1 T hou therefore, my child, be strengthened 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 which thou hast heard from 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 S uffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

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

4 N o soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as 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 also a man contend in the games, he is not crowded, except he have contended lawfully.

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

6 T he husbandmen that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits.

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

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

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

8 R emember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, 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 hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; 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 sake, that they also may 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 F aithful is the saying: For if we died 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 endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall 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 are faithless, he abideth faithful; for 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 in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear.

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 G ive diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright 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 babblings: for they will proceed further in 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 gangrene: or whom is Hymenaeus an Philetus;

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

18 m en who 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 H owbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.

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 N ow in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor.

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 honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, 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 a fter righteousness, faith, love, pace, 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 ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they 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 Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing,

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 correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge 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 they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto 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.