1. From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will—a will that contains Christ Jesus’ promise of life.
2. To Timothy, my dear child.Good will, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!
3. I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day when I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did.
4. I remember your tears and want to see you so that I can be filled with happiness.
5. I’m reminded of how sincere your faith is. That faith first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I’m convinced that it also lives in you.
6. You received a gift from God when I placed my hands on you ⌊to ordain you⌋. Now I’m reminding you to fan that gift into flames.
7. God didn’t give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment.
8. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord or be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God’s power, join me in suffering for the sake of the Good News.
9. God saved us and called us to be holy, not because of what we had done, but because of his own plan and kindness. Before the world began, God planned that Christ Jesus would show us God’s kindness.