(弟後1:1-8)

在感恩禱告中（這是古代書信的慣例），保祿強調了他與弟茂德之間深厚的感情。他回憶起弟茂德在他離開時流下的眼淚，並懷著與他同樣的渴望再次見到他，如同父親愛兒子，兒子愛父親一般。保祿也提到了先祖的忠誠。

基於這些原因，他勸勉弟茂德要繼續靠著所領受的聖神的能力為耶穌而戰。

的確，教會是一個涵蓋整個世界和歷史的龐大家庭。我們能忠於如此浩瀚的傳承，便是榮耀和尊榮。

(2Tim 1:1-8)

In his thanksgiving (a customary feature in ancient letters) Paul highlights the strong link between himself and Timothy. He remembers the tears Timothy shed, perhaps when Paul left, and feels the same desire to see him again, as a father loves his son and a son loves his father. To this, Paul adds the faithfulness of the ancestors.

Based on these reasons, he exhorts Timothy to continue fighting for Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit he has received.

Indeed, the Church is a huge family embracing the whole of world and history. For us to be faithful to such an immense inheritance is honor and glory.