4Verse 1I solemnly charge yoʋ+therefore in the presence of God and+the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the+dead when he appears with his kingdom:Verse 2Preach the word, be prepared whether the time is favorable or not, reprove, rebuke, and encourage, with complete patience and careful instruction.Verse 3For a time is coming when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but having itching ears they will surround themselves with teachers to suit their own desires.Verse 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to myths.Verse 5But as for yoʋ, be sober-minded in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill yoʋr ministry.Verse 6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.Verse 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Verse 8There is now laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Personal Instructions
Verse 9Make every effort to come to me soon.Verse 10For Demas, who is in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.Verse 11Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with yoʋ, for he is useful to me for ministry.Verse 12Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.Verse 13When yoʋ come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus in Troas, as well as my scrolls, especially the parchments.Verse 14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm.+May the Lord repay him according to his works.Verse 15Yoʋ yoʋrself should be on guard against him, for he+has vehemently opposed our message.Verse 16At my first defense no one came to stand by me; instead, they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.Verse 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully made and all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.Verse 18And the Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
Verse 19Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.Verse 20Erastus stayed in Corinth, and Trophimus, who was sick, I left in Miletus.Verse 21Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets yoʋ, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.Verse 22The Lord+Jesus Christ be with yoʋr spirit. Grace be with you.+Amen.+