2 Timothy 4:3-22
4:3 For there will be a time when people
will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires,
they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things.
4:4 And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.
4:5 You, however, be self-controlled
in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.
4:6 For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart
is at hand.
4:7 I have competed well;
I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!
4:8 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 on
his appearing.
Travel Plans and Concluding Greetings
4:9 Make every effort to come to me soon.
4:10 For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia.
4:11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry.
4:12 Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
4:13 When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments.
4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds.
4:15 You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words.
4:16 At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it.
4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth!
4:18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.
4:19 Greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus.
4:20 Erastus stayed in Corinth. Trophimus I left ill in Miletus.
4:21 Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.