Preach the Word

1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing, in his kingdom; 2preach the word, be instant both in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and instruction. 3For the time will come, when they will not bear sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will heap up to themselves teachers after their own hearts: 4and turn away their attention from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5But be thou watchful in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, give full proof of thy ministry.

6For I am now going to be sacrificed, and the time of my dissolution is near. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith. 8As to what remains, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day: and not to me only, but also to all those who have longed for his appearance.

Personal Concerns

9Endeavour to come to me soon: for Demas hath forsaken me, 10through love of this world, and is gone to Thessalonica; as is Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia: Luke only is with me. 11Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is useful to me in the ministry. 12And I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When thou comest, bring with thee the cloke, that I left at Troas with Carpus; and the books, but especially the parchments. 14Alexander the brazier did me many ill turns: the Lord will reward him according to his deeds. 15Of whom do thou also beware: for he hath greatly opposed our doctrine.

The Lord Remains Faithful

16In my first defence no one stood by me, but all men forsook me: God grant it may not be laid to their charge! 17But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that by me the gospel might be fully spread, and that all the nations might hear: and so I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me to his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Final Greetings
(Ephesians 6:21–24; Philippians 4:21–23)

19Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the family of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus staid at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 21Endeavour therefore to come to me before winter. Eubulus saluteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and indeed all the brethren.

22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you all. Amen.