1 I testify before God and Christ Jesus, who is about to judge living and dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom,

2 p roclaim the word; be urgent in season out of season, convict, rebuke, encourage, with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 F or the time shall be when they will not bear sound teaching; but according to their own lusts will heap up to themselves teachers, having an itching ear;

4 a nd they will turn away their ear from the truth, and will have turned aside to fables.

5 B ut thou, be sober in all things, bear evils, do work of an evangelist, fill up the full measure of thy ministry.

6 F or I am already being poured out, and the time of my release is come.

7 I have combated the good combat, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 H enceforth the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will render to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all who love his appearing.

9 U se diligence to come to me quickly;

10 f or Demas has forsaken me, having loved the present age, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

11 L uke alone is with me. Take Mark, and bring with thyself, for he is serviceable to me for ministry.

12 B ut Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13 T he cloak which I left behind in Troas at Carpus's, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 A lexander the smith did many evil things against me. The Lord will render to him according to his works.

15 A gainst whom be thou also on thy guard, for he has greatly withstood our words.

16 A t my first defence no man stood with me, but all deserted me. May it not be imputed to them.

17 B ut the Lord stood with, and gave me power, that through me the proclamation might be fully made, and all the nations should hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth.

18 T he Lord shall deliver me from every wicked work, and shall preserve for his heavenly kingdom; to whom glory for the ages of ages. Amen.

19 S alute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.

20 E rastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left behind in Miletus sick.

21 U se diligence to come before winter. Eubulus salutes thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and the brethren all.

22 T he Lord Jesus Christ with your spirit. Grace with you.