1 I CHARGE you before God and Christ Jesus, who will soon judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

2 proclaim the message, be at it in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, encourage, with all patience in teaching.

3 For there will be a time when they will not endure wholesome teaching, but following their own fancies and wishing to have their ears tickled, they will get a crowd of teachers.

4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and give attention to myths.

5 But you must be calm in all circumstances, suffer hardships, do the work of a bringer of the good news, carry out fully all the duties of your office.

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is near.

7 I have played the grand hard game, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith.

8 Now the crown of righteousness is awaiting me. The Lord the righteous judge will give it to me on that day, and not only to me but to all those who have loved his appearing.

9 Make haste to come to me quickly.

10 For Demas deserted me because he loved the present world and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in service.

12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, and particularly the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith showed much ill will toward me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.

15 Be on your guard against him, for he strongly opposed our teachings.

16 At my first defense no one came to my help; all deserted me. May it not be laid up against them!

17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me so that through me the proclamation might be fully published and all the Gentiles might hear it, and I was saved from the mouth of the lion.

18 The Lord will rescue me from every wicked attack and will keep me safe for his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for the ages of the ages! Amen.

19 Give my greetings to Prises and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus stayed at Corinth. Trophimus I left at Miletus, sick.

21 Try to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren send their greetings to you.

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