And that is my reason for reminding you to stir into flame that gift of God, which is yours through your ordination at my hands.

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,

That is why I am undergoing these sufferings; yet I feel no shame, for I know in whom I have put my faith, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until 'That Day.'

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

On the contrary, when he arrived in Rome, he sought eagerly for me till he found me.

and that is why I submit to anything for the sake of God's People, that they also may obtain the Salvation which comes from union with Christ Jesus, and imperishable glory.

If we lose our trust, he is still to be trusted, for he cannot be false to himself!'

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.

If, then, a man has escaped from the pollution of such errors as I have mentioned, he will be like a thing kept for better use, set apart, serviceable to its owner, ready for any good purpose.

Shun foolish and ignorant discussions, for you know that they only breed quarrels;

He should instruct his opponents in a gentle spirit; for, possibly, God may give them a repentance that will lead to a fuller knowledge of Truth,

For among them are to be found those who creep into homes and captivate weak women--women who, loaded with sins, and slaves to all kinds of passions,

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.

Everything that is written under divine inspiration is helpful for teaching, for refuting error, for giving guidance, and for training others in righteousness;

so that the Servant of God may be perfect himself, and perfectly equipped for every good action.

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.

As for me, my life blood is already being poured out; the time of my departure is close at hand.

for Demas, in his love for the world, has deserted me. He has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

There is no one but Luke with me. Pick up Mark on your way, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in my work.

Do you also, be on your guard against him, for he is strongly opposed to our teaching.

The Lord will rescue me from all evil, and bring me safe into his Heavenly Kingdom. All glory to him for ever and ever! Amen.