I am thankful to God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, when I remember you, as I never fail to do, in my prayers--night and day alike,

For the Spirit which God gave us was not a spirit of cowardice, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control.

Do not, therefore, be ashamed of the testimony which we have to bear to our Lord, nor yet of me who am a prisoner for him; but join with me in suffering for the Good News, as far as God enables you.

It was God who saved us, and from him we received our solemn Call--not as a reward for anything that we had done, but in fulfillment of his own loving purpose. For that love was extended to us, through Christ Jesus, before time began,

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus; for he often cheered me and was not ashamed of my chains.

in the service of which I am suffering hardships, even to being put in fetters as a criminal. But the Message of God is not fettered;

Now in a large house there are not only things of gold and silver, but also others of wood and earthenware, some for better and some for common use.

and while they retain the outward form of religion, they will not allow it to influence them. Turn your back on such men as these.

They will not, however, make further progress; for their wicked folly will be plain to every one, just as that of Jannes and Jambres was.

For a time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will follow their own wishes, and, in their itching for novelty, procure themselves a crowd of teachers.

And now the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just Judge, will give me on 'That Day'--and not only to me, but to all who have loved his Appearing.