From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to further the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

to Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!

For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God’s message is not imprisoned!

Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth

Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.

I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day.

However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”