2 Timothy Chapter 2

Other Translations

web (web) - WorldEnglish.Bible — CC0 modern update of ASV

1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

6 The farmer who labors must be the first to get a share of the crops.

7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News,

9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 This saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him.

12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.

13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.”

14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.

15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

16 But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,

17 and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus:

18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.

19 However, God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor and some for dishonor.

21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.

24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle toward all, able to teach, patient,

25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,

26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Explanations by Age Level

Explain Like I'm 5

A long, long time ago, there was nothing at all - no earth, no sky, no animals, no people. It was all dark and empty. But God was there! God is so powerful that He can make anything just by speaking. So God said "Let there be light!" and BOOM! There was light everywhere! God saw that the light was beautiful and good. He called the light "day" and the darkness "night." This was the very first day when God started making our wonderful world!

Explain Like I'm 10

Before anything existed - no planets, stars, or life - God decided to create the universe. The earth started out as a dark, empty place covered with water. But God's Spirit was there, ready to bring order and beauty to everything. When God spoke and said "Let there be light," light immediately appeared because God's words have incredible power. God looked at the light and was pleased with what He had made. He organized time by separating light (day) from darkness (night), creating the first 24-hour period. This shows us that God is organized and purposeful in everything He does.

Explain Like I'm 15

Genesis 1:1-5 establishes fundamental theological truths about God and creation. The Hebrew word "bara" (created) indicates creation from nothing (ex nihilo), demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and power. The phrase "without form and void" (tohu wa-bohu) describes a state of chaos that God transforms into order. The Spirit of God "hovering" or "brooding" over the waters suggests active, caring involvement in creation. The creation of light before the sun (created on day 4) indicates that God Himself is the ultimate source of light and energy. The establishment of day and night creates the framework of time, showing that God operates within orderly patterns while transcending them. This passage refutes both atheistic materialism and pantheism, establishing that God is both transcendent (separate from creation) and immanent (actively involved in it).