1You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
1我兒阿，你要在基督耶穌的恩典上剛強起來。
2The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
2你在許多見證人面前聽見我所教訓的，也要交託那忠心能教導別人的人。
3Suffer hardship with [me], as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
3你要和我同受苦難，好像基督耶穌的精兵。
4No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
4凡在軍中當兵的，不將世務纏身，好叫那招他當兵的人喜悅。
5Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.
5人若在場上比武，非按規矩，就不能得冠冕。
6The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
6勞力的農夫，理當先得糧食。
7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
7我所說的話你要思想，因為凡事主必給你聰明。
8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,
8你要記念耶穌基督乃是大衛的後裔，他從死裡復活，正合乎我所傳的福音。
9for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.
9我為這福音受苦難，甚至被捆綁，像犯人一樣。然而神的道卻不被捆綁。
10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus [and] with [it] eternal glory.
10所以我為選民凡事忍耐，叫他們也可以得著那在基督耶穌裡的救恩和永遠的榮耀。
11It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
11有可信的話說：我們若與基督同死，也必與他同活；
12If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
12我們若能忍耐，也必和他一同作王；我們若不認他，他也必不認我們；
13If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
13我們縱然失信，他仍是可信的，因為他不能背乎自己。
14Remind [them] of these things, and solemnly charge [them] in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless [and leads] to the ruin of the hearers.
14你要使眾人回想這些事，在主面前囑咐他們：不可為言語爭辯；這是沒有益處的，只能敗壞聽見的人。
15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
15你當竭力在神面前得蒙喜悅，作無愧的工人，按著正意分解真理的道。
16But avoid worldly [and] empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
16但要遠避世俗的虛談，因為這等人必進到更不敬虔的地步。
17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
17他們的話如同毒瘡，越爛越大；其中有許米乃和腓理徒，
18[men] who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.
18他們偏離了真道，說復活的事已過，就敗壞好些人的信心。
19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.'
19然而，神堅固的根基立住了；上面有這印記說：主認識誰是他的人；又說：凡稱呼主名的人總要離開不義。
20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
20在大戶人家，不但有金器銀器，也有木器瓦器；有作為貴重的，有作為卑賤的。
21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these [things], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
21人若自潔，脫離卑賤的事，就必作貴重的器皿，成為聖潔，合乎主用，預備行各樣的善事。
22Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love [and] peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
22你要逃避少年的私慾，同那清心禱告主的人追求公義、信德、仁愛、和平。
23But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
23惟有那愚拙無學問的辯論，總要棄絕，因為知道這等事是起爭競的。
24The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
24然而主的僕人不可爭競，只要溫溫和和的待眾人，善於教導，存心忍耐，
25with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
25用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人；或者神給他們悔改的心，可以明白真道，
26and they may come to their senses [and escape] from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
26叫他們這已經被魔鬼任意擄去的，可以醒悟，脫離他的網羅。