| 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. |