Preach the Word

1I charge you before God, and Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His Kingdom, 2preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. 3For there will be a time when they will not endure the healthful teaching; but, having itching ears, they will for themselves heap up teachers according to their own desires; 4and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to the fables. 5But be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully accomplish your ministry.

6For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has arrived. 7I have contended in the noble contest, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will recompense to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.

Personal Concerns

9Give diligence to come to me speedily; 10for Demas forsook me, having loved this present age, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens, to Galatia; Titus, to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Taking Mark, bring him with you; for he is useful to me for ministering. 12But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus. 13The cloak which I left in Troas with Carpus, when you come, bring, and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander, the coppersmith, showed me much evil; the Lord will reward him according to his works: 15of whom do you also beware; for greatly did he withstand our words.

The Lord Remains Faithful

16In my first defense, no one stood by me, but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their account! 17The Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the proclamation might be fully announced, and that all the gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of a lion. 18The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will bring me safe into His heavenly Kingdom; to Whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings
(Ephesians 6:21–24; Philippians 4:21–23)

19Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus abode in Corinth; but Trophimus I left in Miletus sick. 21Give diligence to come to me before winter. Eubulus salutes you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

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