Preach the Word

1In the presence of God, and Jesus Christ, the one about to judge the living and the dead, I testify to, both his appearing and his kingdom; 2preach the word: be instant in season and out of season; convict, exhort, rebuke, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3For the time will come when they will not endure healthy teaching; but according to their own lusts they will heap to themselves teachers itching as to their hearing; 4and they will indeed turn their hearing from the truth, and be turned unto fables. 5But be thou sober in all things, suffer affliction, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8finally there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day: not only to me, but to all those who with divine love, do love his appearing.

Personal Concerns

9Hasten to come to me quickly. 10For Demas has left me, having loved the present age, and is gone into Thessalonica; Crescents into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia. 11Luke alone is with me. Having taken Mark, bring him with you: for he is useful unto me for the ministry. 12But I sent Tychicus into Ephesus. 13Coming, bring the cloak, which I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith showed to me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works. 15Whom you also watch for he resisted our words exceedingly.

The Lord Remains Faithful

16In my first defence no one stood by me, but all left me: may it not be charged against them: 17but the Lord stood by me, and impowered me; in order that the preaching through me might be fulfilled, and all the Gentiles hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and save me into his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.

Final Greetings
(Ephesians 6:21–24; Philippians 4:21–23)

19Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained in Corinth: and I left Trophimus in Miletum sick. 21Hasten to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers salute you.

22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.