Paul's 2nd Letter to Timothy From the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version by Frederick Hoehn, copyright 2014, all rights reserved. Chapter 1 First, we'll present Second Timothy, the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy. Then, there'll be some words from this author. From the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version-- ___2 Timothy chapter 1 1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son, grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience, that without stopping, I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, so that I'll be filled with joy, 5 When I remember the unpretended faith that is in you, that lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in you also. 6 So I remind you to stir up the gift of God that is in you by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Therefore, don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God, 9 Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, that was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made clear by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has destroyed death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 To which I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For which reason I also suffer these things, but anyway, I'm not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I’ve committed to him against that day. 13 Hold tightly the form of sound words, that you've heard from me, in faith and love that is in Christ Jesus. 14 The good thing that was committed to you, keep by the Holy Ghost that lives in us. 15 This you know, that all of those who are in Asia have turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he'll find mercy from the Lord in that day, and in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus, you know very well. ___2 Timothy chapter 2 1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you've heard from me among many witnesses, commit to faithful men, who'll be able to teach others also. 3 Therefore endure hardship, like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No soldier entangles himself with the affairs of this life, so that he'll please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strives for masteries, yet he's not crowned, unless he strives legally. 6 The farmer that labors must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the descendants of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 In which I suffer trouble, like a criminal, even as far as shackles, but the word of God is not shackled. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, so that they'll also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying, for if we're dead with him, we'll also live with him, 12 If we suffer, we'll also reign with him, if we deny him, he will also deny us, 13 If we don't believe, yet he remains faithful, he can't deny himself. 14 Remind them about these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat like a canker, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection has already happened, and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Anyway, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his." And, let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from sin. 20 But in a great house there are not only containers of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purges himself from these, he'll be a container to honor, made holy, and ready for the master's use, and prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they cause strife. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those who oppose themselves, if God will perhaps give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, 26 And so they'll recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him whenever he wants. ___2 Timothy chapter 3 1 Know this also, that in the last days dangerous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it, from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are those who sneak into houses, and lead captive silly women loaded with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 Always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now like Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further, for their foolishness shall be made clear to all men, as theirs also was. 10 But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, that came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but the Lord gave me deliverance out of them all. 12 Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue in the things that you've learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you've learned them, 15 And that from a child you've known the holy scriptures, that are able to make you wise for salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 So that the man of God will be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works. ___2 Timothy chapter 4 1 I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the alive and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom, 2 Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, scold, exhort with all patience and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they won't endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts they'll heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, 4 And they'll turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn to fairy tales. 5 But stay awake in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry. 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, 8 From now on, a crown of righteousness has been laid up for me, that the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but to all of those also who love his appearing. 9 Make a good effort to come shortly to me, 10 For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring with you when you come, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil, the Lord repay him according to his works, 15 Of whom you beware also, for he has greatly withstood our words. 16 At my first answer, no man stood with me, but all men forsook me, I pray God that it won't be held against them. 17 Anyway, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, so that by me the preaching would be fully known, and so all the Gentiles would hear, and I was given deliverance out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall give me deliverance from every evil work, and will preserve me until his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and always. Amen. 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, but I've left Trophimus sick at Miletum. 21 Make a good effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. Chapter 2 In chapter 1 of 2 Tim-- Paul refers to Timothy as his beloved son. I believe Timothy is Paul's son spiritually. Paul sends Timothy grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul prays for Timothy night and day, and wants to see him again soon. Timothy has the sincere kind of faith that his grandmother, Lois had, and that his mother, Eunice had. Paul says to stir up the gift in Timothy that came by the laying on of Paul's hands. And here is a very important teaching of the Bible: "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." If fears come against you, they didn't come from God, they come from the enemy, and we have authority over the enemy in Luke 10:19, and in Mark 16:17 We should not be ashamed to be Christians. Jesus saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, that was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Jesus has destroyed death, and given us life and immortality. Paul is a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. Elsewhere, Paul says he is the Apostle to the Gentiles. The Lord is able to keep what we've committed to Him. We should hold tightly the words that Paul has taught us. Onesiphorus was a helper to Paul. In chapter 2-- Paul says be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The teachings of Paul should be committed to faithful men, who'll be able to teach others also. We should endure hardship, if necessary like a good soldier would do for the Lord Jesus. Now here is a very important principle for Christians: "No soldier entangles himself with the affairs of this life, so that he'll please him who has chosen him to be a soldier." You can't do a proper job for the Lord if you are too much entangles with the affairs of this life. And if we strive to be achievers, we must do it legally. The farmer that labors should be the first to eat of the fruits. The genealogy of the Lord Jesus descends from King David. Jesus was raised from the dead. Paul suffered persecution for the sake of the gospel, and shackles. But he endures all things for the elect's sakes, so that they'll also get saved. If we suffer, we'll also reign with Jesus. But if we deny him, he'll deny us. If we don't believe, yet he remains faithful, he can't deny himself. Paul wants Timothy to teach what he has been taught by Paul. Here is another important Bible principle-- Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. In the King James Version, it says approved unto God, which is the "A.U.G. degree" that I've previously written about. A degree more important than a phD from Harvard. (Of course, a person could have both.) Notice that it says we must rightly divide the word of truth. At my apartment, I think a previous tenant was probably a Christian, because a magazine came in the mail from one of the Christian ministries. The magazine came by bulk rate mail, so it wasn't going to be forwarded by the Postal Service. The fellow whose name is on that ministry wrote an article where he says, "God says man can live one hundred twenty years." No, I don't think so. That's from the Book of Genesis. That's what God said before Noah's flood. I believe God was saying he would bring judgment against the world after 120 years. Noah finished building the ark, and the flood came, and killed all the humans that were not on the ark. God is not telling us we can live for 120 years. The man was wrongly dividing the word of truth. In Psalm 90:10, it says the days of our years are seventy years, or if by reason of strength, eighty years. God hasn't promised us 120 years of life on earth. And that man has a famous ministry. If you Googled his name, you'd find him. But he wrongly divided the word of truth. The same man slandered Job by saying that Job brought his own troubles on himself. No he didn't. The Bible says Job was perfect and upright, who feared God, and hated evil. Job didn't bring his troubles on himself. Actually, I've heard two famous teachers make that same mistake. Job's troubles came because of a conversation between God and Satan. God allowed Satan to test Job, and that's where Job's troubles came from. One of those same teachers also taught the false doctrine that the only power Satan has is to deceive. Wrong, brother. Better read the Book of Job. All those troubles that came against Job were not deceptions, they were real afflictions that Satan brought on Job. Paul tells Timothy that Hymenaeus and Philetus held the false doctrine that the resurrection has already happened. No, Jesus was raised from the dead, but there'll be another resurrection that comes later. False doctrine like that can hurt the faith of some. The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his." And, let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from sin. But in a great house there are not only containers of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and some to honor, and some to dishonor. In a great house, such as a rich man's house. Or, a great house such as the Kingdom of God. Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves, if God will perhaps give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and so they'll recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him whenever he wants. From chapter 3-- In the last days, dangerous times shall come. And we are now in those last days. God told Daniel that in the last days, knowledge would increase. (Dan 12:4) And knowledge has very much increased in the last couple of centuries. Paul lists the kind of bad people that there are, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness, but not the real thing. We should turn away from them. Norvel Hayes said the Lord told him, "Now these are the most important words that ever came out of my mouth." And he was talking about the words in Mark 16:17,18-- "And these signs shall follow those who believe, in my name they'll cast out devils, they'll speak with new languages, they shall pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it won't hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they'll recover." But don't go tempting God by intentionally picking up snakes or drinking something poisonous. Notice that the first sign following of Mark 16:17 is the casting out of demons. The casting out of demons should be a normal thing in all of the Christian churches, but I'm pretty sure that it's rather rare to find a church that casts out demons. There will be some Pastors on Judgment Day who will have to explain to God why they didn't have the signs following of Mark chapter 16. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. Paul says Timothy has fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, persecutions, afflictions, that came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but the Lord gave me deliverance out of them all. Here's an important Bible principle for those who think that everything should be rosy for them after becoming Christians. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Christians are going to have some persecution for being Christians. But don't stop being a Christian because there's some persecution. The avoiding of persecution is not worth going to hell for. The scriptures are able to make us wise, producing salvation. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God will be perfect, thoroughly furnished for all good works. From chapter 4-- Paul tells Timothy: Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, scold, exhort with all patience and doctrine. Stay awake in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry. Paul has fought a good fight, he has kept the faith. There's a crown of righteousness waiting for Paul in heaven. At Paul's first court appearance, no man stood with me, but all men forsook me, I pray God that it won't be held against them. But the Lord helped him. And the Lord shall give me deliverance from every evil work, and will preserve me until his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and always. Amen. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorusl. Erastus stayed at Corinth, but I've left Trophimus sick at Miletum. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.