1I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: | 1I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: |
2Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. | 2Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. |
3For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. | 3For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. |
4And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. | 4And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. |
5You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your ministry. | 5You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your ministry. |
6For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. | 6For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. |
7I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! | 7I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! |
8Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day--and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing. | 8Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day--and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing. |
9Make every effort to come to me soon. | 9Make every effort to come to me soon. |
10For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. | 10For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. |
11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry. | 11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry. |
12Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. | 12Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. |
13When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments. | 13When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments. |
14Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds. | 14Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds. |
15You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words. | 15You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words. |
16At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me--may they not be held accountable for it. | 16At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me--may they not be held accountable for it. |
17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion's mouth! | 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion's mouth! |
18The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen. | 18The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen. |
19Greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. | 19Greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. |
20Erastus stayed in Corinth. Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. | 20Erastus stayed in Corinth. Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. |
21Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. | 21Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. |
22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. | 22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. |
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