2 Timothy 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:

I 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: —

2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.

Proclaim the Message, be ready in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, encourage, never failing to instruct with forbearance.

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,

For 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.

4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables.

They will turn a deaf ear to the Truth, and give their attention to legends instead.

5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

But you, Timothy, must always be temperate. Face hardships; do the work of a Missionary; discharge all the duties of your Office.

6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.

As for me, my life blood is already being poured out; the time of my departure is close at hand.

7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

I have run the great Race; I have finished the Course; I have kept the Faith.

8 From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, 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.

And 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.

9 Be diligent to come to me soon,

Do your utmost to come to me soon;

10 for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; and Titus to Dalmatia. (aiōn g165)

for Demas, in his love for the world, has deserted me. He has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. (aiōn g165)

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

There 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.

12 But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

13 Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

Bring with you, when you come, the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.

Alexander, the coppersmith, showed much ill-feeling towards me. ‘The Lord will give him what his actions deserve.’

15 Beware of him, for he greatly opposed our words.

Do you also, be on your guard against him, for he is strongly opposed to our teaching.

16 At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.

At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!

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. So I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

But 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.’

18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (aiōn g165)

The Lord will rescue me from all evil, and bring me safe into his Heavenly Kingdom. All glory to him for ever and ever! Amen. (aiōn g165)

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.

Give my greeting to Prisca and Aquila, and to the household of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick.

Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Thophimus ill at Miletus.

21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus and Claudia send you their greetings, and so do all our Brothers.

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

May the Lord be with your soul. God bless you all.