2 Timothy 4

1 I solemnly implore you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is about to judge the living and the dead, and by His Appearing and His Kingship:

I testify before God, and before Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead through his return and his kingdom:

2 proclaim God's message, be zealous in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, encourage, with the utmost patience as a teacher.

that you should preach the word urgently, in season and out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke, with all patience and doctrine.

3 For a time is coming when they will not tolerate wholesome instruction, but, wanting to have their ears tickled, they will find a multitude of teachers to satisfy their own fancies;

For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but instead, according to their own desires, they will gather to themselves teachers, with itching ears,

4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and will turn aside to fables.

and certainly, they will turn their hearing away from the truth, and they will be turned toward fables.

5 But as for you, you must exercise habitual self-control, and not live a self-indulgent life, but do the duty of an evangelist and fully discharge the obligations of your office.

But as for you, truly, be vigilant, laboring in all things. Do the work of an Evangelist, fulfilling your ministry. Show self-restraint.

6 I for my part am like a drink-offering which is already being poured out; and the time for my departure is now close at hand.

For I am already being worn away, and the time of my dissolution presses close.

7 I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded the faith.

I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith.

8 From this time onward there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who love the thought of His Appearing.

As for the remainder, a crown of justice has been reserved for me, one which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to those who look forward to his return.

9 Make an effort to come to me speedily.

Hurry to return to me soon.

10 For Demas has deserted me--loving, as he does, the present age--and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. (aiōn g165)

For Demas has abandoned me, out of love for this age, and he has departed for Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia. (aiōn g165)

11 Luke is the only friend I now have with me. Call for Mark on your way and bring him with you, for he is a great help to me in my ministry.

Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you; for he is useful to me in the ministry.

12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13 When you come, bring with you the cloak which I left behind at Troas at the house of Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments.

When you return, bring with you the supplies that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books, but especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the metal-worker showed bitter hostility towards me: the Lord will requite him according to his doings.

Alexander the coppersmith has shown me much evil; the Lord will repay him according to his works.

15 You also should beware of him; for he has violently opposed our preaching.

And you should also avoid him; for he has strongly resisted our words.

16 At my first defence I had no one at my side, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.

At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them!

17 The Lord, however, stood by me and filled me with inward strength, that through me the Message might be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's jaws.

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching would be accomplished, and so that all the Gentiles would hear. And I was freed from the mouth of the lion.

18 The Lord will deliver me from every cruel attack and will keep me safe in preparation for His heavenly Kingdom. To Him be the glory until the Ages of the Ages! Amen. (aiōn g165)

The Lord has freed me from every evil work, and he will accomplish salvation by his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. (aiōn g165)

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

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

20 Erastus stayed in Corinth; Trophimus I left behind me at Miletus, ill.

Erastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.

21 Make an effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.

Hurry to arrive before winter. Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers greet you.

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

May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. May grace be with you. Amen.