Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ, appointed by God to declare the promise, which Jesus Christ has made of eternal life;

especially when I reflect upon the sincerity of your faith, and the attachment your grand-mother Lois first show'd, and then your mother Eunice, examples which I am persuaded you will follow.

For which reason I remind you to exert the divine gifts you received, when I gave you the imposition of hands.

for the spirit, which God has given us, is not a spirit of timidity, but of fortitude, of benevolence, and of moderation.

be not therefore asham'd of the testimony of the Lord, nor of me who am a prisoner upon his account. but share with me in the afflictions, which attend the gospel, supported as you are by the power of God,

who has saved us, and by the gospel hath called us to holiness, not in consideration of our works, but in pursuance of his own resolution, and the favour, which having been promised us by Jesus Christ several ages ago,

Keep that form of sound doctrine you receiv'd from me, which consists in christian faith and charity:

that valuable depositum do you preserve by the holy spirit, which resides in us.

for which I suffer even the chains of a malefactor: but the word of God is not so confin'd.

I therefore bear with every thing for the sake of the converts, that they may obtain that salvation, which Jesus Christ has procur'd us, even eternal glory.

These things represent, conjuring them by the presence of the Lord, to avoid disputes about words, which only serve to pervert the audience.

of which they wear the appearance, but disclaim its influence. have no intercourse with such.

But be you attach'd to the doctrine you have learnt, with which you are intrusted, considering by whom you have been instructed:

and that from your infancy you were acquainted with the sacred writings, which point you the way to salvation, by believing in Christ Jesus:

for the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but get teachers of their own corrupt taste, to sooth their ears that itch for flattery:

which, while they are deaf to the truth, attentively listen to fables.

be you then entirely upon the watch: be insensible to toil: perform the work of an evangelist, and discharge your ministerial function.

I have nothing more to do, but to receive the crown of virtue reserv'd for me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me in that day: and not only to me, but to those also, who have long'd for his appearance.

when you come, bring the cloke and books, but especially the roll, which I left with Carpus at Troas.

At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge.