I thank God, whom I worship [or, "serve"] with a clear conscience, as my forefathers did, that I can remember you [i.e., your commitment] continually in my prayers night and day.

For God did not give us a spirit [i.e., a disposition] that makes us cowards but one that gives us power and love and self-control.

May the Lord grant that he will find mercy on that day [i.e., the day of judgment]. And you know very well the many things he did to serve [me while I was] at Ephesus.

[In the face of trouble] remember Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, who was raised from the dead according to my Gospel,

who have strayed from the truth [by] saying that the resurrection [from the dead] has already happened and are undermining the faith of some people.

If a person rids himself of the common ones [i.e., the influences of evil people and qualities], he will be an instrument for [God's] honor, dedicated, suitable for use by the Master, [and] prepared for [doing] every good deed.

so that the man of God will be thoroughly equipped for [doing] every good deed.

Alexander the metal worker did me much harm; the Lord will repay him for what he did.