2 Timothy 4

Chapter 4

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:

2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Paul’s Final Words

9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can.10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.t
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done.

15 Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.t

18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

Paul’s Final Greetings

19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.

21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.t

22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of 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