2Ti 4 | Comm | STEP | I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

2 Timothy 4

1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

9 Do your best to come to me soon; 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in my ministry. 12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him for his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.