2 Timothy 4
1 Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly charge you:
2 Proclaim the word; be ready whether the time is convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage, with all patience and teaching.
3 For a time will come when they will not put up with sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will gather teachers around themselves because their ears are itching to hear what they want.
4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
5 You, however, stay clearheaded in everything, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry completely.
6 For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
8 From now on, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day—and not only me, but also all who have loved his appearing.
9 Make every effort to come to me soon.
10 For Demas abandoned me because he loved the present age, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.
12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, and the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the metalworker did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
15 You too should beware of him, for he strongly opposed our words.
16 At my first defense, no one stood by me; everyone abandoned me. May this not be counted against them.
17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully carried out and all the nations might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.
21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers send you their greetings.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
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