⁸ Therefore ^(A)do not be ashamed of ^(B)the testimony about our Lord, nor of ^(C)me his prisoner, but ^(D)share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, ^9 (E)who saved us and ^(F)called us to^[a] a holy calling, ^(G)not because of our works but because of ^(H)his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus ^(I)before the ages began,^[b]

Preach the Word

4 ^(A)I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, ^(B)who is to judge the living and the dead, and by ^(C)his appearing and his kingdom: ² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; ^(D)reprove, rebuke, and ^(E)exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ^3 (F)For the time is coming when people will not endure ^(G)sound^[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, ⁴ and ^(H)will turn away from listening to the truth and ^(I)wander off into myths. ⁵ As for you, ^(J)always be sober-minded, ^(K)endure suffering, do the work of ^(L)an evangelist, ^(M)fulfill your ministry.

⁶ For ^(N)I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my ^(O)departure has come. ^7 (P)I have fought the good fight, ^(Q)I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Henceforth there is ^(R)laid up for me ^(S)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, ^(T)the righteous judge, will award to me on ^(U)that day, and not only to me but also to all ^(V)who have loved his appearing.