| Chapter 4 |
1 | I testify before God and Christ Jesus, who is about to judge living and dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, |
2 | proclaim the word; be urgent in season [and] out of season, convict, rebuke, encourage, with all longsuffering and doctrine. |
3 | For the time shall be when they will not bear sound teaching; but according to their own lusts will heap up to themselves teachers, having an itching ear; |
4 | and they will turn away their ear from the truth, and will have turned aside to fables. |
5 | But thou, be sober in all things, bear evils, do [the] work of an evangelist, fill up the full measure of thy ministry. |
6 | For I am already being poured out, and the time of my release is come. |
7 | I have combated the good combat, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. |
8 | Henceforth the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will render to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all who love his appearing. |
9 | Use diligence to come to me quickly; |
10 | for Demas has forsaken me, having loved the present age, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. |
11 | Luke alone is with me. Take Mark, and bring [him] with thyself, for he is serviceable to me for ministry. |
12 | But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. |
13 | The cloak which I left behind [me] in Troas at Carpus's, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments. |
14 | Alexander the smith did many evil things against me. The Lord will render to him according to his works. |
15 | Against whom be thou also on thy guard, for he has greatly withstood our words. |
16 | At my first defence no man stood with me, but all deserted me. May it not be imputed to them. |
17 | But the Lord stood with [me], and gave me power, that through me the proclamation might be fully made, and all [those of] the nations should hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth. |
18 | The Lord shall deliver me from every wicked work, and shall preserve [me] for his heavenly kingdom; to whom [be] glory for the ages of ages. Amen. |
19 | Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. |
20 | Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left behind in Miletus sick. |
21 | Use diligence to come before winter. Eubulus salutes thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and the brethren all. |
22 | The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Grace [be] with you. |