to Timothy, my beloved son: grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

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,

Follow the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Dayand you know very well all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

And the things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David according to my gospel,

who have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and upset the faith of some.

Nevertheless, God's firm foundation stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

If anyone cleanses himself from what is ignoble, he will be a vessel for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, yet the Lord rescued me from them all.

while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, knowing from whom you learned it,

and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

and will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.