The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy

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- Chapter 4 -

When Messiah Jesus comes soon to rule, he will judge those who still live and those who died. And now he and God are watching me as I command you

to proclaim the message about Messiah. Be ready to do this when it is easy to do so and also when it is not easy. Convince people about what is right when they have done wrong. Warn them not to sin. Encourage them to follow Messiah. Do these things as you teach them, and always be willing to wait for them to do better.

I tell you these things, because the time will come when people among us will not follow what God truly teaches. Instead, they will find many men who will teach that it is good to do anything they wish to do. In this way, they will always be looking for something new and different to learn.

They will stop listening to the truth, and they will pay attention to foolish stories.

But as for you, Timothy, control yourself no matter what happens. Be willing to endure difficult things. Do the work of preaching the Gospel. Complete the work you must do to serve the Lord.

I tell you these things, because soon I will die and leave this world. I will be like the cup of wine that they pour out on the altar and sacrifice to God.

I am like an athlete who has done his best in a contest. I am like a runner who has finished his race. I have done my best to obey God.

Now a prize is waiting for me because I have lived in the right way for God. The Lord will judge me in the right way. He will give that prize to me when he comes again. And he will give it also to everyone who waits eagerly for him to come again.

Personal Concerns

Timothy, try to come to me soon.

Demas left me behind and went to Thessalonica, because he loves life in this world too much. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus went to Dalmatia.

Only Luke is still with me. Get Mark and bring him with you. Do this because he can help me very much.

I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

When you come, bring the outer garment that I left at Troas with Carpus. Also bring the scrolls, especially those made from animal skins.

Alexander the metalworker acted very badly toward me. The Lord will punish him for what he has done.

You also should be on guard against him because he did everything possible to stop our preaching.

The Lord Remains Faithful

The first time I stood in court and explained my work, no believers stood by my side to encourage me. They all stayed away. May God not hold them responsible for this.

But the Lord stood with me and helped me. He made me strong, so that I fully spoke his word and so that all the Gentiles listened to it. In this way God saved me from dying.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil thing they do. He will bring me safely to where he rules in heaven. May people praise him forever. Amen.

Final Greetings

(Ephesians 6:21–24; Philippians 4:21–23)

Greet Priscilla and Aquila. Greet the people in the home of Onesiphorus.

Erastus stayed in Corinth city. As for Trophimus, I left him in Miletus city because he was sick.

Try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

May the Lord be with your spirit. May he be kind to all of you.

I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.

For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts,

and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables.

But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

Personal Concerns

Be diligent to come to me soon,

for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; and Titus to Dalmatia.

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

Alexander the coppersmith did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.

Beware of him, for he greatly opposed our words.

The Lord Remains Faithful

At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear. So I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

(Ephesians 6:21–24; Philippians 4:21–23)

Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.

Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick.

Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.