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

So you, my son, be strong in the loving-favor of Christ Jesus.

2 A nd 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.

What you have heard me say in front of many people, you must teach to faithful men. Then they will be able to teach others also.

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

Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 N o man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

No soldier fighting in a war can take time to make a living. He must please the one who made him a soldier.

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

Anyone who runs in a race must follow the rules to get the crown.

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

A hard-working farmer should receive first some of what he gathers from the field.

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

Think about these things and the Lord will help you understand them.

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

Remember this! Jesus Christ, Who was born from the early family of David, was raised from the dead! This is the Good News I preach.

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

I suffer much and am in prison as one who has done something very bad. I am in chains, but the Word of God is not chained.

10 T herefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

I suffer all things so the people that God has chosen can be saved from the punishment of their sin through Jesus Christ. Then they will have God’s shining-greatness that lasts forever.

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

These things are true. If we die with Him, we will live with Him also.

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

If we suffer and stay true to Him, then we will be a leader with Him. If we say we do not know Him, He will say He does not know us.

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

If we have no faith, He will still be faithful for He cannot go against what He is. Foolish Talk

14 O f 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.

Tell your people about these things again. In the name of the Lord, tell them not to argue over words that are not important. It helps no one and it hurts the faith of those who are listening.

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

Do your best to know that God is pleased with you. Be as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of. Teach the words of truth in the right way.

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

Do not listen to foolish talk about things that mean nothing. It only leads people farther away from God.

17 A nd their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenæus and Philetus;

Such talk will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.

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

They have turned from the truth. They say the dead have already been raised. The faith of some people has been made weak because of such foolish talk.

19 N evertheless 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.

But the truth of God cannot be changed. It says, “The Lord knows those who are His.” And, “Everyone who says he is a Christian must turn away from sin!”

20 B ut 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 house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are of more use than others. Some are used every day.

21 I f 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 man lives a clean life, he will be like a dish made of gold. He will be respected and set apart for good use by the owner of the house.

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

Turn away from the sinful things young people want to do. Go after what is right. Have a desire for faith and love and peace. Do this with those who pray to God from a clean heart.

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

Let me say it again. Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue. It can only lead to trouble.

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

A servant owned by God must not make trouble. He must be kind to everyone. He must be able to teach. He must be willing to suffer when hurt for doing good.

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

Be gentle when you try to teach those who are against what you say. God may change their hearts so they will turn to the truth.

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

Then they will know they had been held in a trap by the devil to do what he wanted them to do. But now they are able to get out of it.