4 Before God and the Messiah Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, I solemnly testify to his appearing and his Kingdom. [1351]  2 Herald that Gospel-word. Persist with this, whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, rebuke and exhort with all patience in teaching.  3 For the time is approaching when people will not tolerate health-giving teachings. Instead they will amass for themselves teachers to satisfy their itching ears, telling them what they want to hear.  4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off to myths.  5 But you be clear-headed in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.
    6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure[1352] is close. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have completed the race; I have kept the faith.  8 There is reserved for me for the future the crown of uprightness which the lord, the upright judge, will award to me on that Day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
    9 Make every effort to come to me soon.  10 For Demas has deserted me because of his love for the present age.[1353] He went off to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you because he is very useful to me in ministry.  12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, particularly the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a lot of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he did.  15 Be careful of him yourself, because he strongly opposed our words.
    16 At my first trial no one stood in my defense; they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that through me the proclamation of the Gospel might be accomplished for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was rescued from the jaws of the lion.  18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me by bringing me into His heavenly Kingdom.[1354] To Him be the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.
    19 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila and to the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained in Corinth, and Trophimus I left sick in Miletus. 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
    22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.