2 Timothy 4

1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom: 2Preach the word. Be ready whether the time seems right or not. Correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful teaching. 3For a time will come when people will not put up with sound teaching. Instead, wanting to hear what their ears itch for, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to suit their own desires. 4They will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5But you, keep a clear head in every situation. Endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and carry out your ministry fully.

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is waiting for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

9Do your best to come to me soon. 10Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my work. 12I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15You too should be on guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16At my first defense no one came to support me; everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

19Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.

21Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

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