Preach the Word
1 Ichargeyoutherefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ,who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in seasonandout of season.Convince,rebuke,exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not enduresound doctrine,but according to their own desires,becausethey have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turntheirears away from the truth, andbe turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things,endure afflictions, do the work ofan evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Paul’s Valedictory
6 ForI am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time ofmy departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for methe crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousJudge, will give to meon that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The Abandoned Apostle
9 Be diligent to come to me quickly;
10 forDemas has forsaken me,having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. GetMark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
12 AndTychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.
15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.May it not be charged against them.
The Lord Is Faithful
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,so that the message might be preached fully through me, andthatall the Gentiles might hear. Also I was deliveredout of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preservemefor His heavenly kingdom.To Himbeglory forever and ever. Amen!
Come Before Winter
19 GreetPrisca and Aquila, and the household ofOnesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, butTrophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
21 Do your utmost to come before winter.
Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
Farewell
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.