New International Version NIV
Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible RHE
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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Thou therefore, my son, be strong in Christ Jesus:
2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
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And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men who shall be fit to teach others also.
3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
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No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses: that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself.
5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.
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For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
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The husbandman that laboureth must first partake of the fruits.
7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
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Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
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Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:
9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
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Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
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Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
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A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him.
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
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If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
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If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he cannot deny himself.
14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
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Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words: for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
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Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
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But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness.
17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
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And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus:
18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
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Who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
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But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord.
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.
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But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour.
21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
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If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
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And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes.
24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
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But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild toward all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
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With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth;
26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
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And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil by whom they are held captive at his will.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Douay-Rheims Bible is in the public domain.