2 Timothy 2:1–13

The Appeal Renewed

2You then, my son,^u be strong^v in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ²And the things you have heard me say^w in the presence of many witnesses^x entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. ³Join with me in suffering,^y like a good soldier^z of Christ Jesus. ⁴No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown^a except by competing according to the rules. ⁶The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.^{b 7}Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

⁸Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,^c descended from David.^d This is my gospel,^{e 9}for which I am suffering^f even to the point of being chained^g like a criminal. But God’s word^h is not chained. ¹⁰Therefore I endure everythingⁱ for the sake of the elect,^j that they too may obtain the salvation^k that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^l

¹¹Here is a trustworthy saying:^m

If we died with him,

we will also live with him;ⁿ

¹²if we endure,

we will also reign with him.^o

If we disown him,

he will also disown us;^p

¹³if we are faithless,

he remains faithful,^q

for he cannot disown himself.