But understand this, that in the last days difficult ¹  times will come.

But avoid profane chatter, ¹  because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, ² 

But when he arrived in Rome, ¹  he eagerly searched for me and found me.

Now in a wealthy home ¹  there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. ² 

For God did not give us a Spirit ¹  of fear but of power and love and self-control.

But reject foolish and ignorant ¹  controversies, because you know they breed infighting. ² 

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

But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, ¹  deceiving others and being deceived themselves. ² 

for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment ¹  as a criminal, but God’s message ²  is not imprisoned! ³ 

But they will not go much further, ¹  for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres. ² 

And the Lord’s slave ¹  must not engage in heated disputes ²  but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. ¹ 

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 

He is the one who saved us ¹  and called us with a holy calling, not based on ²  our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, ³ 

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.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord ¹  or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by ²  God’s power accept your share of suffering ³  for the gospel.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message ¹  would be fully proclaimed ²  for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth!

but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He ¹  has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!

Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. ¹  But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set ²  and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me ³  until that day. ⁴ 

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