¹You then, my child, be strengthened in the grace which is in Christ Jesus, ²and commit the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses to faithful men who will be competent to teach others too. ³So then, suffer affliction like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ⁴No-one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the affairs of civilian life, in order that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. ⁵And if anyone contends, he does not win a crown unless he contends legitimately. ⁶The farmer who labours must be the first to partake of the fruits. ⁷Consider the things I am saying, and may the Lord give you understanding in all matters. ⁸Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David has been raised from the dead according to my gospel, ⁹on account of which I suffer affliction, even of bonds like a criminal. But the word of God has not been bound. ¹⁰Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, in order that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with age-abiding glory. ¹¹The saying is faithful:

“For if we have died with him,

We shall also live with him.

¹²If we endure,

We shall also reign with him.

If we deny him,

He too will deny us.

¹³If we do not believe,

He remains faithful;

He cannot deny himself.”

¹⁴Make mention of these things, solemnly urging in the presence of the Lord not to dispute about words serving no useful purpose, so subverting those listening. ¹⁵Be studious to present yourself approved to God, a workman with no cause for shame, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶But shun profane empty talk, for it will serve to advance ungodliness even more, ¹⁷and their words will spread like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸who have missed the mark concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they are overturning the faith of some. ¹⁹However, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: the Lord knows those who are his. And let everyone who names the name of the Lord avoid iniquity. ²⁰But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden ones and earthenware ones, and some are for honour and others for use without honour. ²¹Therefore, if anyone thoroughly cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful to the master, prepared for every good work. ²²Flee youthful lusts, but pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ²³But decline foolish and ill-informed inquiries, knowing that they give rise to strifes. ²⁴And a servant of the Lord must not strive, but he must be gentle to all, apt to teach, forbearing, ²⁵in meekness teaching those who offer opposition, for the possibility that God gives them repentance leading to acknowledgment of the truth, ²⁶and that they regain a sober mind from the snare of the devil, having been taken alive by him at his will.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.19 ↔ Numbers 16:5.