1I command you therefore before God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his Kingdom: 2proclaim the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. 3For 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; 4and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to myths. 5But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

6For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. 8From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

9Be diligent to come to me soon, 10for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works, 15of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.

16At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the non-Jewish people might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18And the Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus at Miletus, ill. 21Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

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