1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing, in his kingdom;
2 preach the word, be instant both in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and instruction.
3 For the time will come, when they will not bear sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will heap up to themselves teachers after their own hearts:
4 and turn away their attention from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But be thou watchful in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, give full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now going to be sacrificed, and the time of my dissolution is near.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith.
8 As to what remains, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day: and not to me only, but also to all those who have longed for his appearance.
9 Endeavour to come to me soon: for Demas hath forsaken me,
10 through love of this world, and is gone to Thessalonica; as is Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia: Luke only is with me.
11 Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is useful to me in the ministry.
12 And I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 When thou comest, bring with thee the cloke, that I left at Troas with Carpus; and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the brazier did me many ill turns: the Lord will reward him according to his deeds.
15 Of whom do thou also beware: for he hath greatly opposed our doctrine.
16 In my first defence no one stood by me, but all men forsook me: God grant it may not be laid to their charge!
17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that by me the gospel might be fully spread, and that all the nations might hear: and so I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me to his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory throughout all ages. Amen.