2 Timothy 4

1I solemnly charge you before God and Messiah Jesus, who is about to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

2Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching.

3For the time will come when they will not put up with sound teaching, but according to their own desires they will heap up teachers for themselves, having itching ears.

4and they will turn away their hearing from the truth, and turn aside to myths.

5But as for you, keep a clear head in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.

6For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

9Make every effort to come to me quickly.

10For Demas deserted me, having loved the present age, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

11Luke alone is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

12But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

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

14Alexander the metalworker showed me many evils; the Lord will repay him according to his works.

15You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our words.

16At my first defense no one stood with me, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and all the Gentiles might hear, and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

20Erastus remained in Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.

21Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, and so do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.

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