1You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace Gl 1:6; 2Pt 3:18 that is in Christ Jesus.

2And what you have heard from me 2Tm 1:13 in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful Nm 12:7 men who will be able to teach others also.

3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 1Tm 1:18

4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter.

5Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

6The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. 1Co 9:10

7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead Mt 17:9; Jn 21:14 and descended from David. This is according to my gospel.

9I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound.

10This is why I endure Jms 1:12 all things for the elect: Mt 24:22 so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Lk 9:32; 24:26; Jn 17:24; 2Co 3:18; 1Pt 5:1,4; 2Pt 3:18

11This saying is trustworthy: 1Tm 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; Ti 3:8

12if we endure, we will also reign Rv 20:4 with Him;

13if we are faithless, He remains faithful,

14Remind them of these things, charging them before God Other mss read before the Lord not to fight about words; 1Tm 6:4 this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. Eph 1:13; Col 1:5; Jms 1:18

16But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. Jd 18

17And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus 1Tm 1:20 and Philetus are among them.

18They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, Ac 17:32; 1Co 15:12-17; 2Th 2:1-2 and are overturning the faith of some. 1Tm 1:19; 6:21

19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: Jos 23:7; Est 9:4; Is 26:13; Rm 15:20; Eph 1:21

20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, Rm 9:21 but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable Or special use, some for dishonorable. Or ordinary Rm 9:21

21So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, Lit from these he will be a special Or an honorable instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 2Co 9:8; Gl 3:10; 1Tm 5:10

22Flee 1Tm 4:12; 6:11; Jms 4:7 from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, Lk 12:51; 2Tm 1:2; Heb 12:14; 3Jn 14 along with those who call on the Lord Gn 13:4 from a pure heart.

23But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

24The Lord’s Rv 11:8 slave must not quarrel, Jn 6:52; Ac 7:26; Jms 4:2 but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, Or everyone, skillful in teaching and patient,

25instructing his opponents with gentleness. Jms 3:13 Perhaps God will grant them repentance Ac 26:20; Rm 2:4; 2Co 7:9-10 leading them to the knowledge of the truth.

26Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, 1Tm 3:7 having been captured by him to do his will. Jn 1:13