2 Timothy 4:5–18

⁵But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist,^b fulfill your ministry.

⁶For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,^c and the time for my departure is close. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸There is reserved for me the crown^d of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,^e will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.^Af

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

⁹Make every effort to come to me soon,^{g 10}because Demas^h has deserted me,ⁱ since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica.^j Crescens has gone to Galatia,^k Titus^l to Dalmatia. ¹¹Only Luke^m is with me. Bring Markⁿ with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. ¹²I have sent Tychicus^o to Ephesus. ¹³When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas^p with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments. ¹⁴Alexander^q the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works. ¹⁵Watch out^r for him yourself because he strongly opposed our words.

¹⁶At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me.^s May it not be counted against them. ¹⁷But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.^t To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.