2 Timothy 4
1 "I solemnly testify before God and Christ Jesus—the one who is about to judge the living and the dead—and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2proclaim the message; be ready whether the time is right or wrong; correct, rebuke, and encourage, with total patience and life-giving instruction. 3For a time is coming when they will not tolerate healthy instruction, but following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch for hearing. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and wander off into myths. 5But you, remain clear-headed in every situation, endure hardship, do the work of a messenger of the good news, and fully carry out your service.
6For I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has arrived. 7I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8From now on, there is laid up for me the crown of justice, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
9Make every effort to come to me quickly. 10For Demas, having loved this present age, has abandoned me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Luke is the only one with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the traveling cloak that I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books—especially the parchments.
14Alexander the coppersmith showed much malice toward me; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15You also must be on guard against him, for he vehemently opposed our words. 16At my first legal defense, no one stood by me, but everyone abandoned me—may it not be held against them! 17But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, 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. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will save me into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for the ages of ages! Amen.
19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained in Corinth, and I left Trophimus behind in Miletus because he was sick. 21Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters greet you.
22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all."