Chapter 2

He exhorts him to diligence in his office: and patience in sufferings. The danger of the delusions of heretics.

1. 1

   Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus:

2. 2

   And the things, which thou hast heard from me before many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach others also.

3. 3

   Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4. 4

   No man being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with worldly concerns: that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself.

5. 5

   For he also that striveth for the mastery, is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

6. 6

   The husbandman, who laboureth, must first partake of the fruits.

7. 7

   Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things.

8. 8

   Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel,

9. 9

   In which I labour even unto chains, as an evil doer: but the word of God is not bound.

10. 10

    Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.

11. 11

    A faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him:

12. 12

    If we suffer we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us.

13. 13

    If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he cannot deny himself.

14. 14

    Of these things put them in mind, testifying before the Lord. Contend not in words: for it is to no profit, but to the subversion of the hearers.

15. 15

    Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

16. 16

    But shun profane and vain speeches: for they grow much towards impiety:

17. 17

    And their speech spreadeth like a cancer: of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

18. 18

    Who have erred from the truth, saying, that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some.

19. 19

    But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: The Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one that nameth the name of the Lord, depart from iniquity.

20. 20

    But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth; and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour.

21. 21

    If any man, therefore, shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.

22. 22

    But flee thou youthful desires, and follow justice, faith, charity, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

23. 23

    And avoid foolish and unlearned questions: knowing that they beget strifes.

24. 24

    But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be meek towards all, fit to teach, patient,

25. 25

    With modesty admonishing those who resist the truth: if at any time God give them repentance to know the truth,

26. 26

    And they recover themselves from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will.