1I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is about to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2proclaim the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort — with all patience and teaching.
3For a time will come when they will not put up with sound teaching, but according to their own desires they will heap up teachers for themselves, having itching ears,
4and they will turn their hearing away from the truth and will 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 poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8Henceforth there is laid up 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.
9Make every effort to come to me soon,
10for Demas, having loved the present age, deserted me and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
11Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
12Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.
13When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the scrolls, especially the parchments.
14Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
15You too, guard yourself against him, for he strongly opposed our words.
16At my first defense no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and all the nations might hear; and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
18The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
19Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
20Erastus stayed in Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
21Make every effort 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.
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