1I solemnly charge you – in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus, who will one day judge the living and the dead – I charge you by his appearing and by his kingdom:
2Proclaim the message, be ready in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, encourage, never failing to instruct with forbearance.
3For a time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will follow their own wishes, and, in their itching for novelty, procure themselves a crowd of teachers.
4They will turn a deaf ear to the truth, and give their attention to legends instead.
5But you, Timothy, must always be temperate. Face hardships; do the work of a missionary; discharge all the duties of your office.
6As for me, my life blood is already being poured out; the time of my departure is close at hand.
7I have run the great race; I have finished the course; I have kept the faith.
8And now the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me on that day – and not only to me, but to all who have loved his appearing. Conclusion
9Do your utmost to come to me soon,
10for Demas, in his love for the world, has deserted me. He has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11There is no one but Luke with me. Pick up Mark on your way, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in my work.
12I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13Bring with you, when you come, the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.
14Alexander, the coppersmith, showed much ill feeling towards me. The Lord will give him what his actions deserve.
15You must also be on your guard against him, for he is strongly opposed to our teaching.
16At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!
17But the Lord came to my help and strengthened me, in order that, through me, the proclamation should be made so widely that all the Gentiles should hear it; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
18The Lord will rescue me from all evil, and bring me safe into his Heavenly kingdom. All glory to him for ever and ever! Amen.
19Give my greeting to Prisca and Aquila, and to the household of Onesiphorus.
20Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Thophimus ill at Miletus.
21Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus and Claudia send you their greetings, and so do the rest of the Lord’s followers.
22May the Lord be with your soul. God bless you all.