2 Timothy 4:1–8

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

4I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, ²preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and instruction. ³For there will be a time when they will not put up with sound teaching, but in accordance with their own desires, they will accumulate for themselves teachers, because they have an insatiable curiosity^a, ⁴and they will turn away from the hearing of the truth, but will turn to myths. ⁵But you, be self-controlled in all things, bear hardship patiently, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

⁶For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is imminent. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Finally, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, that 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.