[4:1] I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: [4:2] preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. [4:3] For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; [4:4] and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables. [4:5] But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.
[4:6] For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. [4:7] I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. [4:8] From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. [4:9] Be diligent to come to me soon, [4:10] for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. [4:11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. [4:12] But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. [4:13] Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments. [4:14] Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works, [4:15] of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.
[4:16] At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them. [4:17] But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. [4:18] And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
[4:19] Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. [4:20] Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick. [4:21] Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. [4:22] The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Notes:
[1] [back to 2:19] Numbers 16:5
[2] [back to 2:19] TR reads "Christ" instead of "the Lord"
[3] [back to 3:16] literally, God-breathed