2 Timothy 4
International Standard Version
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]
Footnotes
- 2 Timothy 4:1 Or Christ
- 2 Timothy 4:2 The Gk. lacks to do this
- 2 Timothy 4:8 Lit. on that day
- 2 Timothy 4:13 Parchments were writing materials made from animal skins.
- 2 Timothy 4:18 Lit. evil work
- 2 Timothy 4:18 Or will preserve me for
- 2 Timothy 4:19 I.e. Priscilla
- 2 Timothy 4:22 Other mss. lack Amen
2 Timothy 4
The Message
4 1-2 I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.
3-5 You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.
6-8 You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
* * *
9-13 Get here as fast as you can. Demas, chasing fads, went off to Thessalonica and left me here. Crescens is in Galatia province, Titus in Dalmatia. Luke is the only one here with me. Bring Mark with you; he’ll be my right-hand man since I’m sending Tychicus to Ephesus. Bring the winter coat I left in Troas with Carpus; also the books and parchment notebooks.
14-15 Watch out for Alexander the coppersmith. Fiercely opposed to our Message, he caused no end of trouble. God will give him what he’s got coming.
16-18 At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn’t matter—the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!
19-20 Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila; also, the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed behind in Corinth. I had to leave Trophimus sick in Miletus.
21 Try hard to get here before winter.
Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all your friends here send greetings.
22 God be with you. Grace be with you.
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Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson