1. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2. To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
4. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.
5. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
6. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
7. for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.