2:1 You therefore, my ①son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
▷ ①Or child
2:2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful ①people who will be able to teach others also.
▷ ①Or men
2:3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2:4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him.
2:5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not ①crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules.
▷ ①I.e., with a wreath
2:6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
2:7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,
2:9 ①for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.
▷ ①Lit in which
2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of ①those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
▷ ①Or the chosen
2:11 The statement is trustworthy:
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we ①deny Him, He will also deny us;
▷ ①Lit will deny
2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
2:14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners.
2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who ①does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
▷ ①Or has no reason to
2:16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for ①it will lead to further ungodliness,
▷ ①Lit they will make further progress in ungodliness
2:17 and their ①talk will spread like ②gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
▷ ①Lit word ②Or cancer
2:18 men who have gone astray from the truth, claiming that the resurrection has already taken place; and they are jeopardizing the faith of some.
2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.”
2:20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor.
2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce ①quarrels.
▷ ①Lit fightings
2:24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged,
2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
2:26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive ①by him to do his will.
▷ ①Or by him, to do His will