and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

For Demas deserted me, since he loved ¹  the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. ²  Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia.

I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, ¹  when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day. 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.”

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.

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.

The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely ¹  into his heavenly kingdom. To him ²  be glory for ever and ever! ³  Amen.