hast known the holy Scriptures of a child, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 (N)[bb]For the whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to teach, to convince, to correct, and to instruct in righteousness,
17 That the [bc]man of God may be absolute, being made perfect unto all good works.
4 1 He chargeth him to preach the Gospel with all diligence, 3 in that so miserable a time: 6 that his death is hard at hand, 8 yet so, that as a conqueror he maketh haste to a glorious triumph. 10 He showeth the cause why he sendeth for Timothy, 11 even by reason of his present state.
1 I [bd]Charge thee therefore before God, and before the Lord Jesus Christ, which shall judge the quick and dead at that his appearing, and in his kingdom,
2 Preach the word: be instant, in season, and out of season: improve, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 [be]For the time will come when they will not suffer wholesome doctrine: but having their ears itching, shall after their own lusts get them an heap of teachers,
4 And shall turn their ears from the truth, and shall be given unto [bf]fables.
5 [bg]But watch thou in all things: suffer adversity: do the work of an Evangelist: [bh]cause thy ministry to be thoroughly liked of.
6 [bi]For I am now ready to be [bj]offered, and the time of my departing is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, and have finished my course: I have kept the faith.
8 For henceforth is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love that his appearing.
9 [bk]Make speed to come unto me at once:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, and hath [bl]embraced this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 (O)Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable unto me to minister.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works.
15 Of whom be thou ware also: for he withstood our preaching sore.
16 At my first answering no man assisted me, but all forsook me: I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully believed, and that all the Gentiles should hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the [bm]lion.
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every [bn]evil work, and will preserve me unto his [bo]heavenly kingdom: to whom be praise for ever and ever, Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the (P)household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
21 Make speed to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy Spirit. Grace be with you, Amen.
¶ The second Epistle written from Rome unto Timothy, the first Bishop elected of the Church of Ephesus, when Paul was presented the second time before the Emperor Nero.
Footnotes
- 2 Timothy 1:1 Sent of God to preach that life which he promised in Christ Jesus.
- 2 Timothy 1:3 The chiefest mark that he shooteth at in this Epistle, is to confirm Timothy to continue constantly and manfully even to the end, setting first before him the great good will he beareth him, and then reckoning up the excellent gifts which God would as it were have to be by inheritance in Timothy, and his ancestors, which might so much the more make him bound to God.
- 2 Timothy 1:3 From Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: for he speaketh not of Pharisaism, but of Christianism.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 He warneth us to set the invincible power of the Spirit, which God hath given us, against those storms which may and do come upon us.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 The gift of God is as it were a certain lively flame kindled in our hearts, which the flesh and the devil go about to put out: and therefore we on the contrary side must labor as much as we can to foster and keep it burning.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 To pierce us through, and terrify us, as men whom the Lord will destroy.
- 2 Timothy 1:8 He proveth that the ignominy or shame of the cross is not only not to be ashamed of, but also that it is glorious and most honorable: first, because the Gospel wherefore the godly are afflicted, is the testimony of Christ: and secondly, because at length the great virtue and power of God appeareth in them.
- 2 Timothy 1:8 For his sake.
- 2 Timothy 1:8 The Gospel after a sort is said to be afflicted in them that preach it.
- 2 Timothy 1:8 Through the power of God.
- 2 Timothy 1:9 He showeth with how great benefits God hath bound us to maintain boldly and constantly his glory which is joined with our salvation, and reckoneth up the causes of our salvation, to wit, that free and eternal purpose of God to save us in Christ which was to come, whereby it should come to pass, that we should at length be freely called of God by the preaching of the Gospel, to Christ the destroyer of death and author of immortality.
- 2 Timothy 1:9 He sayeth that that grace was given us from everlasting, unto which we were predestinate from everlasting. So that the doctrine of foreseen faith and foreseen works, is clean contrary to the doctrine which preached and teacheth the grace of God.
- 2 Timothy 1:9 Before that course of years, which hath run on ever since the beginning of the world.
- 2 Timothy 1:10 Hath caused life and immortality to appear.
- 2 Timothy 1:11 That is, the Gospel which the Apostle preached.
- 2 Timothy 1:12 He confirmeth his Apostleship by a strange argument, to wit, because the world could not abide it, and therefore it persecuted him that preached it.
- 2 Timothy 1:12 By setting his own example before us, he showeth us how it may be, that we shall not be ashamed of the cross of Christ, to wit, if we be sure that God both can and will keep the salvation which he hath as it were laid up in store by himself for us against that day.
- 2 Timothy 1:13 He showeth wherein he ought to be most constant, to wit, both in the doctrine itself, the abridgment whereof is faith and charity, and next in the manner of teaching it, a lively pattern and shape whereof Timothy knew in the Apostle.
- 2 Timothy 1:14 An amplification, taken of the dignity of so great a benefit committed of the ministers.
- 2 Timothy 1:14 The taking away of an objection. It is a hard thing to do it, but the Spirit of God is mighty, who hath inwardly endued us with his virtue.
- 2 Timothy 1:15 He preventeth an offense which arose by the means of certain that fell from God and the religion, and uttereth also their names, that they might be known of all men. But he setteth against them the singular faith of one man, that one only good example might counterpoise and weigh down all evil examples.
- 2 Timothy 2:1 The conclusion of the former exhortation, which hath also added unto it a declaration how that they do not keep that worthy thing that is committed unto them which keep it to themselves, but they rather which do most freely communicate it with others, to the end that many may be partakers of it, without any man’s loss or hindrance.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 When many were by, which can bear witness of these things.
- 2 Timothy 2:3 Another admonition: That the ministry of the word is a spiritual warfare, which no man can so travail in, that he may please his captain, unless he forgo and part with all hindrances which might draw him away from it.
- 2 Timothy 2:4 With affairs of household, or other things that belong to other ordinary businesses.
- 2 Timothy 2:5 The third admonition: The ministry is like to a game or justing, wherein men strive for the victory, and no man is crowned unless he strive according to the laws which are prescribed, be they never so hard and painful.
- 2 Timothy 2:6 Another similitude tending to the same end: no man may look for the harvest, unless he first take pains to plow and sow his ground.
- 2 Timothy 2:7 All these things cannot be understood, and much less practiced, unless we ask of God and he gives us understanding.
- 2 Timothy 2:8 He confirmeth plainly two principles of our faith, which are always assaulted of heretics, the one whereof (to wit, that Christ is the true Messiah made man of the seed of David) is the ground of our salvation: and the other is the highest part of it, to wit, that he is risen again from the dead.
- 2 Timothy 2:9 The taking away of an objection: Truth it is, that he is kept in prison, as an evildoer, yet there is no cause, why therefore some should go about to derogate credit from his Gospel, seeing that notwithstanding God did bless his ministry, nay rather, that example of this his captivity and patience did sundry ways confirm the Church in the hope of a better life.
- 2 Timothy 2:11 The fourth admonition: we ought not to contend upon words and questions, which are not only unprofitable, but also for the most part hurtful: but rather upon this, how we may frame ourselves to all manner of patience, and to die also with Christ (that is to say, for Christ’s Name) because that is the plain way to the most glorious life: as contrariwise the falling away of men can diminish no part of the truth of God, although by such means, they procure most certain destruction to themselves.
- 2 Timothy 2:11 If we be afflicted with Christ, and for Christ’s sake.
- 2 Timothy 2:14 Call God to witness, or as a Judge: as Moses, Joshua, Samuel, and Paul himself did, Acts 20.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 The fifth admonition: A minister must not be an idle disputer, but a faithful steward in dividing aright the word of truth, insomuch that he must stop the mouths of other vain babblers.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 By adding nothing to it, neither overslipping anything, neither mangling it, nor renting it in sunder, nor wresting of it: but marking diligently what his hearers are able to hear, and what is fit to edifying.
- 2 Timothy 2:16 Mark and watch, and see they creep not on further.
- 2 Timothy 2:16 He discovereth the subtlety of Satan, who beginning with these principles draweth us by little and little to ungodliness through the means of that wicked and profane babbling, still creeping on: which he proveth by the horrible example of them that taught that, the resurrection was already past.
- 2 Timothy 2:19 A digression: wherein he salveth that offense that rose by their falling away: showing first, that the elect are out of all danger of any such falling away: secondly, that they are known to God and not to us: and therefore it is no marvel if we count hypocrites oftentimes for true brethren: but we must take heed that we be not like them, but rather that we be indeed, such as we are said to be.
- 2 Timothy 2:19 That serveth and worshippeth him, and is as it were named of him, a faithful man or Christian.
- 2 Timothy 2:20 The taking away of an objection: it is no dishonor to the good man of the house, that he hath not in a great house all vessels of one sort and for one service, but we must look to this, that we be found vessels prepared to honor.
- 2 Timothy 2:21 By these words is meant the execution of the matter, and not the cause: for in that we purge ourselves, it is not to be attributeth to any free will that is in us, but to God, who freely and wholly worketh in us a good and an effectual will.
- 2 Timothy 2:22 Returning to the matter from whence he digressed, verse 16, he warneth him to exercise himself in weighty matters, and such as pertain to godliness.
- 2 Timothy 2:22 The sixth admonition: We must above all things eschew all bitterness of mind both in teaching all men, and also in calling them back which have gone out of the way.
- 2 Timothy 2:24 To win them through our patient bearing with them, but not to please them or excuse them in their wickedness.
- 2 Timothy 2:25 He meaneth such as do not yet see the truth.
- 2 Timothy 3:1 The seventh admonition: we may not hope for any Church in this world without corruption: but there shall be rather great abundance of most wicked men, even in the very bosom of the Church, which notwithstanding shall make a show and countenance of great holiness and charity.
- 2 Timothy 3:2 Which make no account, either of right or honesty.
- 2 Timothy 3:5 We must not dally with such men as resist the truth not of simple ignorance, but of a perverse mind, (which thing appeareth by their fruits which he painteth out here lively) but we must rather turn away from them.
- 2 Timothy 3:9 He addeth a comfort: The Lord will at length pluck off all their vizards.
- 2 Timothy 3:10 That we be not deceived by such hypocrites, we must set before us the virtues of the holy servants of God, and we must not be afraid of persecution, which they suffered willingly, and which always followeth true godliness. But we must especially hold fast the doctrine of the Apostles, the sum whereof is this, that we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus.
- 2 Timothy 3:10 Thou knowest thoroughly, not only what I taught and did, but also how I was minded and disposed.
- 2 Timothy 3:11 Which is in Pisidia.
- 2 Timothy 3:13 Their wickedness shall daily increase.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 The eighth admonition, which is most precious: A Pastor must be wise by the word of God only: wherein we have perfectly delivered unto us, whatsoever pertaineth either to discern, know and establish true opinions, and to confute false, and furthermore, to correct evil manners, and to frame good.
- 2 Timothy 3:17 The Prophets and expounders of God’s will, are properly and peculiarly called, Men of God.
- 2 Timothy 4:1 The principal and chief of all admonitions, being therefore proposed with a most earnest charge, is this: That the word of God be propounded with a certain holy importunity, as necessity requireth: but so, that a good and true ground of the doctrine be laid, and the vehemency be tempered with all holy meekness.
- 2 Timothy 4:3 Faithful Pastors in times past took all occasions they could, because men were very prompt and ready to return to their fables.
- 2 Timothy 4:4 To false and unprofitable doctrines, which the world is now so bewitched withal, that it had rather the open light of the truth were utterly put out, when it would come out of darkness.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 The wickedness and falling away of the world, ought to cause faithful ministers to be so much the more careful.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 Prove and show by good and substantial proof, that thou art the true minister of God.
- 2 Timothy 4:6 He foretelleth his death to be at hand, and setteth before them an excellent example, both of invincible constancy and sure hope.
- 2 Timothy 4:6 To be offered for a drink offering: and he alludeth to the pouring out of blood or wine which was used in sacrifices.
- 2 Timothy 4:9 The last part of the Epistle, setting forth grievous complaints against certain, and examples of singular godliness in every place, and of a mind never wearied.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 Contented himself with this world.
- 2 Timothy 4:17 Of Nero.
- 2 Timothy 4:18 Preserve me pure from committing anything unworthy my Apostleship.
- 2 Timothy 4:18 To make me partaker of his kingdom.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
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