I give praise to God, whose servant I have been, with a heart free from sin, from the time of my fathers, because in my prayers at all times the thought of you is with me, night and day

Because of this I remind you to rekindle God's gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands.

for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],

for which reason also I suffer these [things]. But [I am] not ashamed, because I know in whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard [what] I have entrusted until that day.

may the Lord give kindness to the house of Onesiphorus, because many times he did refresh me, and of my chain was not ashamed,

No man that warreth entangleth himself with worldly business; and that, because he would please him that hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Because of it I am experiencing trouble, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. However, God's word is not chained.

because of this all things do I endure, because of the choice ones, that they also salvation may obtain that is in Christ Jesus, with glory age-during.

Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because of his straightforward dealing with the word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame.

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

But avoid foolish and uninformed controversies, [because you] know that they produce quarrels.

with great temper and meekness informing those, who differ in opinion; because he does not know, but God may change their minds, by convincing them of the truth.

But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those two men, their stupidity will be plain to everyone.

Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].

But you continue in [the things] which you have learned and are convinced [of], [because you] know from whom you learned [them],

and because from a babe the Holy Writings thou hast known, which are able to make thee wise -- to salvation, through faith that is in Christ Jesus;

For there will be a time when they will not put up with sound teaching, but in accordance with their own desires, they will accumulate for themselves teachers, {because they have an insatiable curiosity},

For Demas deserted me, [because he] loved the present age, and went to Thessalonica. Crescens [went] to Galatia; Titus [went] to Dalmatia.

Luke alone is with me. Take along Mark [and] bring [him] with you, because he is useful to me for ministry.

against whom you also be on guard, because he vehemently opposed our words.

Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left behind in Miletus [because he] was sick.