Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in accordance with the promise of the life that comes through union with Christ Jesus,

to see you again, that I may feel the fullest joy

on being reminded of your genuine faith, a faith that first found a home in the heart of your grandmother Lois, then in the heart of your mother Eunice, and now in yours too, I am sure.

For the Spirit that God has given us does not impart timidity but power and love and self-control.

For He saved us and called us with a holy call, not in accordance with anything that we had done, but in accordance with His own purpose and unmerited favor which was shown us through union with Christ Jesus eternal ages ago,

This is why I am suffering so, but I am not ashamed of it, for I know whom I have trusted and I am absolutely sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Continue to be an example in wholesome instructions which you learned from me, in the faith and love that come through union with Christ Jesus.

You know that everyone here who belongs to the Roman province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

The Lord grant that he may find mercy at His hands on that day. And you very well know yourself how great were the services he rendered me at Ephesus.

So you, my son, must keep renewing your strength in the spiritual blessing that comes through union with Christ Jesus.

No soldier ever allows himself to be involved in the business affairs of life, so that he may please the officer who enlisted him.

Continue to remember Jesus Christ as risen from the dead, and descended from David, in accordance with the good news that I preach,

For this reason I am bearing anything for the sake of His chosen people, so that they too may obtain the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

who have missed the truth by saying that the resurrection has already taken place, are undermining some people's faith.

Always avoid foolish discussions with ignorant men, for you know that they breed quarrels,

With gentleness he must correct his opponents, for God might grant them repentance that would lead them to a full knowledge of the truth,

Now you must know that in the last days there are going to be hard times.

treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure more than God,

and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures which can give you wisdom that leads to salvation through the faith that leans on Christ Jesus.

so that the man of God may be perfectly fit, thoroughly equipped for every good enterprise.

Now the crown for doing right awaits me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day, and not only me but also all who have loved His appearing.

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message preached by me might have its full effect and all the heathen might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's jaws.