NET Bible | New Living Translation |
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 urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: |
2Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. | 2Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. |
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 a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. |
4And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. | 4They will reject the truth and chase after myths. |
5You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your ministry. | 5But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. |
6For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. | 6As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. |
7I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! | 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. |
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. | 8And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. Paul’s Final Words |
9Make every effort to come to me soon. | 9Timothy, please come as soon as you can. |
10For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. | 10Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone 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. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. |
12Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. | 12I 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, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers. |
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 much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. |
15You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words. | 15Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said. |
16At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me--may they not be held accountable for it. | 16The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. |
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 with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. |
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. | 18Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. Paul’s Final Greetings |
19Greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. | 19Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. |
20Erastus stayed in Corinth. Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. | 20Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. |
21Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. | 21Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. |
22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. | 22May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you. |
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