1. Greetings from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am an apostle because God wanted me to be. God sent me to tell people about the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.
2. To Timothy, a dear son to me. Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. I always remember you in my prayers day and night. And in these prayers I thank God for you. He is the God my ancestors served, and I have always served him with a clear conscience.
4. I remember that you cried for me. I want very much to see you so that I can be filled with joy.
5. I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. I know you now have that same faith.
6. That is why I want you to remember the gift God gave you. God gave you that gift when I laid my hands on you. Now I want you to use that gift and let it grow more and more, like a small flame grows into a fire.
7. The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.