Always Be Ready

2 Timothy 4

I give you this charge in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his empire:

Preach the word, Be ready in season and out of season Correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and instruction.

For the time will come when people won’t put up with sound doctrine, but instead they will accumulate teachers who tickle their ears with what they desire. Indeed, they will turn their ears away from the truth, and turn themselves toward myths. But you are to be sober-minded in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and accomplish your deacon-work.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is near. I have competed in the competition of excellence. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day. And not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

Final Instructions

You must make every effort to come to me soon, because Demas deserted me, having loved this present age, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. You must take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in deacon-work. But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus and the scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did much harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You should watch out for him, because he vigorously opposed our words.

At my first defense, no one came to support me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood by me and empowered me, so that through me the message might be fully accomplished, and all the ethnic groups would hear it. So I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord will deliver me from every evil act and will save me to ʜɪꜱ heavenly empire.

Closing Greetings

Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. You must make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the siblings salute you.

The Lord be with your spirit.

Grace be with y’all.