1You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that [is] in Christ Jesus, 2and the things that you heard from me through many witnesses, be committing these things to steadfast men, who will also be sufficient to teach others; 3you, therefore, suffer evil as a good soldier of Jesus Christ; 4no one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who enlisted him; 5and if anyone also may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully; 6it is first necessary [for] the laboring farmer to partake of the fruits; 7be considering what things I say, for the LORD gives to you understanding in all things.

8Remember Jesus Christ, raised out of the dead, of the seed of David, according to my good news, 9in which I suffer evil—to bonds, as an evildoer, but the word of God has not been bound; 10because of this I endure all things, because of the chosen ones, that they also may obtain salvation that [is] in Christ Jesus, with perpetual glory.

11The word [is] steadfast: For if we died together—we will also live together;

12if we endure together—we will also reign together; if we deny [Him], He will also deny us;

13if we are not steadfast, He remains steadfast; He is not able to deny Himself.

14Remind [them] of these things, testifying fully before the LORD—not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing; 15be diligent to present yourself approved to God—a workman not ashamed, straightly cutting the word of truth; 16and stand aloof from the profane vain talkings, for they will advance to more impiety, 17and their word will have pasture as a gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who swerved concerning the truth, saying the resurrection to have already been, and overthrows the faith of some; 19sure, nevertheless, the foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The LORD has known those who are His,” and, “Let him depart from unrighteousness—everyone who is naming the Name of Christ.”

20And in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honor, and some to dishonor: 21if, then, anyone may cleanse himself from these, he will be a vessel to honor, sanctified and profitable to the master—having been prepared to every good work; 22and flee the youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those calling on the LORD out of a pure heart; 23and be avoiding the foolish and uninstructed questions, having known that they beget strife, 24and a servant of the LORD must not quarrel, but to be gentle to all, apt to teach, patient under evil, 25instructing those opposing in meekness—if perhaps God may give to them conversion to an acknowledging of the truth, 26and they may awake out of the Devil’s snare, having been caught by him at his will.