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THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO
TIMOTHY.
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CHAPTER 1.
AUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the
promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and
peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure
conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my
prayers night and day;
"And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and
brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this
day (Acts, 23:1)."
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears,
that I may be filled with joy;
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in
thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother
Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the
gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Spirit (Acts, 8:17)."
"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit
came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied
(Acts, 19:6)."
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by
prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery
(I. Tim., 4:14)."
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,
and of love, and of a sound mind.
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye
have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father
(Rom., 8:15)."
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions
of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling,
not according to our works, but according to his own purpose
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and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
"According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our
Lord (Eph., 3:11)."
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel:
"Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his
good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself (Eph., 1:8, 9)."
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how
that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according
to the scriptures (I. Cor., 15:3, 4)."
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a
teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless
I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against
that day.
"Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the
keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful
Creator (I. Pet., 4:19)."
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of
me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have
obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you
(Rom., 6:17)."
14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the
Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us.
"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in
you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your
mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Rom., 8:11)."
15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned
away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he
oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
"And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that
hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except
these bonds (Acts, 26:29)."
17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently,
and found me.
18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord
in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at
Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in
thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done
many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye
that work iniquity (Matt., 7:22, 23)."
"Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world
in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained;
whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he
hath raised him from the dead (Acts, 17:31)."
CHAPTER 2.
HOU therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be
able to teach others also.
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain
where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Amen (Matt., 28:16-20)."
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the
word of reconciliation.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech
you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we
might be made the righteousness of God in him (II. Cor., 5:18-21)."
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ.
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4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of
this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a
soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not
crowned, except he strive lawfully.
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus (Phil., 3:14)."
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the
fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in
all things.
"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the
scriptures (Luke, 24:45)."
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised
from the dead according to my gospel:
"Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed
of David according to the flesh;
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the
spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead (Rom., 1:3, 4)."
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds;
but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that
they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with
eternal glory.
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling (Phil., 2:12)."
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we
shall also live with him:
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ (II. Cor., 1:5)."
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny
him, he also will deny us:
"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my
Father which is in heaven (Matt., 10:33)."
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny
himself.
"For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith
of God without effect?
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is
written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest
overcome when thou art judged (Rom., 3:3, 4)."
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them
before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit,
but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them
who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the
world may become guilty before God (Rom., 3:19)."
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the
law, but under grace (Rom., 6:14)."
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the
work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (Jas., 1:25)."
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will
increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is
Hymenæus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the
resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one
that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he
knoweth them that trust in him (Nah., 1:7)."
"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without
rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye
shine as lights in the world (Phil., 2:15)."
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and
of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and
some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a
vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use,
and prepared unto every good work.
"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean
thing; go ye out of
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the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord
(Isa., 52:11)."
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith,
charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure
heart.
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting (I. Tim., 2:8)."
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they
do gender strifes.
"But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself
rather unto godliness (I. Tim., 4:7)."
"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase
unto more ungodliness.
And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenæus and
Philetus (II. Tim., 2:16, 17)."
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle
unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of
the truth;
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted (Gal., 6:1)."
"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a
Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins
(Acts, 5:31)."
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of
the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
CHAPTER 3.
HIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers,
incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than
lovers of God;
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines
of devils;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot
iron (I. Tim., 4:1, 2)."
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away.
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his
servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of
obedience unto righteousness (Rom., 6:16)?"
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead
captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the
truth.
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of
the truth (I. Tim., 2:4)."
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also
resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the
faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be
manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at
Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of
them all the Lord delivered me.
"But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and
spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and
blaspheming (Acts, 13:45)."
"But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the
Jews, and part with the apostles.
And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of
the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to
stone them (Acts, 14:4, 5)."
"And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium,
who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out
of the city, supposing he had been dead (Acts, 14:19)."
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me
(Matt., 16:24)."
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,
deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and
hast been
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assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus.
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and
they are they which testify of me (Jno., 5:39)."
"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto
Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
whether those things were so.
Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were
Greeks, and of men, not a few (Acts, 17:10-12)."
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness:
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might
have hope (Rom., 15:4)."
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any
private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit
(II. Pet., 1:20, 21)."
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto
all good works.
"If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto
honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared
unto every good work (II. Tim., 2:21)."
CHAPTER 4.
CHARGE thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his
kingdom;
"I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the
elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one
before another, doing nothing by partiality (I. Tim., 5:21)."
"I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and
before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good
confession;
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable,
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (I. Tim., 6:13, 14)."
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
"Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God,
even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from
the dead.
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it
is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and
dead (Acts, 10:40-42)."
"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto
them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God
made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the
word of the gospel, and believe (Acts, 15:7)."
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables.
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy
(II. Tim., 3:1, 2)."
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work
of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
"Philip the evangelist (Acts, 21:8)."
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure
is at hand.
"Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith,
I joy, and rejoice with you all (Phil., 2:17)."
"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be
with Christ; which is far better (Phil., 1:23)."
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I
have kept the faith:
"I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that
beateth the air (I. Cor., 9:26)."
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an
incorruptible (I. Cor., 9:25)."
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
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10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,
and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus
unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee:
for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou
comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the
parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward
him according to his works:
"Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of
their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to
them their desert (Ps., 28:4)."
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our
words.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men
forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me;
that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the
Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the
lion.
"And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good
cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must
thou bear witness also at Rome (Acts, 23:11)."
"If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what
advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to
morrow we die (I. Cor., 15:32)."
"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which
came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above
strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust
in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we
trust that he will yet deliver us (II. Cor., 1:8-10)."
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will
preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory
for ever and ever. Amen.
"The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy
right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time
forth, and even for evermore (Ps., 121:5-8)."
"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is
able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day
(II. Tim., 1:12)."
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at
Miletum sick.
21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth
thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace
be with you. Amen.
¶ The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first
bishop of the church of the
Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul
was brought before Nero the second time.
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