2 Timothy 1

Paul greets his “beloved child” Timothy, giving thanks for his “sincere faith,” which lived first in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. He urges Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” and not to give in to fear, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” He calls him not to be ashamed “of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner,” but to “share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,” who saved us and called us “because of his own purpose and grace,” a grace now revealed through Christ, “who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light.” Paul testifies of his own confidence: “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” He charges Timothy to “guard the good deposit entrusted to you” by the Holy Spirit, noting who has deserted him and who has stood by him.