For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God's power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.

He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!

Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.

But when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me.

for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God's message is not imprisoned!

But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness,

Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use.

But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting.

And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come.

They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.

But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.

But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.

Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day -- and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion's mouth!