Preach the Word

1I solemnly charge yoʋ ¹²therefore in the presence of God and ¹³the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the ¹⁴dead when he appears with his kingdom:

2Preach the word, be prepared whether the time is favorable or not, reprove, rebuke, and encourage, with complete patience and careful instruction.

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.

4They will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to myths.

5But as for yoʋ, be sober-minded in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill yoʋr ministry.

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

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

9Make every effort to come to me soon.

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.

11Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with yoʋ, for he is useful to me for ministry.

12Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13When yoʋ come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus in Troas, as well as my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm. ¹⁵May the Lord repay him according to his works.

15Yoʋ yoʋrself should be on guard against him, for he ¹⁶has vehemently opposed our message.

16At my first defense no one came to stand by me; instead, they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

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.

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

19Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.

20Erastus stayed in Corinth, and Trophimus, who was sick, I left in Miletus.

21Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets yoʋ, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

22The Lord ¹⁷Jesus Christ be with yoʋr spirit. Grace be with you. ¹⁸Amen. ¹⁹