Fluent Translation · Read & Reflect
2 Timothy 4
Proclaim the Word
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: proclaim the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with all patience and teaching. For a time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but according to their own desires they will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have itching ears. They will turn their hearing away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
I Have Finished the Course
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has arrived. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the trust. From now on the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Personal Requests and Final Witness
Make every effort to come to me soon, because Demas, having loved the present age, deserted me and went to Thessalonica; Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me for ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books—especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm. The Lord will repay him according to his works. You also watch out for him, because he strongly opposed our words. At my first defense no one stood with me; everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood beside me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.