[1] From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, to promote the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. [2] To Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. [3] I’m grateful to God, whom I serve with a good conscience as my ancestors did. I constantly remember you in my prayers day and night. [4] When I remember your tears, I long to see you so that I can be filled with happiness. [5] I’m reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I’m sure that this faith is also inside you. [6] Because of this, I’m reminding you to revive God’s gift that is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled. [8] So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power. [9] God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling. This wasn’t based on what we have done, but it was based on his own purpose and grace that he gave us in Christ Jesus before time began. [10] Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news. [11] I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. [12] This is also why I’m suffering the way I do, but I’m not ashamed. I know the one in whom I’ve placed my trust. I’m convinced that God is powerful enough to protect what he has placed in my trust until that day. [13] Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [14] Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. [15] You know that everyone in Asia has turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. [16] May the Lord show mercy to Onesiphorus’ household, because he supported me many times and he wasn’t ashamed of my imprisonment. [17] After I arrived in Rome, he quickly looked for me and found me. [18] May the Lord allow him to find his mercy on that day (and you know very well how much he served me in Ephesus).
