Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.”

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged,

and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,

unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,

holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these.

For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses,

Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith.

persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!

and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;

so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.

Preach the Word

I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction.

For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires,

But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Personal Concerns

Make every effort to come to me soon;

Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.