Book of Common Prayer

²⁵ Barnabas and Saul had by now accomplished their ministry in Jerusalem, and they came back to Antioch, bringing John Mark with them.

Mission and magic

13 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen from the court of Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul. ² As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy spirit said, “Set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So they fasted and prayed; and then they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Judgment is coming—so get on with your work

4 This is my solemn charge to you, in the presence of God and Messiah Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom: ² announce the word; keep going whether the time is right or wrong; rebuke, warn and encourage with all patience and explanation. ³ The time is coming, you see, when people won’t tolerate healthy teaching. Their ears will start to itch, and they will collect for themselves teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. ⁴ They will turn away from listening to the truth and will go after myths instead. ⁵ But as for you, keep your balance in everything! Put up with suffering; do the work of an evangelist; complete the particular task assigned to you.

Waiting for the crown

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink-offering; my departure time has arrived. ⁷ I have fought the good fight; I have completed the course; I have kept the faith. ⁸ What do I still have to look for? The crown of righteousness! The Lord, the righteous judge, will give it to me as my reward on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Come to me soon

⁹ Make every effort to come to me soon. ¹⁰ Demas, you see, has left me and gone to Thessalonica; he’s in love with this present world! Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you; he’s very helpful in looking after me.