2 Tim 4:1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Tim 4:2preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.
2 Tim 4:3For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God's truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold,
2 Tim 4:4and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].
2 Tim 4:5But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.
2 Tim 4:6¶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure [from this world] is at hand and I will soon go free. [Num 15:1-12; 28:7; Phil 2:17]
2 Tim 4:7I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error].
2 Tim 4:8In the future there is reserved for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day--and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing.
2 Tim 4:9¶ Make every effort to come to me soon;
2 Tim 4:10for Demas, having loved [the pleasures of] this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
2 Tim 4:11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very helpful to me for the ministry.
2 Tim 4:12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
2 Tim 4:13When you come bring the coat that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.
2 Tim 4:14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; [but that is no concern of mine, for] the Lord will repay him according to his actions.
2 Tim 4:15Be on guard against him yourself, because he vigorously opposed our message.
2 Tim 4:16¶ At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].
2 Tim 4:17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened and empowered me, so that through me the [gospel] message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the mouth of the lion.
2 Tim 4:18The Lord will rescue me from every evil assault, and He will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
2 Tim 4:19¶ Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, and to the household of Onesiphorus.
2 Tim 4:20Erastus stayed on at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
2 Tim 4:21Try your best to come [to me] before winter. Eubulus wishes to be remembered to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.
2 Tim 4:22¶ The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.