When I remember the tears you shed I long night and day to see you again, and have the perfect happiness

of which I have been appointed a herald, apostle and teacher.

This is why I am suffering as I am, but I am not ashamed of it, for I know whom I have trusted and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have intrusted to him for that Day.

The farmer who does the work ought to be the first to have some of the produce.

How true those words are! "If we have died with him, we will live with him!

who have missed the truth and say that the resurrection has taken place already, thus undermining people's faith.

But you have closely followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,

But you must stand by what you have learned and been convinced of, and remember from whom you learned it,

and how from childhood you have known the Scriptures which can give you the wisdom that through faith in Christ Jesus leads to salvation.

I have had a part in the great contest, I have run my race, I have preserved my faith.

Now the crown of uprightness awaits me, which the Lord, the upright judge, will award me on that Day, and not only me but also all who have loved and hoped for his appearing.

and I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.