2 Timothy

Paul's final letter, urging Timothy to be strong in faith and continue preaching the gospel.

Chapter 2

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

*So, my child, be strong in the help you get from 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.

*Pass on what you've heard from me, told by many people, to reliable individuals who can then teach others too.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

*So, you need to be strong and brave like a good soldier for Jesus Christ, by facing tough times.

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.

*A soldier fighting doesn't get involved in everyday life. This way, they can make their leader happy, who chose them for this job.

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

*If a person works hard to be the best, they won't get recognition unless they do it the right way.

6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

*The farmer who works hard gets to enjoy the fruits first.

7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

*Think about what I tell you, and may the Lord help you understand everything.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

*Remember, Jesus Christ, from David's family, came back to life based on my message.

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

*In which I face difficulties, like a bad person, up to being put in chains; but God's word is not limited.

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.

*So, I go through everything for those chosen by God, so they can get the saving grace found in Jesus Christ and have everlasting glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

*It's true: If we die with Him, we'll also live with Him.

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

*If we face hardships, we'll rule with him someday; if we reject him, he won't support us either.

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

*If we don't believe, but he stays loyal: he can't refuse himself.

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.

*Remind them about these things, telling them to avoid pointless arguments in front of God. Instead, focus on helping others understand and grow.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

*Work hard to please God by correctly understanding and teaching His truth, so you won't be embarrassed as a skilled worker.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

*Avoid pointless and disrespectful talk, because it will lead to even more irreligion.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

*Their words are like a destructive infection, spreading harm, with Hymenaeus and Philetus being examples of such people.

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

*Those who are mistaken about the truth say that the resurrection has already happened, causing some people's beliefs to weaken.

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.

*However, God's foundation remains strong and secure with a seal: The Lord knows who belongs to him. Also, anyone who claims to follow Christ should avoid doing wrong things.

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.

*In a big home, you'll find more than just fancy gold and silver items. There are also wooden and earthen ones, some for respect and some for disrespect.

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.

*If a person removes these things from themselves, they will become an honorable container, set apart for the master's purpose, and ready for any good task.

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

*Run away from young desires: but pursue righteousness, faith, kindness, peace, with those who call upon the Lord with a clean heart.

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

*Avoid silly and uneducated questions, because they lead to arguments.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

*The Lord's helper should not fight; instead, be kind to everyone, good at teaching, and patient.

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

*Teach gently those who go against themselves; maybe God will give them a change of heart to accept the truth.

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

*So they can free themselves from the devil's trap, who holds them captive whenever he wants.

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