I give thanks to God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience, having remembrance of thee continually in my prayers night and day;

For God hath not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but of vigor, and of love, and of prudence.

Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but bear thy part in the afflictions of the gospel, according to 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 bestowed upon us through Christ Jesus, before the world was,

for which cause also I suffer these things; but I am not ashamed: for I know in whom I have trusted, and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him against that day.

The Lord shew mercy to the family of Onesiphorus; for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: but when he was at Rome,

And if any one contend in the public games, he gains not the crown unless he contend fairly.

for whose sake I suffer trouble even unto bonds, as if I were a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.

These things remind them of, charging them before the Lord not to contend about words, which is profitable for nothing, and tends to the subversion of the hearers.

Endeavour to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, some for meaner uses.

but foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they produce quarrels; for the servant of the Lord ought not to wrangle,

with meekness instructing those of different sentiments, not knowing but God may give them repentance to the acknowledgement of the truth;

But they shall not proceed far: for their folly shall be evident to all, as theirs also was.

For the time will come, when they will not bear sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will heap up to themselves teachers after their own hearts:

As to what remains, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day: and not to me only, but also to all those who have longed for his appearance.

In my first defence no one stood by me, but all men forsook me: God grant it may not be laid to their charge!