Preach the Word

1I solemnly exhort 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: 2preach the word; be ready [a]in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and [b]exhort, with [c]great patience and instruction. 3For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, 4and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

6For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8in the future there is reserved 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.

Personal Concerns

9Make every effort to come to me soon; 10for Demas, having loved this present [d]world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to [e]Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the overcoat which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our [f]teaching.

16At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might [g]be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will [h]bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to [i]Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 21Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.

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