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

to my dearly loved child, Timothy: spiritual blessing, mercy, and peace be with you from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I have gratitude to God whom I serve from the forefathers in a pure conscience, as I have unceasing remembrance about thee in my supplications, night and day

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].

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and the grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

but now [that extraordinary purpose and grace] has been fully disclosed and realized by us through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who [through His incarnation and earthly ministry] abolished death [making it null and void] and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

Continue to be an example in wholesome instructions which you learned from me, in the faith and love that come through union with Christ Jesus.

This thou know, that all those in Asia turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

(may the Lord grant him to find mercy from Lord in that day), and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou know very well.

As for you, my son, strenuously acquit yourself of the charge you have receiv'd from Christ Jesus.

The things you learned from me before many witnesses you must commit to trustworthy men who will be competent to teach others too.

A fighting man, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from the business of this life so that he may be pleasing to him who has taken him into his army.

Continue to remember Jesus Christ as risen from the dead, and descended from David, in accordance with the good news that I preach,

and that is why I submit to anything for the sake of God's People, that they also may obtain the Salvation which comes from union with Christ Jesus, and imperishable glory.

Put these things before them, giving them orders in the name of the Lord to keep themselves from fighting about words, which is of no profit, only causing error in their hearers.

and the profane vain talkings stand aloof from, for to more impiety they will advance,

and their discourse will eat like a gangrene. Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; who have erred from the truth,

Men whose ideas are all false, who say that the coming back from the dead has even now taken place, overturning the faith of some.

But God's foundation stands unshaken, with these inscriptions: "The Lord knows the people who belong to Him" and "Everyone who bears the name of the Lord must abstain from evil."

So if a man will cleanse himself from these things, he will be an instrument for honorable uses, consecrated, useful for the Master, and ready for any good service.

You must keep on fleeing from the evil impulses of youth, but ever strive for uprightness, faith, love, and peace, in association with those who call upon the Lord with pure hearts.

But, from the foolish and undisciplined questionings, excuse thyself, knowing that they gender strifes;

and they might recover their senses and escape from the devil's trap in which they have been caught by him to do his will.

having a form of piety, but repudiating the power of it. Now turn away from these men,

for from these are those who creep into houses, and take captive petty women laden with sins, being led away by various impulses,

Moses did not meet with greater opposition from Jannes and Jambres, than truth does from men so corrupted in their mind, and so adulterated in their faith.

My punishments and pain; the things which came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; the cruel attacks made on me: and the Lord made me free from them all.

But bad men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, misleading others and misled themselves.

But you, on your part, must continue to abide by what you have learned and been led to rely upon, because you know from whom you learned it

and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures which can give you wisdom that leads to salvation through the faith that leans on Christ Jesus.

Every holy Writing which comes from God is of profit for teaching, for training, for guiding, for education in righteousness:

and will indeed turn the ear away from the truth, and will be turned aside to myths.

But you must always be composed; do not shrink from hardship; do your work as a missionary, and your whole duty as a minister.

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.

From now on, the crown of righteousness is made ready for me, which the Lord, the upright judge, Will give to me at that day: and not only to me, but to all those who have had love for his revelation.

For Demas has gone away from me, for love of this present life, and has gone to Thessalonica: Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

The coat which I did not take from Troas and which is with Carpus, get when you come, and the books, specially the papers.

At my first meeting with my judges, no one took my part, but all went away from me. May it not be put to their account.

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message preached by me might have its full effect and all the heathen might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's jaws.

The Lord will rescue me from every wicked work and save me to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.

The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. {The end of the Second Epistle unto Timothy, Written from Rome, when Paul was presented the second time up before the Emperor Nero}