When I recall the tears you shed when we parted, I long by night and day to see you again. That would fill me with joy,

Of that gospel I have been appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher,

Keep the great securities of your faith intact, by aid of the holy Spirit that dwells within us.

You are aware that all the Asiatics have discarded me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

and transmit the instructions I gave you in presence of many witnesses to trustworthy men, that they may be competent to teach others.

Never forget "Jesus Christ risen from the dead, descended from David" ??that is my gospel,

It is a sure word, that "If we have died with him, we shall live with him,

Remind men of this: adjure them before the Lord not to bandy arguments ??no good comes out of that, it only means the undoing of your audience.

Do your utmost to let God see that you at least are a sound workman, with no need to be ashamed of the way you handle the word of the Truth.

Avoid all that profane jargon, for it leads people still further into irreligion,

they have failed in the Truth by arguing that the resurrection has taken place already, and they are undermining some people's faith.

Shut your mind against foolish, popular controversy; be sure that only breeds strife.

my persecutions, my sufferings ??all that befell me at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, all the persecutions I had to undergo, from which the Lord rescued me.

remember you have known from childhood the sacred writings that can impart saving wisdom by faith in Christ Jesus.

Now the crown of a good life awaits me, with which the Lord, that just Judge, will reward me on the great Day ??and not only me but all who have loved and longed for his appearance.