Paul's Greeting to Timothy 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 2to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Encouragement to Be Faithful 3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day 4longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also. Patience in Persecution 6For the which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands. 7For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. 8Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God; 9who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 10but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and incorruption to light through the gospel, 11whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher. 12For the which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold to Sound Teaching 13Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14That good thing which was committed unto thee guard through the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 15This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17but, when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me 18(the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day); and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. |