To Timothy, my well-loved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

For I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you as well.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

For I am suffering these things [See verse 8] for this reason [i.e., because of being a Gospel preacher]. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed in [i.e., Jesus], and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him [i.e., Paul's spiritual well-being] until that day [i.e., the day of judgment].

The Lord grant that he may find mercy at His hands on that day. And you very well know yourself how great were the services he rendered me at Ephesus.

And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.

Mark well what I am saying: the Lord will give you discernment in everything.

Therefore if any one may cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, having been sanctified, well pleasing to the Lord, having been prepared unto every good work.

But thou art well acquainted with my doctrine, conduct, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience, persecutions,

as well as the persecutions and sufferings which befell me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. You know all the persecutions I endured, and how the Lord delivered me out of them all!

But you should continue [to believe and practice] what you have learned and been convinced of, knowing those from whom you learned it. [Note: These persons would include Lois and Eunice (See 1:5), as well as Paul himself].

In order that, ready, may be the man, of God, unto every good work, being well-prepared.

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.