1Before God and Jesus Christ I give you a command. Christ Jesus is the One who will judge the people who are living and the people who have died. Jesus has a kingdom, and he is coming again. So I give you this command:
2Tell people God’s message.
3The time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching. But people will find more and more teachers that please them. People will find teachers that say the things those people want to hear.
4People will stop listening to the truth. They will begin to follow the teaching in false stories.
5But you should control yourself at all times. When troubles come, accept those troubles. Do the work of telling the Good News. Do all the duties of a servant of God.
6My life is being given as an offering for God. The time has come for me to leave this life here.
7I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.
8Now, a crown (reward) is waiting for me. I will get that crown for being right with God. The Lord is the judge who judges rightly. He will give me the crown on that Day.
Personal Words
9Do your best to come to me as soon as you can.
10Demas loved this world too much. That is why he left me. He went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia. And Titus went to Dalmatia.
11Luke is the only one still with me. Get Mark and bring him with you when you come. He can help me in my work here.
12I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13When I was in Troas, I left my coat there with Carpus. So when you come, bring it to me. Also, bring my books. The books written on parchment
14Alexander the metalworker did many bad things against me. The Lord will punish Alexander for the things he did.
15You should be careful that he doesn’t hurt you too. He fought strongly against our teaching.
16The first time I defended myself, no person helped me. Every person left me. I pray that God will forgive them.
17But the Lord stayed with me. The Lord gave me strength so that I could tell the Good News
18The Lord will save me when any person tries to hurt me. The Lord will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord’s.
Final Greetings
19Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila and to the family of Onesiphorus.
20Erastus stayed in Corinth. And I left Trophimus in Miletus—he was sick.
21Try as hard as you can to come to me before winter. Eubulus says hello to you. Also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers in Christ say hello to you.
22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace (kindness) be with you.