2 Timothy

The Apostle being now ready to confirm that doctrine with his blood, which he had professed and taught, encourageth Timotheus (and in him all the faithful) in the faith of the Gospel, and in the constant and sincere confession of the same: willing him not to shrink for fear of afflictions, but patiently to attend the issue, as do husbandmen, which at length receive the fruits of their labors, and to cast off all fear and care, as soldiers do which seek only to please their captain: Shewing him briefly the sum of the Gospel, which he preached, commanding him to preach the same to other, diligently taking heed of contentions, curious disputation, and vain questions, to the intent that his doctrine may altogether edify. Considering that the examples of Hymeneus and Philetus, which subverted the true doctrine of the resurrection, were so horrible: and yet to the intent that no man should be offended at their fall, being men of authority and in estimation, he sheweth that all that profess Christ, are not his, and that the Church is subject to this calamity that the evil must dwell among the good till God's trial come: yet he reserveth them whom he hath elected, even to the end. And that Timotheus should not be discouraged by the wicked, he declareth what abominable men, and dangerous times shall follow, willing him to arm himself with the hope of the good issue that God will give unto his, and to exercise himself diligently in the Scriptures, both against the adversaries, and for the utility of the Church, desiring him to come to him for certain necessary affairs, and so with his and others' salutations endeth.