1 I adjure you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is about to judge the living and the dead - by his appearing and his kingdom, I adjure you - ;11 Luke only is with me. Pick up Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in my ministry.
2 proclaim the message, be urgent in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, encourage, with never-failing patience and teaching.
3 For a time will come when they will not listen to wholesome teaching, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will heap up for themselves teachers upon teachers to satisfy their own fancies.
4 They will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to myths.
5 But as for you, be always self-controlled, face hardships, do the work of a missionary, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
6 I for my part am a libation already being poured in sacrifice; and the time of my unmooring is at hand.
7 I have fought in the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the garland of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
9 Do your best to come to me speedily,
10 for Demas has deserted me for love of this present world, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens is gone to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia.
12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
13 When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus; also my books, but especially my parchments.
14 Alexander, the coppersmith, manifested bitter hostility toward me. The Lord will requite him according to his works.
15 Be also on your guard against him, for he has violently opposed my arguments.
16 At the time of my first defense no one stood by me; on the contrary they all deserted me - may it not be laid to their charge!
17 Nevertheless the Lord Jesus stood by me, and strengthened my heart, that through me full proclamation of the gospel might be made, and the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lions jaws.
18 And the Lord will rescue me from every evil assault, and will preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen!
19 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus remained at Corinth; Trophimus I left behind me ill at Miletus.
21 Do try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brotherhood.
22 The Lord Jesus be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.