1When Christ Jesus comes as king, he will be the judge of everyone, whether they are living or dead. So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you 2to preach God's message. Do it willingly, even if it isn't the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. 3The time is coming when people won't listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear. 4They will turn from the truth and eagerly listen to senseless stories. 5But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well.

6Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering4.6 drink offering: Water or wine was sometimes poured out as an offering when an animal sacrifice was made. being poured out on the altar. 7I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. 8So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the day of judgment he will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power.

Personal instructions and final greetings

Personal instructions

9Come to see me as soon as you can. 10Demas loves the things of this world so much that he left me and went to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.4.10: a Col 4.14; Phm 24; b 2 Co 8.23; Ga 2.3; Titus 1.4. 11Only Luke has stayed with me.

Mark can be very helpful to me, so please find him and bring him with you.4.11: a Col 4.14; Phm 24; b Ac 12.12,25; 13.13; 15.37-39; Col 4.10; Phm 24. 12I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.4.12: Ac 20.4; Eph 6.21,22; Col 4.7,8.

13When you come, bring the coat I left at Troas with Carpus. Don't forget to bring the scrolls, especially the ones made of leather.4.13 the ones made of leather: A scroll was a kind of rolled up book, and it could be made out of paper (called “papyrus”) or leather (that is, animal skin) or even copper.4.13: Ac 20.6.

14Alexander, the metalworker, has hurt me in many ways. But the Lord will pay him back for what he has done.4.14: a 1 Ti 1.20; b Ps 62.12; Ro 2.6. 15Alexander opposes what we preach. You had better watch out for him.

16When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won't be held against them. 17But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions. 18The Lord will always keep me from being harmed by evil, and he will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. Praise him for ever and ever! Amen.

Final greetings

19Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and to the family of Onesiphorus.4.19: a Ac 18.2; b 2 Ti 1.16,17.

20Erastus stayed at Corinth.4.20: a Ac 19.22; Ro 16.23; b Ac 20.4; 21.29.

Trophimus was sick when I left him at Miletus.

21Do your best to come before winter.

Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia send you their greetings, and so do the rest of the Lord's followers.

22I pray that the Lord will bless your life and will be kind to you.