1. From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, sent to proclaim the promised life which we have in union with Christ Jesus —
2. To Timothy, my dear son:May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
3. I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day.
4. I remember your tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy.
5. I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also.
6. For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
7. For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.
8. Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; nor be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength to do it.