Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks
Greeting and Thanksgiving
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in accordance with the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my child, whom I love:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clean conscience as my ancestors did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. 4 When I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I remember your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it also lives in you.
Guard the Gospel
6 For this reason I am reminding you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a timid spirit, but a spirit of power and love and sound judgment. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Instead, join with me in suffering for the gospel while relying on the power of God. 9 He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 and it has now been revealed through the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles,[a] 12 and that is why I am suffering these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
13 Hold fast to the pattern of sound words that you heard from me, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you.
Onesiphorus
15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he refreshed me many times and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, after he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently for me and found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day. And you know very well how much he did when he served in Ephesus.
Encouragement to Be Strong
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Entrust the things you heard from me, in the presence of many witnesses, to faithful men who will also be able to teach others.
3 Share hardships as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the affairs of everyday life. If he does, he will not please the one who enlisted him. 5 Also, if someone competes as an athlete, he does not receive a crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should receive a share of the crops first. 7 Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, a descendant[b] of David, in accordance with my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain[c] the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, along with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:
Indeed, if we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 If we endure, we will also reign with him;
If we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful,
because he cannot deny himself.
Correctly Handle the Word of Truth
14 Remind people of these things, as you solemnly charge them in the presence of God[d] not to fight about words, which does no good and only ruins those who listen. 15 Make every effort to present yourself to God as one who is approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, correctly handling[e] the word of truth. 16 As for pointless chatter, avoid it, for it will lead to an ever greater measure of godlessness, 17 and their message will spread like gangrene. This includes Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have veered away from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are overturning the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s foundation stands firm, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”[f] and “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord keep away from wickedness.”[g]
20 In a large house there are articles[h] not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay—some for honorable use and some for dishonorable use. 21 So if anyone cleanses himself thoroughly from these things, he will be an instrument[i] for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master, and prepared to do every good work.
22 Flee from the lusts young people have and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant arguments, since you know they breed quarrels. 24 It is necessary that a servant of the Lord not quarrel but be kind toward everyone, able to teach, able to bear evil without resentment, 25 and gentle in correcting those who oppose him. God may grant them repentance, leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the Devil’s trap, after they were captured by him to do his will.
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.