1 T hou therefore, my child, be strong in the grace which in Christ Jesus.

2 A nd the things thou hast heard of me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, such as shall be competent to instruct others also.

3 T ake thy share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 N o one going as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who has enlisted him as a soldier.

5 A nd if also any one contend, he is not crowned unless he contend lawfully.

6 T he husbandman must labour before partaking of the fruits.

7 T hink of what I say, for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things.

8 R emember Jesus Christ raised from among dead, of seed of David, according to my glad tidings,

9 i n which I suffer even unto bonds as an evil-doer: but the word of God is not bound.

10 F or this cause I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 T he word faithful; for if we have died together with, we shall also live together;

12 i f we endure, we shall also reign together; if we deny, he also will deny us;

13 i f we are unfaithful, he abides faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

14 O f these things put in remembrance, testifying earnestly before the Lord not to have disputes of words, profitable for nothing, to the subversion of the hearers.

15 S trive diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth.

16 B ut profane, vain babblings shun, for they will advance to greater impiety,

17 a nd their word will spread as a gangrene; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 w ho as to the truth have gone astray, saying that the resurrection has taken place already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19 Y et the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, Lord knows those that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of Lord withdraw from iniquity.

20 B ut in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

21 I f therefore one shall have purified himself from these,, he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work.

22 B ut youthful lusts flee, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 B ut foolish and senseless questionings avoid, knowing that they beget contentions.

24 A nd a bondman of Lord ought not to contend, but be gentle towards all; apt to teach; forbearing;

25 i n meekness setting right those who oppose, if God perhaps may sometime give them repentance to acknowledgment of truth,

26 a nd that they may awake up out of the snare of the devil, taken by him, for his will.