Complete the Task Entrusted to You

4 In the presence of God and the Messiah^[a] Jesus, who is going to judge those who are living and those who are dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly appeal to you ² to proclaim the message. Be ready to do this^[b] whether or not the time is convenient. Refute, warn, and encourage with the utmost patience when you teach. ³ For the time will come when people will not tolerate healthy doctrine, but with itching ears will surround themselves with teachers who cater to their people’s own desires. ⁴ They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn to myths. ⁵ But you must be clear-headed about everything. Endure suffering. Do the work of an evangelist. Devote yourself completely to your ministry.

⁶ I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for my departure has come. ⁷ I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. ⁸ The victor’s crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes,^[c] and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing.

Final Instructions to Timothy

⁹ Do your best to come to me soon, ¹⁰ because Demas, having fallen in love with this present world, has abandoned me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry. ¹² I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

¹³ When you come, bring the coat I left with Carpus in Troas, as well as the scrolls and especially the parchments.^{[d] 14} Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did. ¹⁵ You, too, must watch out for him, for he violently opposed our message.

¹⁶ At my first trial no one came to my defense. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be held against them! ¹⁷ However, the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles could hear it. I was rescued out of a lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack^[e] and will take me safely to^[f] his heavenly kingdom. Glory belongs to him forever and ever! Amen.

Final Greeting

¹⁹ Greet Prisca^[g] and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. ²⁰ Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus in Miletus because he was sick. ²¹ Do your best to come to me before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

²² May the Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you! Amen.^[h]