b 5:17 Or "pastors," or "elders."

c 5:18 Threshing is the process of beating stalks to separate them from the grain.

a 6:21 Or "grace."

Introduction to 2 TIMOTHY.

Once again, Paul is imprisoned in Rome. This time he will not get out. Nero, the violently antiChristian emperor, will soon order his execution, and Paul will be beheaded. The tired old missionary writes what is probably his last letter, to his "dear child" Timothy (1:2).

This is not a letter like Romans, where he developed Christian theology; or like Galatians, where he responded to a crisis of faith; or like 1 Corinthians, where he told Christians how to behave; or even like his first letter to Timothy, where he gave the younger man pointers on how to keep his church running smoothly. The second letter to Timothy is a letter of farewell from a man who has no fear of death. "My life is coming to an end," Paul writes, "and it is now time for me to be poured out as a sacrifice to God. I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The prize that shows I have God's approval is now waiting for me" (4:6-8).

The time has come for Paul to entrust his mission to this younger man, with whom he has worked closely for the last fifteen years. Now that churches have been planted all over the Roman Empire, steadfast leaders are needed to provide strong pastoral leadership in major Christian centers. Timothy, in Ephesus, is such a man.

First, Paul summarizes the Good News he has been preaching for decades: "God saved us and called us to be holy, not because of what we had done, but because of his own plan and kindness. . . Christ has destroyed death, and through the Good News he has brought eternal life into full view" (1:9-10).

Then he encourages and advises Timothy: Protect the Good News. Join me in suffering. Avoid arguments and teach the truth. Expect persecution. Gain strength from Jesus and wisdom from the Scriptures. Persist in doing your work.

Finally, he appeals to him as a friend: "Hurry to visit me soon" (4:9). And please bring my warm coat and my books.

The Bible does not tell us if Timothy ever saw Paul again. It says nothing about the rest of Timothy's life. According to tradition, however, he continued to minister in Ephesus for another thirty years. In about AD 97 he was stoned to death during a pagan riot.

Key Names of God in 2 Timothy Spirit Savior Father Christ Lord 2 TIMOTHY.

1 2 3 4.

Greeting 1 1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Yeshua by God's will-a will that contains Christ Yeshua's promise of life.

2 To Timothy, my dear child.

Good will,a mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Yeshua 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.

Paul's Advice for Timothy 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.b Before the world began, God planned that Christ Yeshua would show us God's kindness. 10 Now with the coming of our Savior Christ Yeshua, he has revealed it. Christ has destroyed death, and through the Good News he has brought eternal life into full view. 11 I was appointed to be a messenger of this Good News, an apostle, and a teacher.

12 For this reason I suffer as I do. However, I'm not ashamed. I know whom I trust. I'm convinced that he is able to protect what he had entrusted to me until that day.

13 With faith and love for Christ Yeshua , consider what you heard me say to be the pattern of accurate teachings. 14 With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, protect the Good News that has been entrusted to you.

News about Paul's Coworkers 15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord be merciful to the family of Onesiphorus. He often took care of my needs and wasn't ashamed that I was a prisoner. 17 When he arrived in Rome, he searched hard for me and found me. 18 May the Lord grant that Onesiphorus finds mercy when that day comes. You know very well that he did everything possible to help me in Ephesus.

Remain Focused on Jesus 2 1 My child, find your source of strength in the kindnessa of Christ Yeshua.

2 You've heard my message, and it's been confirmed by many witnesses. Entrust this message to faithful individuals who will be competent to teach others.

3 Join me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Yeshua. 4 Whoever serves in the military doesn't get mixed up in non-military activities. This pleases his commanding officer. 5 Whoever enters an athletic competition wins the prize only when playing by the rules. 6 A hardworking farmer should have the first share of the crops. 7 Understand what I'm saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

8 Always think about Yeshua Christ. He was brought back to life and is a descendant of David. This is the Good News that I tell others. 9 I'm suffering disgrace for spreading this Good News. I have even been put into prison like a criminal. However, God's word is not imprisoned. 10 For that reason, I endure everything for the sake of those who have been chosen so that they, too, may receive salvation from Christ Yeshua with glory that lasts forever. 11 This is a statement that can be trusted: If we have died with him, we will live with him.

12 If we endure, we will rule with him.

If we disown him, he will disown us.

13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful because he cannot be untrue to himself.

14 Remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn't do any good but only destroys those who are listening.

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn't ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly. 16 Avoid pointless discussions. People who pay attention to these pointless discussions will become more ungodly, 17 and what they say will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like that. 18 They have abandoned the truth. They are destroying the faith of others by saying that people who have died have already come back to life.

19 In spite of all that, God's people have a solid foundation. These words are engraved on it: "The Lord knows those who belong to him," and "Whoever worships the Lord must give up doing wrong."

20 In a large house there are not only objects made of gold and silver, but also those made of wood and clay. Some objects are honored when they are used; others aren't. 21 Those who stop associating with dishonorable people will be honored. They will be set apart for the master's use, prepared to do good things.

22 Stay away from lusts which tempt young people. Pursue what has God's approval. Pursue faith, love, and peace together with those who worship the Lord with a pure heart. 23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause quarrels. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel. Instead, he must be kind to everyone. He must be a good teacher. He must be willing to suffer wrong. 25 He must be gentle in correcting those who oppose the Good News. Maybe God will allow them to change the way they think and act and lead them to know the truth. 26 Then they might come back to their senses and God will free them from the devil's snare so that they can do his will.

Watch Out for Sinful People 3 1 You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time. 2 People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy, 3 and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good. 4 They will be traitors. They will be reckless and conceited. They will love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will appear to have a godly life, but they will not let its power change them. Stay away from such people.

6 Some of these men go into homes and mislead weak-minded women who are burdened with sins and led by all kinds of desires. 7 These women are always studying but are never able to recognize the truth.

8 As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men oppose the truth. Their minds are corrupt, and the faith they teach is counterfeit. 9 Certainly, they won't get very far. Like the stupidity of Jannes and Jambres, their stupidity will be plain to everyone.

Teach the Truth 10 But you know all about my teachings, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You also know about the kind of persecutions and sufferings which happened to me in the cities of Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions, and the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 Those who try to live a godly life because they believe in Christ Yeshua will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and phony preachers will go from bad to worse as they mislead people and are themselves misled.

14 However, continue in what you have learned and found to be true. You know who your teachers were. 15 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures. They have the power to give you wisdom so that you can be saved through faith in Christ Yeshua . 16 Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. 17 They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things.

Continue to Do Your Work 4 1 I solemnly call on you in the presence of God and Christ Yeshua, who is going to judge those who are living and those who are dead. I do this because Christ Yeshua will come to rule the world. 2 Be ready to spread the word whether or not the time is right. Point out errors, warn people, and encourage them. Be very patient when you teach.

3 A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear. 4 People will refuse to listen to the truth and turn to myths.

5 But you must keep a clear head in everything. Endure suffering. Do the work of a missionary. Devote yourself completely to your work.

6 My life is coming to an end, and it is now time for me to be poured out as a sacrifice to God. 7 I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. 8 The prize that shows I have God's approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day. He will give it not only to me but also to everyone who is eagerly waiting for him to come again.

Paul's Final Instructions to Timothy 9 Hurry to visit me soon. 10 Demas has abandoned me. He fell in love with this present world and went to the city of Thessalonica. Crescens went to the province of Galatia, and Titus went to the province of Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you. He is useful to me in my work. 12 I'm sending Tychicus to the city of Ephesus as my representative.

13 When you come, bring the warm coat I left with Carpus in the city of Troas. Also bring the scrolls and especially the parchments.a 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did. 15 Watch out for him. He violently opposed what we said. 16 At my first hearing no one stood up in my defense. Everyone abandoned me. I pray that it won't be held against them. 17 However, the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that I could finish spreading the Good News for all the nations to hear. I was snatched out of a lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from all harm and will take me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory belongs to him forever! Amen.

Final Greetings 19 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in the city of Corinth and I left Trophimus in the city of Miletus because he was sick. 21 Hurry to visit me before winter comes. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters send you greetings.

22 The Lord be with you. His good willb be with all of you.

a 1:2 Or "Grace."

b 1:9 Or "grace."

a 2:1 Or "grace."

a 4:13 Parchments are writing materials made from animal skins.

b 4:22 Or "grace."

Introduction to TITUS.

After three decades of preaching, Paul had established churches all over the Roman Empire. Now Paul was nearing the end of his life-he had already served one prison term in Rome and would soon be arrested for the final time-and a new generation was tending the churches. Concerned for the young churches' health, he sent similar letters to two of his associates in ministry, Timothy and Titus. The first letter to Timothy is longer, which is unsurprising since Paul seems to have known Timothy better. The letter to Titus is short and to the point. In both letters, Paul is concerned about false teachers and bad behavior.

All we know about Titus's background is that he was Greek (Galatians 2:3). He must have had considerable diplomatic skills: when Paul heard that the Christians in Corinth were misbehaving, he sent Titus to deal with them. By the time Titus brought his report back to Paul, the Corinthians wanted to see Paul again, and Paul had calmed down enough to want to see them too. Now Titus is working in Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, with its reputation for misbehavior, pederasty, and piracy. His job is to appoint spiritual leaders in every city where there is a Christian community.

As he always does, Paul summarizes the Good News to which he has devoted his life: God saved us, not because we were good, but because God is merciful (Titus 3:4-7). Christ "gave himself for us to set us free from every sin and to cleanse us so that we can be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good things" (2:14). Some supposedly Christian believers are opposing this Good News, and the result is detestable behavior. These teachers, who are apparently motivated by financial gain, must be stopped.

Paul advises Titus to use his authority and example to encourage and correct the believers. He is to choose leaders with solid families and good reputations in the community. They should be patient, peace loving, sober, hospitable, and fair. In fact, all believers-young and old, male and female, slave and free-should live "self-controlled, moral, and godly lives" (2:12). But don't spend your time in endless arguments with difficult people, Paul says. If they won't listen after a warning or two, stop associating with them.

Key Names of God in Titus Spirit Savior Father Christ TITUS.

1 2 3.

Greeting 1 1 From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Yeshua Christ. I was sent to lead God's chosen people to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to a godly life. 2 My message is based on the confidence of eternal life. God, who never lies, promised this eternal life before the world began. 3 God has revealed this in every era by spreading his word. I was entrusted with this word by the command of God our Savior.

4 To Titus, a genuine child in the faith we share.

Good willa and peace from God the Father and from Christ Yeshua our Savior are yours!

Guidelines for Leaders in the Church 5 I left you in Crete to do what still needed to be done-appointing spiritual leadersb in every city as I directed you. 6 A spiritual leader must have a good reputation. He must have only one wife and have children who are believers. His children shouldn't be known for having wild lifestyles or being rebellious. 7 Because a bishopc is a supervisor appointed by God, he must have a good reputation. He must not be a stubborn or irritable person. He must not drink too much or be a violent person. He must not use shameful ways to make money. 8 Instead, he must be hospitable, love what is good, use good judgment, be fair and moral, and have self-control. 9 He must be devoted to the trustworthy message we teach. Then he can use these accurate teachings to encourage people and correct those who oppose the word.

Correct Whoever Teaches What Is Wrong 10 There are many believers, especially converts from Judaism, who are rebellious. They speak nonsense and deceive people. 11 They must be silenced because they are ruining whole families by teaching what they shouldn't teach. This is the shameful way they make money.

12 Even one of their own prophets said, "Cretans are always liars, savage animals, and lazy gluttons." 13 That statement is true. For this reason, sharply correct believers so that they continue to have faith that is alive and well. 14 They shouldn't pay attention to Jewish myths or commands given by people who are always rejecting the truth. 15 Everything is cleand to those who are clean. But nothing is clean to corrupt unbelievers. Indeed, their minds and their consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but they deny him by what they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit to do anything good.

Guidelines for Christian Living 2 1 Tell believers to live the kind of life that goes along with accurate teachings. 2 Tell older men to be sober. Tell them to be men of good character, to use good judgment, and to be well-grounded in faith, love, and endurance.

3 Tell older women to live their lives in a way that shows they are dedicated to God. Tell them not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of virtue. 4 In this way they will teach young women to show love to their husbands and children, 5 to use good judgment, and to be morally pure. Also, tell them to teach young women to be homemakers, to be kind, and to place themselves under their husbands' authority. Then no one can speak evil of God's word.

6 Encourage young men to use good judgment. 7 Always set an example by doing good things. When you teach, be an example of moral purity and dignity. 8 Speak an accurate message that cannot be condemned. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed because they cannot say anything bad about us.

9 Tell slaves who are believers to place themselves under their masters' authority in everything they do. Tell them to please their masters, not to argue with them 10 or steal from them. Instead, tell slaves to show their masters how good and completely loyal they can be. Then they will show the beauty of the teachings about God our Savior in everything they do.

11 After all, God's saving kindnessa has appeared for the benefit of all people. 12 It trains us to avoid ungodly lives filled with worldly desires so that we can live self-controlled, moral, and godly lives in this present world. 13 At the same time we can expect what we hope for-the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Yeshua Christ. 14 He gave himself for us to set us free from every sin and to cleanse us so that we can be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good things.

15 Tell these things to the believers. Encourage and correct them, using your full authority. Don't let anyone ignore you.

3 1 Remind believers to willingly place themselves under the authority of government officials. Believers should obey them and be ready to help them with every good thing they do. 2 Believers shouldn't curse anyone or be quarrelsome, but they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone.

What God Did for Us 3 Indeed, we, too, were once stupid, disobedient, and misled. We were slaves to many kinds of lusts and pleasures. We were mean and jealous. We were hated, and we hated each other.

4 However, when God our Savior made his kindness and love for humanity appear, 5 he saved us, but not because of anything we had done to gain his approval. Instead, because of his mercy he saved us through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal. 6 God poured a generous amount of the Spirit on us through Yeshua Christ our Savior. 7 As a result, God in his kindnessb has given us his approval and we have become heirs who have the confidence that we have everlasting life. 8 This is a statement that can be trusted. I want you to insist on these things so that those who believe in God can concentrate on setting an example by doing good things. This is good and helps other people.

Advice for Titus 9 Avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about Moses' Teachings. This is useless and worthless. 10 Have nothing to do with people who continue to teach false doctrine after you have warned them once or twice. 11 You know that people like this are corrupt. They are sinners condemned by their own actions.

Farewell 12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, hurry to visit me in the city of Nicopolis. I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Give Zenas the lawyer and Apollos your best support for their trip so that they will have everything they need.

14 Our people should also learn how to set an example by doing good things when urgent needs arise so that they can live productive lives.

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet our faithful friends.

God's, good willa be with all of you.

a 1:4 Or "Grace."

b 1:5 Or "pastors," or "elders."

c 1:7 English equivalent difficult.

d 1:15 "Clean" refers to anything that Moses' Teachings say is presentable to God.

a 2:11 Or "grace."

b 3:7 Or "grace."

a 3:15 Or "grace."