1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus; 2to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace [be with you] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3I give thanks to God to whom I offer divine service2082 as my forefathers did, and with a pure conscience. I always remember you in my petitions, night and day, 4longing to see you, remembering your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5I also remember your sincere faith which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice. I am convinced [that it dwells] in you also!
Timothy’s gift
6For this reason, I am reminding you to rekindle the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 8Therefore, do not be ashamed to be a witness of our Lord or ashamed of me his prisoner. Share in my tribulations for the sake of the Good News, by the power of God. 9He 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 to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal.2083 10This has now been revealed by the manifestation2084 of our Savior Jesus Christ who abolished death and brought to light [both] life and immortality through the Good News. 11For this, I was appointed as a herald, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles. 12That is why I am suffering as I am! Yet I am not ashamed, because I know him in whom I have believed and I am persuaded that he is able to protect2085 what I have committed to him until that Day.
13Hold to the pattern2086 of sound teachings which you have heard from me, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14With the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you.
15As you know, all who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment. 17When he was in Rome, he searched very hard for me and he found me! 18May the Lord grant him to find the Lord’s mercy in that Day, for he served [me] at Ephesus in many ways, as you know very well.
Timothy’s tribulations and commission
- Greek latreu,w
- Greek ro. cro,nwn aivwni,wn
- Greek evpifanei,aj
- Or “guard/keep/preserve”
- Or “example/standard”
Text: The Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible, New Testament (EOB). Used with permission.
