4 1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of our Father and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready whether the time seems right or not; correct, rebuke, and encourage, with complete patience and careful teaching. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound teaching, but with itching ears they will pile up teachers for themselves to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn their ears away from the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, keep a clear head in every situation, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. a a v6 A drink offering was wine poured out at the altar as a sacrifice — Paul pictures his own death as a final act of worship poured out for others. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on a crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day — and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Paul's Final Concerns
9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me in ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the coat that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Watch out for him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.