Preach the Word
Paul's final charge, made before our Father: preach the word in season and out, because people will collect teachers who tell them what they want. He knows his own end — poured out, the race finished — and names who deserted him, who stayed, and who stood with him.
4 1I solemnly charge you before our Father and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, by his appearing and his kingdom: 2Preach the word; stand ready in season and out; correct, rebuke, and encourage, with complete patience and teaching. 3For a time will come when they won't tolerate sound teaching, but will pile up teachers to fit their own desires, since their ears itch, 4and will turn their ears away from the truth and wander off into myths. 5But you: stay clear-headed in everything, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your service. 6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering; my time to depart 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. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now a crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day—not only to me but to all who have loved his appearing.
Paul's Final Concerns
9Do your best to come to me soon. 10Demas loved this present world, abandoned me, went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you—he's useful to me for service. 12I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas, and the scrolls, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Watch out for him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
16No one stood with me at my first defense—all abandoned me. May it not be charged against them. 17But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so through me the message would be fully proclaimed and all nations would hear it. I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and carry me safely into his heavenly kingdom. Glory to him forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21Try hard to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters greet you.
22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
