³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.^(A) Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.^{(B) 4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.^{(C) 5} But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,^(D) do the work of an evangelist,^(E) discharge all the duties of your ministry.

⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,^(F) and the time for my departure is near.^{(G) 7} I have fought the good fight,^(H) I have finished the race,^(I) I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me^(J) the crown of righteousness,^(K) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(L)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(M)