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 solemnly charge you – in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus, who will one day judge the living and the dead – I charge you by his appearing and by 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.
Proclaim the message, be ready in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, encourage, never failing to instruct with forbearance.
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 a time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will follow their own wishes, and, in their itching for novelty, procure themselves a crowd of teachers.
4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and will turn aside to fables.
They will turn a deaf ear to the truth, and give their attention to legends instead.
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 you, Timothy, must always be temperate. Face hardships; do the work of a missionary; discharge all the duties of your office.
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.
As for me, my life blood is already being poured out; the time of my departure is close at hand.
7 I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded the faith.
I have run the great race; I have finished the course; I have kept 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.
And now the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me on that day – and not only to me, but to all who have loved his appearing.
9 Make an effort to come to me speedily.
Do your utmost to come 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, in his love for the world, has deserted me. He has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and 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.
There is no one but Luke with me. Pick up Mark on your way, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in my work.
12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
I have sent Tychicus 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.
Bring with you, when you come, the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, 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, showed much ill feeling towards me. The Lord will give him what his actions deserve.
15 You also should beware of him; for he has violently opposed our preaching.
You must also be on your guard against him, for he is strongly opposed to our teaching.
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 trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never 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 came to my help and strengthened me, in order that, through me, the proclamation should be made so widely that all the Gentiles should hear it; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
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 will rescue me from all evil, and bring me safe into his Heavenly kingdom. All glory to him for ever and ever! Amen. (aiōn g165)
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Give my greeting to Prisca and Aquila, and to the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth; Trophimus I left behind me at Miletus, ill.
Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Thophimus ill at Miletus.
21 Make an effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus and Claudia send you their greetings, and so do the rest of the Lord’s followers.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
May the Lord be with your soul. God bless you all.
