• Preach the Word

  • 1 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
  • 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction.
  • 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires,
  • 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
  • 5 But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
  • 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
  • 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
  • 8 in the future 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 have loved His appearing.

  • Personal Concerns

  • 9 Make every effort to come to me soon;
  • 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
  • 11 Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.
  • 12 But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
  • 13 When you come, bring the overcoat which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.
  • 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
  • 15 Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.
  • 16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
  • 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
  • 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
  • 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
  • 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
  • 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
  • 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.