The Charge Before God

1 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, the One who is about to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 proclaim the word; stand ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching.

3 For a time will come when they will not endure sound teaching, but according to their own desires they will gather for themselves teachers, having itching ears,
4 and they will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
5 But you, be sober-minded in all things, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Paul’s Final Testimony

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Personal Instructions

9 Make every effort to come to me quickly,
10 for Demas has deserted me, having loved the present age, and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
15 You also, guard yourself from him, for he greatly opposed our words.

Paul’s First Defense

16 At my first defense no one came to stand with me, but all deserted me, may it not be counted against them.
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully made and all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will save me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick in Miletus.
21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren

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