Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

The reason I am reminding you [of these things] is so that you will rekindle the gift from God, which is in your life through the laying on my hands. [Note: This "gift" was probably his ordination to serve as an evangelist (See 4:1-5), and in addition, may have included a supernatural "spiritual gift" bestowed by the apostle Paul].

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Be ready to do without the comforts of life, as one of the army of Christ Jesus.

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

they may come to their senses again and escape the snare of the devil, as they are brought back to life by God to do his will.

without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, of unsubdued passions, savage, having no love for what is good,

treacherous, headstrong, self-important. They will love pleasure instead of loving God,

and will keep up a make-believe of piety and yet live in defiance of its power. Turn away from people of this sort.

But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

All Scripture is inspired by God [Note: Literally, this word means "breathed out by God"] and is useful for teaching [truth], rebuking [wrongdoing], correcting [error] and for providing instruction [i.e., training] on how to live right,

But as for you, you must exercise habitual self-control, and not live a self-indulgent life, but do the duty of an evangelist and fully discharge the obligations of your office.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure [from this world] is at hand and I will soon go free.

Henceforth there is laid up for me a 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 his appearing.

for Demas, having loved [the pleasures of] this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

Give my love to Prisca and Aquila and those of the house of Onesiphorus.

Do your best to come before the winter. Eubulus sends you his love, and Pudens and Linus and Claudia, and all the brothers.