2 Timothy 4

1-2 I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.

3-5 You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.

6-8 You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.

9-13 Get here as fast as you can. Demas, chasing fads, went off to Thessalonica and left me here. Crescens is in Galatia province, Titus in Dalmatia. Luke is the only one here with me. Bring Mark with you; he'll be my right-hand man since I'm sending Tychicus to Ephesus. Bring the winter coat I left in Troas with Carpus; also the books and parchment notebooks.

14-15 Watch out for Alexander the coppersmith. Fiercely opposed to our Message, he caused no end of trouble. God will give him what he's got coming.

16-18 At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn't matter—the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! God's looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!

19-20 Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila; also, the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed behind in Corinth. I had to leave Trophimus sick in Miletus.

21 Try hard to get here before winter.
Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all your friends here send greetings.

22 God be with you. Grace be with you.

2 Timothy 4

Charge to Timothy Repeated

1 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:2 Preach the message,t be readyt whether it is convenient or not,t reprove, rebuke, exhortt with complete patience and instruction.3 For there will be a time when peoplet will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires,t they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things.t4 And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.s5 You, however, be self-controlledt in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.6 For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to departt is at hand.7 I have competed well;s I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

8 Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day – and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection ont his appearing.

Travel Plans and Concluding Greetings

9 Make every effort to come to me soon.10 For Demas deserted me, since he lovedt the present age, and he went to Thessalonica.s Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great helpt to me in ministry.t12 Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.s13 When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments.14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm.tThe Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds.s15 You be on guard against himt too, because he vehemently opposed our words.16 At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it.17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the messaget would be fully proclaimedt for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth!

18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safelyt into his heavenly kingdom. To himt be glory for ever and ever!t Amen.
19 Greetings tot Prisca and Aquilas and the family of Onesiphorus.20 Erastus stayed in Corinth.s Trophimus I left ill in Miletus.21 Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.t

22 The Lords be with your spirit. Grace be with you.s