t raised from the dead, a descendant of
David, according to my gospel, [2:9]in which I suffer even to chains as
an evil doer; but the word of God is not bound. [2:10]Therefore I
endure all things for the elect, that they may obtain the salvation in
Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [2:11]The saying is true, For if we
died together we shall live together; [2:12]if we endure patiently we
shall reign together; if we deny him he will deny us; [2:13]if we
believe not he continues faithful; for he cannot deny himself.

7 [2:14]Call to mind these things, charging [men] before the Lord not
to debate about words, to no profit, to the subversion of the hearers.
[2:15]Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman that
will not be put to shame, rightly dividing the word of truth. [2:16]But
profane and vain words, avoid; for they greatly increase impiety,
[2:17]and their word will eat like a gangrene; of whom are Hymenaeus
and Philetus, [2:18]who have erred from the truth, saying that the
resurrection has passed already, and overturn the faith of some.
[2:19]But the foundation of God stands firm, having this seal, The Lord
knows them that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of the
Lord depart from wickedness. [2:20]But in a great house there are not
only vessels of gold and silver, but those also of wood and clay, and
some for honor and some for dishonor; [2:21]if therefore any one
purifies himself from these [errors], he shall be a vessel for honor,
sanctified, of good use to the master, prepared for every good work.

8 [2:22]But avoid youthful desires, and pursue righteousness, faith,
love, peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
[2:23]But foolish and trifling disputes avoid, knowing that they
produce contentions; [2:24]and the servant of the Lord must not
contend, but must be gentle to all, apt to teach, patient under evil,
[2:25]in meekness correcting the adversaries, that God may give them a
change of mind to a knowledge of the truth, [2:26]and that they may
recover themselves from the snare of the devil, who are made captives
by him to his will.

CHAPTER II.

THE LAST TIME, HIS APPROACHING MARTYRDOM, ETC.

1 [3:1]AND know this, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[3:2] Men will be selfish, avaricious, vain, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3:3]without natural
affection, covenant breakers, slanderers, intemperate, ungentle,
despise