Preach the Word

1I testify before God and Christ Jesus, who is about to judge living and dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, 2proclaim the word; be urgent in season [and] out of season, convict, rebuke, encourage, with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For the time shall be when they will not bear sound teaching; but according to their own lusts will heap up to themselves teachers, having an itching ear; 4and they will turn away their ear from the truth, and will have turned aside to fables. 5But thou, be sober in all things, bear evils, do [the] work of an evangelist, fill up the full measure of thy ministry.

6For I am already being poured out, and the time of my release is come. 7I have combated the good combat, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Henceforth the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will render to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all who love his appearing.

Personal Concerns

9Use diligence to come to me quickly; 10for Demas has forsaken me, having loved the present age, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11Luke alone is with me. Take Mark, and bring [him] with thyself, for he is serviceable to me for ministry. 12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13The cloak which I left behind [me] in Troas at Carpus's, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the smith did many evil things against me. The Lord will render to him according to his works. 15Against whom be thou also on thy guard, for he has greatly withstood our words.

The Lord Remains Faithful

16At my first defence no man stood with me, but all deserted me. May it not be imputed to them. 17But the Lord stood with [me], and gave me power, that through me the proclamation might be fully made, and all [those of] the nations should hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth. 18The Lord shall deliver me from every wicked work, and shall preserve [me] for his heavenly kingdom; to whom [be] glory for the ages of ages. Amen.

Final Greetings

19Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left behind in Miletus sick. 21Use diligence to come before winter. Eubulus salutes thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and the brethren all.

22The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Grace [be] with you.