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 implore you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is about to judge the living and the dead, and by His Appearing and His Kingship:

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

proclaim God's message, be zealous in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, encourage, with the utmost patience as a teacher.

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 is coming when they will not tolerate wholesome instruction, but, wanting to have their ears tickled, they will find a multitude of teachers to satisfy their own fancies;

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

and will turn away from listening to the truth and will turn aside to fables.

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

But as for you, you must exercise habitual self-control, and not live a self-indulgent life, but do the duty of an evangelist and fully discharge the obligations of your office.

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

I for my part am like a drink-offering which is already being poured out; and the time for my departure is now close at hand.

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

I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded 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.

From this time onward there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who love the thought of His Appearing.

9 Be diligent to come to me soon,

Make an effort to come to me speedily.

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 has deserted me--loving, as he does, the present age--and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone 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.

Luke is the only friend I now have with me. Call for Mark on your way and bring him with you, for he is a great help to me in my ministry.

12 But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

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

When you come, bring with you the cloak which I left behind at Troas at the house of Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments.

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

Alexander the metal-worker showed bitter hostility towards me: the Lord will requite him according to his doings.

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

You also should beware of him; for he has violently opposed our preaching.

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 defence I had no one at my side, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.

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.

The Lord, however, stood by me and filled me with inward strength, that through me the Message might be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's jaws.

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 deliver me from every cruel attack and will keep me safe in preparation for His heavenly Kingdom. To Him be the glory until the Ages of the Ages! Amen. (aiōn g165)

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

Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

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

Erastus stayed in Corinth; Trophimus I left behind me at Miletus, ill.

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

Make an effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.

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

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.