and has now revealed in the appearance of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has put down death and brought life and immortality to light by the gospel.

and this is why I am suffering. Still, I am not ashamed of it; I know whom I have trusted and I am certain he is able to keep what I have put into his hands till the great Day.

May the Lord show favour to the household of Onesiphorus, for many a time he braced me up; he was not ashamed of my imprisonment ??17 no, he made eager search for me when he reached Rome, and he found me

(may he find favour with the Lord on the great Day! The Lord grant it!). And you know very well what a help he was to me in Ephesus.

Now, my son, be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus,

No soldier gets entangled in civil pursuits; his aim is to satisfy his commander.

for which I have to suffer imprisonment as if I were a criminal. (But there is no prison for the word of God.)

Remind men of this: adjure them before the Lord not to bandy arguments ??no good comes out of that, it only means the undoing of your audience.

Do your utmost to let God see that you at least are a sound workman, with no need to be ashamed of the way you handle the word of the Truth.

However, they will get no further, for their aberration will be detected by everyone, as was the case with these magicians.

Now you have followed my teaching, my practice, my aims, my faith, my patience, my love, my stedfastness,

Whatever happens, be self-possessed, flinch from no suffering, do your work as an evangelist, and discharge all your duties as a minister.

Now the crown of a good life awaits me, with which the Lord, that just Judge, will reward me on the great Day ??and not only me but all who have loved and longed for his appearance.

The first time I had to defend myself, I had no supporters; everyone deserted me. God grant it may not be brought up against them!