So do not be ashamed(A) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.(B) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,(C) by the power of God. He has saved(D) us and called(E) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done(F) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed(G) through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus,(H) who has destroyed death(I) and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel(J) I was appointed(K) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.(L) 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,(M) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard(N) what I have entrusted to him until that day.(O)

13 What you heard from me,(P) keep(Q) as the pattern(R) of sound teaching,(S) with faith and love in Christ Jesus.(T) 14 Guard(U) the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.(V)

Examples of Disloyalty and Loyalty

15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia(W) has deserted me,(X) including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,(Y) because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed(Z) of my chains.(AA) 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day!(AB) You know very well in how many ways he helped me(AC) in Ephesus.(AD)

The Appeal Renewed

You then, my son,(AE) be strong(AF) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say(AG) in the presence of many witnesses(AH) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering,(AI) like a good soldier(AJ) of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(AK) except by competing according to the rules.

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