I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day.

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,

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.

May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment.

No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him.

Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules.

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

Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

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.

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

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

Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.

For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things.

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.

At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.