day *. And in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. CH. II. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the favourt 2 which is by Christ Jesus. And the things which thou hast heard from me amidst many witnesses, these commit to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Wherefore suffer thou hardships, as a good soldier of 4 Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who 5 hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man contend also in the games, he is not crowned unless he contend 6 according to the laws. The husbandman must first labour, 7 and then partake of the fruits. Consider what I say; 8 and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember Jesus Christ of the race of David, who was raised from the dead, according to the gospel which I 9 preach: for which I suffer hardships, unto bonds, as an 10 evil-doer: but the word of God is not bound. Where fore I endure all things for the sake of the chosen||, that they also may obtain the salvation which is through Christ 11 Jesus, with everlasting glory. These are true words: for if we have died with him, we shall live also with him: 12 if we suffer, we shall reign also with him: if we deny 13 him, he also will deny us: if we be faithless, yet he continueth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 14 Of these things put men in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they contend not about words, to no 15 profit, but to the subversion of the hearers. Study to present thyself before God approved by him, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word 16 of truth. But avoid profane emptiness of speech for 17 they that use it will increase to more ungodliness: and their speech will eat as doth a gangrene: of whom are 18 Hymenéus and Philetus: who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and 19 overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the firm foundation of God standeth, having this inscription, "The Lord knoweth those that are his." And, “Let every one who nameth the name of the Lord* depart from ini20 quity." But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold, and of silver, but of wood also, and of earth; 21 and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore cleanse himself thoroughly from these things, he will be a vessel to honour, sanctified, [and] fit for the 22 master's use, and prepared to every good work. Flee also youthful desires: but follow righteousness, faitht, love, peace, together with those who call on the Lord‡ 23 out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned ques24 tions avoid, knowing that they beget contentions. And that great day. N. + the favour of God, N. Or, the gracious gospel. # Or, Remember that Jesus Christ hath been raised, etc. The Primate supplies the word "gentiles." subverting, Ν. the servant of the Lord must not contend; but must be 25 gentle to all men, apt to teach, forbearing||, with meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if by any means God may give them repentance to the acknowledgment 26 of the truth: and they who have been taken captive by the accuser may recover themselves out of his snare, to the will of God. CH. 111. But know this, that in the last days difficult times will 2 come. For men will be lovers of their own selves, lovers of wealth, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to 3 parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, covenant-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, 4 haters of good men, treacherous, rash, vain, lovers of 5 pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying its power: from such also turn away. 6 For of such are those that enter into families, and lead captive weak women laden with sins, led away by many 7 evil desires, ever learning, and never able to come to the 8 knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so these also withstand the truth: men 9 of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they will not proceed far: for their folly will be manifest to all men, as that of the others also was. * of Christ, к. т. † Or, faithfulness, N. m. + Mr. Wakefield translates, "who call themselves by the name of the Lord with a pure heart." This is favoured by the Armenian and Coptic versions. Sce Griesbach. || patient of wrong, Wakefield. that is, they who through fear of calumny and persecution have apostatized from the Christian faith. 1 Tim. iii. 6, 7. 11. See Simpson on the Existence of the Devil, p. 147: "taken captive by the devil," N. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of 11 life, purpose, faith*, long-suffering, love, patience, persecutions, sufferings; what things befel me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured: but 12 out of all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that would live religiously in Christ Jesus, will suffer persecution: 13 and evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse, 14 deceiving and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, 15 knowing from whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through f the 16 faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : 17 that the man of God may be perfect, perfectly fitted to all good works. CH. IV. I charge thee [therefore] before God, and before Jesus Christ|| who will hereafter judge the living and the dead 2 at his appearance and his kingdom; preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; confute, rebuke, exShort, with all long-suffering and teaching. For the time will come when men will not endure sound teaching; but will heap to themselves teachers according to their own 4 evil desires, having itching ears; and will turn away their 5 ears from the truth, and will be turned to fables. But watch thou in all things, suffer hardships, do the work of of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. * Or, faithfulness, N. m. † Or, by faith in Christ Jesus. N. m. + All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable, etc. N. But in his note the Primate observes, that, "Some render, All scripture, given by inspiration of God, is profitable, cte So Syr., the three Arabic versions, Vulg., Grotius, the English Bible of 1549, ete. Thus it is not defined what scripture was divinely inspired." the Lord Jesus Christ, R. T. Or, and by his appearance, MSS. N. m. 6 For I am now ready to be poured out, and the time of 7 my departure is near. I have maintained* the good contest, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 8 As for what remaineth, a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, with which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will reward met at that day and not me only, but all those likewise who love his appearance. 9 Endeavour to come unto me speedily. For Demas hath 10 forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to 11 Dalmatia. Luke only is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the 12 ministry. Now Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. The 13 cloke which I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee; and the books, but especially 14 the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his 15 works. Of whom beware thou also; for he hath greatly 16 withstood our words. At my first defence none was with me, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their charge. 17 But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me: that by me the preaching of his gospel may be fully known, and that all the gentiles may hear: and I was delivered out 18 of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me to his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen. * So Newcome's margin. In the the text " contended a good contest." 19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesi20 phorus. Erastus remained at Corinth: and Trophimus 21 I left sick at Miletus. Endeavour to come before win ter. Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, 22 and all the brethren, salute thee. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. The favour of God be with you. [Amen.] |