¹ I solemnly charge you, in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus, who will one day judge the living and the dead — I charge you by his Appearing and by his Kingdom: —

² Proclaim the Message, be ready in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, encourage, never failing to instruct with forbearance.

³ For a time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will follow their own wishes, and, in their itching for novelty, procure themselves a crowd of teachers.

⁴ They will turn a deaf ear to the Truth, and give their attention to legends instead.

⁵ But you, Timothy, must always be temperate. Face hardships; do the work of a Missionary; discharge all the duties of your Office.

⁶ As for me, my life blood is already being poured out; the time of my departure is close at hand.

⁷ I have run the great Race; I have finished the Course; I have kept the Faith.

⁸ And now the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just Judge, will give me on ‘That Day’ — and not only to me, but to all who have loved his Appearing.

Conclusion

⁹ Do your utmost to come to me soon;

¹⁰ for Demas, in his love for the world, has deserted me. He has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

¹¹ There is no one but Luke with me. Pick up Mark on your way, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in my work.

¹² I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

¹³ Bring with you, when you come, the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.

¹⁴ Alexander, the coppersmith, showed much ill-feeling towards me. ‘The Lord will give him what his actions deserve.’

¹⁵ Do you also, be on your guard against him, for he is strongly opposed to our teaching.

¹⁶ At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!

¹⁷ But the Lord came to my help and strengthened me, in order that, through me, the proclamation should be made so widely that all the Gentiles should hear it; and I was rescued ‘out of the Lion’s mouth.’

¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from all evil, and bring me safe into his Heavenly Kingdom. All glory to him for ever and ever! Amen.

¹⁹ Give my greeting to Prisca and Aquila, and to the household of Onesiphorus.

²⁰ Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Thophimus ill at Miletus.

²¹ Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus and Claudia send you their greetings, and so do all our Brothers.

²² May the Lord be with your soul. God bless you all.