2 Timothy 4
The apostle Paul urges Timothy to preach the word urgently and to reprove, entreat, and rebuke with patience and doctrine, as people will eventually turn away from sound doctrine and seek false teachings. Paul reflects on his own life, stating that he has fought the good fight, completed his course, and preserved the faith, and that a crown of justice awaits him. He updates Timothy on the whereabouts of various associates, including Demas, Crescens, Titus, and Luke, and asks Timothy to bring Mark with him and to pick up supplies and books left with Carpus at Troas. Paul also warns Timothy to avoid Alexander the coppersmith, who has opposed their words, and concludes by expressing gratitude for the Lord's support and sending greetings to various individuals.
1I testify before God, and before Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead through his return and his kingdom2that you should preach the word urgently, in season and out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke, with all patience and doctrine3For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but instead, according to their own desires, they will gather to themselves teachers, with itching ears4and certainly, they will turn their hearing away from the truth, and they will be turned toward fables5But as for you, truly, be vigilant, laboring in all things. Do the work of an Evangelist, fulfilling your ministry. Show self-restraint6For I am already being worn away, and the time of my dissolution presses close7I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith8As for the remainder, a crown of justice has been reserved for me, one which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to those who look forward to his return. Hurry to return to me soon9For Demas has abandoned me, out of love for this age, and he has departed for Thessalonica10Crescens has gone to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia11Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you; for he is useful to me in the ministry12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus13When you return, bring with you the supplies that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books, but especially the parchments14Alexander the coppersmith has shown me much evil; the Lord will repay him according to his works15And you should also avoid him; for he has strongly resisted our words16At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them17But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching would be accomplished, and so that all the Gentiles would hear. And I was freed from the mouth of the lion18The Lord has freed me from every evil work, and he will accomplish salvation by his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen19Greet Prisca, and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus20Erastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at Miletus21Hurry to arrive before winter. Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers greet you22May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. May grace be with you. Amen
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