Preach the Word

1I earnestly declare before God and Christ Jesus, the One being about to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; convict, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and instruction.

3For there will be a time when they will not endure sound teaching, but according to the own desires, having an itching ear, they will gather around them teachers to suit themselves, 4and indeed they will turn away from hearing the truth, and will be turned aside unto myths.

5But you, be sober in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry. 6For already I am being poured out, and the time of my departure is come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all those loving His appearing.

Personal Concerns

9Be diligent to come to me quickly, 10for Demas has deserted me, having loved the present age, and he has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Luke alone is with me. Having taken Mark, bring him with you, for he is useful to me for the ministry. 12But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13Upon coming, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus in Troas, and the books, especially the parchments.

14Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will render to him according to his deeds, 15whom you also beware of, for exceedingly he has opposed our message.

The Lord Remains Faithful

16In my first defense, no one has stood with me, but all deserted me. May it be not charged to them! 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation would be fully accomplished, and all the Gentiles should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom, to whom is the glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.

Final Greetings

19Greet Priscaa and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.

20Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left ailing in Miletus.

21Be earnest to come before winter.

Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers.

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