be not therefore asham'd of the testimony of the Lord, nor of me who am a prisoner upon his account. but share with me in the afflictions, which attend the gospel, supported as you are by the power of God,

Have an outline of sound words, which words thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

And what things thou hast heard of me, many bearing witness, the same deliver to faithful men, which are apt to teach others.

Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

It is a faithful saying: For if we are dead with him, we shall also live with him:

if we are patient, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;

if we are faithless, he abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself.

Remind others about these things, and warn them before God not to argue over words. Arguing does not do any good but only destroys those who are listening.

Do your best to present yourself as a worker who is approved by God [and] does not have to be ashamed, [because you are] accurately handling [i.e., explaining] the message of truth.

and their message {will spread} like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

who have deviated from the truth. They claim that the resurrection has already taken place, and they undermine the faith of some.

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

But keep yourself from those desires of the flesh which are strong when the body is young, and go after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those whose prayers go up to the Lord from a clean heart.

And put away foolish and uncontrolled questionings, seeing that they are a cause of trouble.

correcting those who are opposed with gentleness, [seeing] whether perhaps God may grant them repentance to a knowledge of the truth,

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Mark this, there are hard times coming in the last days.

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them.

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

always learning and listening to anybody who will teach them, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Just as Jannes and Jambres [the court magicians of Egypt] opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, unqualified and worthless [as teachers] in regard to the faith.

As for me, you are perfectly acquainted with my doctrine, my conduct, my designs, my temper, my benevolence, my constancy,

Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].

But evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse as they deceive others and are themselves deceived.

But as for you, continue in the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced [holding tightly to the truths], knowing from whom you learned them,

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

for all divinely inspired writings are conducive to instruction, to conviction, to reformation, and the practice of virtue;

In the presence of God and the Messiah Jesus, who is going to judge those who are living and those who are dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly appeal to you

preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.

For a time will come when they will not listen to wholesome teaching, but to gratify their own evil desires will surround themselves with teachers who teach to gratify their own evil desires, because their ears are itching so to be tickled,

which, while they are deaf to the truth, attentively listen to fables.

The last drops of my own sacrifice are falling; my time to go has come.