But you have followed my teaching, my conduct,

and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith,

my patience, my love, my endurance, my persecutions, and my sufferings.

You know all that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra,

the terrible persecutions I endured!

But the Lord rescued me from them all.

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with

Christ Jesus will be persecuted

and evil persons and will keep on going from bad to worse,

deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

But as for you, continue in the truths that you were taught and firmly believe.

You know who your teachers were, and you remember

that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures

which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation

through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth,

rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living,

so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped

to do every kind of good deed.

2 Timothy 3:10-17