I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
preach the word; be ready at convenient times and at inconvenient times; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they will pile up teachers for themselves, to suit their own desires,
and will turn away from listening to the truth and turn aside to myths.
But you, be clearheaded in all circumstances, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
In the future there is stored 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 those who have loved his appearing.
Personal Instructions
Make every effort to come to me soon,
for Demas has deserted me because he loved this present world, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.
I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the outer garment that I left at Troas with Carpus, and also the scrolls, especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his works.
You too must be on guard against him, for he vigorously opposed our words.
At my first defense no one came to support me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
But the Lord stood by me and empowered me, so that the preaching of the good news through me would be fully carried out and so that all the Gentiles could hear; and I was rescued out of the mouth of the lion.
The 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.
Final Greetings
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.