correcting ¹  opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth ² 

Remind people ¹  of these things and solemnly charge them ²  before the Lord ³  not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. ⁴ 

as well as the persecutions and sufferings ¹  that happened to me in Antioch, ²  in Iconium, and in Lystra. ³  I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all.

At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it.

and their message will spread its infection ¹  like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. ² 

They will maintain the outward appearance ¹  of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. ² 

You, however, must continue ¹  in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know ²  who taught you ³ 

For some of these insinuate themselves ¹  into households and captivate weak women ²  who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions.

For there will be a time when people ¹  will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, ²  they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. ³ 

Such women are always seeking instruction, ¹  yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others ¹  who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ² 

Preach the message, ¹  be ready ²  whether it is convenient or not, ³  reprove, rebuke, exhort ⁴  with complete patience and instruction.

You know that everyone in the province of Asia ¹  deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

Think about what I am saying and ¹  the Lord will give you understanding of all this. ² 

And entrust what you heard me say ¹  in the presence of many others as witnesses ²  to faithful people ³  who will be competent ⁴  to teach others as well.

and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive ¹  to do his will. ² 

However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” ¹  and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord ²  must turn away from evil.”

Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day – and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on ¹  his appearing.