⁶ My life is coming to an end, and it is now time for me to be poured out as a sacrifice to God. ⁷ I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. ⁸ The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day. He will give it not only to me but also to everyone who is eagerly waiting for him to come again.

¹⁶ At my first hearing no one stood up in my defense. Everyone abandoned me. I pray that it won’t be held against them. ¹⁷ However, the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that I could finish spreading the Good News for all the nations to hear. I was snatched out of a lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from all harm and will take me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory belongs to him forever! Amen.