2 Timothy
Chapter 2
Overview
This chapter is part of a personal letter to Timothy, who has been entrusted with teaching others in a community facing hardship and disruptive arguments. The writer is imprisoned, yet his message is not: that small paradox gives the chapter its pulse. Timothy is urged to endure like a soldier, compete with discipline like an athlete, and work patiently like a farmer. The focus then shifts to responsible teaching, avoiding empty disputes, leaving wrongdoing behind, and correcting opponents with gentleness in the hope that they can return to the truth.
1So then, my child, draw strength from the grace found in Jesus the Messiah.
2Entrust what you heard from me in the presence of many witnesses to reliable people who will also be able to teach others.
3Share in suffering like a good soldier of Jesus the Messiah.
4No soldier on active duty gets tangled up in the business of civilian life, because the soldier wants to please the one who enlisted him.
5Similarly, an athlete does not receive the winner’s wreath unless that athlete competes according to the rules.
6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
7Think carefully about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you understanding in all these matters.
8Keep remembering Jesus the Messiah, raised from the dead and descended from David. This is the good news I proclaim.
9I suffer for this good news, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s message is not chained.
10That is why I endure everything for the sake of those God has chosen, so that they too may be rescued through Jesus the Messiah and share eternal glory.
11This saying is trustworthy: “If we died with Jesus, we will also live with him.
12If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.
13If we are unfaithful, Jesus remains faithful, because he cannot deny who he is.”
14Keep reminding people of these things. Solemnly warn them before the Lord not to fight over words. Such fighting does no good and ruins those who listen.
15Do your best to present yourself to God as someone who has passed the test: a worker with no reason to be ashamed, who handles the message of truth correctly.
16Avoid irreverent, empty talk, because those who engage in it will move farther into a life that disregards God.
17Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among those spreading it.
18They have wandered away from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already happened, and they are destroying the faith of some people.
19Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands secure, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who belong to him,” and, “Everyone who claims the Lord’s name must turn away from wrongdoing.”
20In a large house there are articles made not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are used for honored purposes, while others are used for dishonorable ones.
21Therefore, anyone who cleanses themselves from what is dishonorable will be an object for honored use—dedicated and useful to the Master, ready for every good work.
22Run away from desires common in youth. Instead, pursue what is right, along with faithfulness, love, and peace, together with those who sincerely call on the Lord.
23Refuse to take part in foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they produce fights.
24The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome. Instead, that person must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient when mistreated.
25Correct opponents gently. Perhaps God will give them a change of heart that leads them to recognize the truth.
26Then they may come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap. He has captured them alive to make them do what he wants.