It’s right for me to feel this way about all of you. You have a special place in my heart. Whether I’m being held in chains or standing up for the truth of the good news, either way, all of you share together in God’s grace with me.
He proclaimed the kingdom of God boldly and taught people about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one kept him from teaching and preaching about those things.
So don’t be ashamed of the message about our Lord, and don’t be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, join with me as I suffer for the good news. God’s power will help us do that.
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so I was able to preach the message completely, and all the Gentiles heard it. I was saved from the lion’s mouth.
People who don’t believe might accuse you of doing wrong. But lead such good lives among them that they’ll see your good deeds and give glory to God on the day Jesus returns.
If you suffer, it shouldn’t be because you’re a murderer or a thief or any other kind of criminal. It shouldn’t be because you interfere in other people’s business.
That’s why I’m suffering the way I am. But I’m not ashamed, because I know the one I’ve believed in and I’m certain that he’s able to protect what I’ve given him. I can trust him with it until the day he returns.
Now I want to talk about some other matters. Brothers and sisters, pray for us, that the Lord’s message will spread quickly and that others will honor it just as you have.
Keep your conscience clear, so that even if people say bad things about you as believers in Christ, they’ll be ashamed when the way you live proves them wrong.
May the Lord show mercy to all who live in the house of Onesiphorus. He has often encouraged me. He wasn’t ashamed of me, even though I was being held in chains.
The jealous ones are preaching about Christ out of selfish ambition; they’re not doing it sincerely. They think they can create trouble for me while I’m being held in chains.
The Lord’s message rang out from you, and not just in Macedonia and Achaia. Your faith in God has become known everywhere, so we don’t have to say anything about it.