2 Timothy, 4
His charge to Timothy. He tells him of his approaching death and desires him to come to him.
[1] I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom: •
[2] Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. •
[3] For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears: •
[4] And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.
[5] But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist 1, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober. •
An evangelist: a diligent preacher of the gospel.
[6] For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. •
[7] I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith. •
[8] As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly. •
[9] For Demas hath left me, loving this world, and is gone to Thessalonica: •
[10] Crescens into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia. •
[11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. •
[12] But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. •
[13] The cloak that I left at Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee: and the books, especially the parchments. •
[14] Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works: •
[15] Whom do thou also avoid: for he hath greatly withstood our words.
[16] At my first answer, no man stood with me: but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge! •
[17] But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished and that all the Gentiles may hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. •
[18] The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
[19] Salute Prisca, and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. •
[20] Erastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. •
[21] Make haste to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren, salute thee. •
[22] The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. •