Berean Study Bible | Christian Standard Bible |
1You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | 1You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
2And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. | 2What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. |
3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. | 3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
4A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. | 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. |
5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. | 5Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. |
6The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. | 6The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. |
7Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things. | 7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. |
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, | 8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel, |
9for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! | 9for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound. |
10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. | 10This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. |
11This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; | 11This saying is trustworthy: For if we died with him, we will also live with him; |
12if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; | 12if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; |
13if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. | 13if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. |
14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. | 14Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen. |
15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. | 15Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. |
16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, | 16Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness, |
17and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, | 17and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. |
18who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some. | 18They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some. |
19Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.” | 19Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness. |
20A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. | 20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. |
21So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. | 21So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. |
22Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. | 22Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. |
23But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. | 23But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. |
24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. | 24The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, |
25He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. | 25instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. |
26Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will. | 26Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. |
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