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.
I testify before God, and before Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead through his return and his kingdomthat you should preach the word urgently, in season and out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke, with all patience and doctrineFor 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 earsand certainly, they will turn their hearing away from the truth, and they will be turned toward fablesBut as for you, truly, be vigilant, laboring in all things. Do the work of an Evangelist, fulfilling your ministry. Show self-restraintFor I am already being worn away, and the time of my dissolution presses closeI have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faithAs 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 soonFor Demas has abandoned me, out of love for this age, and he has departed for ThessalonicaCrescens has gone to Galatia; Titus to DalmatiaLuke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you; for he is useful to me in the ministryBut Tychicus I have sent to EphesusWhen you return, bring with you the supplies that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books, but especially the parchmentsAlexander the coppersmith has shown me much evil; the Lord will repay him according to his worksAnd you should also avoid him; for he has strongly resisted our wordsAt my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against themBut 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 lionThe Lord has freed me from every evil work, and he will accomplish salvation by his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. AmenGreet Prisca, and Aquila, and the household of OnesiphorusErastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at MiletusHurry to arrive before winter. Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers greet youMay the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. May grace be with you. Amen
Share this chapter