2 Timothy · Chapter 2
2 Timothy 2
Berean Standard Bible · Public domain · Source credits
Grace and Perseverance
(Hebrews 12:1–3)
1You therefore, my child, 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.
3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.
5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
6The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.
7Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,
9for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
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.
11This is a trustworthy saying: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;
13if we are faithless,He remains faithful,for He cannot deny Himself.
The Lord’s Approved Workman
14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.*
15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
17and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine 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.”*
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.
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.*
22Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
25He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a 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.
Source notes
- 2:14 SBL, BYZ, and TR the Lord
- 2:19 Numbers 16:5 (see also LXX) Read Numbers 16:5
- 2:21 Literally cleanses himself of these
Old Testament references
References from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Text from the Berean Standard Bible.
Numbers 16:5Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Himself. The one He chooses, He will bring near to Himself.
Joshua 1:7Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.
Haggai 2:4But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work! For I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts.
Numbers 12:7But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.
1 Samuel 2:35Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time.
Nehemiah 7:2Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most.
Psalms 101:6My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me.
Proverbs 13:17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
Jeremiah 23:28Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD.
Ezra 7:10For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Ezra 7:25And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them.
Malachi 2:7For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.
Deuteronomy 20:5Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.