[1] I charge you therefore before God and the Lord, Jesus Christ, who will
judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: [2] preach
the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and
exhort, with all patience and teaching. [3] For the time will come when
they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will
heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; [4] and will turn
away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables. [5] But you be
sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and
fulfill your ministry. [6] For I am already being offered, and the time of
my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight. I have finished
the course. I have kept the faith. [8] From now on, there is stored up for
me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will
give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have
loved his appearing. [9] Be diligent to come to me soon, [10] for Demas
left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica;
Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. [11] Only Luke is with me. Take
Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministering. [12]
But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. [13] Bring the cloak that I left at Troas
with Carpus, when you come, and the books, especially the parchments. [14]
Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him
according to his works, [15] of whom you also must beware; for he greatly
opposed our words. [16] At my first defense, no one took my part, but all
left me. May it not be held against them. [17] But the Lord stood by me,
and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed,
and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth
of the lion. [18] And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and
will save me to his heavenly kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and
ever. Amen. [19] Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
[20] Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick.
[21] Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens,
Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. [22] The Lord, Jesus Christ, be with
your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
