1I charge you therefore, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: 2preach the word. Welcome or unwelcome, insist on it; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and instruction. 3Indeed, the time will come when people will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, they will gather around themselves teachers who agree with their own lusts. 4They will turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned to fables. 5As for you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of one who proclaims the Good News and fulfill your ministry.
Paul announces his end—His loneliness
6As for me, I am already being offered in sacrifice, and the time of my release2096 has come. 7I have fought the good fight! I have finished the course! I have kept the faith! 8From now on, the crown of righteousness2097 is reserved for me, which the Lord—the righteous judge—will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
9Do your utmost to visit me soon, 10because Demas, having loved this present world, has left me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is still with me. Bring Mark along with you because he is helpful to me for service. 12I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, as well as the books,2098 especially the parchments. 14Alexander the metalworker did much evil to me. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15Beware of him, for he has greatly opposed our teachings.
16At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them! 17Still, the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and heard by all the Gentiles. I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, 18and the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory unto ages of ages! Amen.
Final greeting
19Greet Prisca, Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick. 21Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. 22May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit! Grace be with you. Amen.
- Or “departure” (Greek avnalu,sew,j)
- Compare Wisdom 5:16
- Greek ta. bibli,a
Text: The Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible, New Testament (EOB). Used with permission.
