[1] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge
the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: [2] preach
the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and
exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. [3] For the time is
coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears
they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, [4]
and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. [5]
As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an
evangelist, fulfil your ministry. [6] For I am already on the point of
being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Henceforth
there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also
to all who have loved his appearing. [9] Do your best to come to me soon.
[10] For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone
to Thessaloni'ca; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. [11]
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you; for he is very
useful in serving me. [12] Tych'icus I have sent to Ephesus. [13] When you
come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Tro'as, also the books,
and above all the parchments. [14] Alexander the coppersmith did me great
harm; the Lord will requite him for his deeds. [15] Beware of him yourself,
for he strongly opposed our message. [16] At my first defense no one took
my part; all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! [17] But the
Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that
all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
[18] The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly
kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. [19] Greet Prisca and
Aq'uila, and the household of Onesiph'orus. [20] Eras'tus remained at
Corinth; Troph'imus I left ill at Mile'tus. [21] Do your best to come
before winter. Eubu'lus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and
Claudia and all the brethren. [22] The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be
with you.
