to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service;

However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.

This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare;

for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.

but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all.

Also command these things, that they may be without reproach.

Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of that which is truly life.