I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience, that I keep up a constant remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of courage, and of love, and of sobriety.

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer affliction with me in the gospel, supported by the power of God;

who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before time had a beginning;

For which cause also I suffer these things; but I am not ashamed: for I know on whom I have placed my confidence, and am persuaded that he is mighty to guard my deposit unto the great day.

The Lord grant mercy unto the household of Onesiphorus because he frequently was a refreshment to my soul, and was not ashamed of my chain:

And if a man contend in the public games, he is not crowned victor, unless he contend according to the laws.

for which I suffer affliction, even unto chains as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.

Put them in mind of these things, adjuring them before the Lord not to quarrel about words of no use, but tending to the perversion of the audience.

Be diligent to present thyself before God approved, a workman that need not blush, rightly dividing the word of truth.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and pottery; and some for an honourable use, and others for baser service.

And a servant of the Lord ought not to quarrel; but to be gentle to all men, apt to teach, forbearing,

But they shall not proceed to the uttermost; for their infatuation shall be evident to all men, as theirs also was.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own inclinations will set up a herd of teachers for themselves, having the itch of hearing;

henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: yet not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

At my first apology no man stood by me, but all forsook me: (may it not be imputed to them!)