CHAPTER 2

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.

2 And what things thou hast heard from me by many witnesses, these commit thou to believing men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Do thou therefore endure afflictions, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man who warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of life, that he may please his general.

5 And if any one also strive, he is not crowned, unless he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman must labor before he receive the fruits.

7 Understand what I say; and may the Lord give thee understanding in all things!

8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, hath been raised from the dead, according to my gospel;

9 In which I am a sufferer, as an evil -- doer, even to bonds, but the word of God is not bound.

10 Wherefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying; for if we die with him, we shall also live with him;

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him; ¹ if we deny him, ² he will also deny us;

13 If we are unbelieving, he remaineth faithful; he cannot deny himself.

14 Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them before the Lord not to dispute about words, for no use, (but) for the subversion of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself to be approved by God, a workman that doth not blush, dividing aright the word of truth.

16 But avoid profane and unmeaning noises; for they will grow to greater ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as a gangrene; of the number of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is already past, and subvert the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal, The Lord knoweth who are his, and, Let every one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 Now, in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor and some to dishonor

21 If any one, therefore, shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel sanctified for honor, and useful for the Lord, being prepared for every good work.

22 Flee youthful desires; but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with all that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But avoid foolish and uninstructive questions, knowing that they beget quarrels.

24 But the servant of the Lord must not fight, but must be gentle towards all, qualified for teaching, patient to the bad,

25 Instructing (or, chastising) those who resist, if some time God give to them repentance for the acknowledgment of the truth,

26 And deliverance (or, return to a sound mind) from the snare of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will.