1. From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, to promote the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.
2. To Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. I’m grateful to God, whom I serve with a good conscience as my ancestors did. I constantly remember you in my prayers day and night.
4. When I remember your tears, I long to see you so that I can be filled with happiness.
5. I’m reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I’m sure that this faith is also inside you.
6. Because of this, I’m reminding you to revive God’s gift that is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7. God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.
8. So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power.
9. God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling. This wasn’t based on what we have done, but it was based on his own purpose and grace that he gave us in Christ Jesus before time began.