Do you, there fore, suffer evil, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

for which I have to suffer imprisonment as if I were a criminal. (But there is no prison for the word of God.)

Remind them [Note: This probably refers to the "trustworthy men" there at Ephesus. See 2:2] of these things [i.e., the truths just mentioned. Verses 8-13], solemnly urging them, in the presence of the Lord, not to argue over words, [for] it is useless and brings [only] ruin to those who listen to it.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

But this know, that in the last days difficult times shall be there;

for of these there are those coming into the houses and leading captive the silly women, laden with sins, led away with desires manifold,

persecutions and sufferings. You know what kind of things happened to me at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra [See Acts 13:13-14:23], and what [severe] persecutions I experienced [there]. But the Lord rescued me from all of them.

I call to witness before God there fore, and the Lord Jesus Christ, being about to judge the living and the dead according to his appearance and his kingdom;

for there shall be a season when the sound teaching they will not suffer, but according to their own desires to themselves they shall heap up teachers -- itching in the hearing,

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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.

Give diligence to come, before winter. There salute thee - Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and allthe brethren.