Preach the Word

1I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom: 2Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. 3For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears: 4And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. 5But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober.

6For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith. 8As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly.

Personal Concerns

9For Demas hath left me, loving this world, and is gone to Thessalonica: 10Crescens into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13The cloak that I left at Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee: and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works: 15Whom do thou also avoid: for he hath greatly withstood our words.

The Lord Remains Faithful

16At my first answer, no man stood with me: but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge! 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished and that all the Gentiles may hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

19Salute Prisca, and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. 21Make haste to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren, salute thee.

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