2 Timothy 4:1–8

⁴In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you:^{* 2}proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching.^{* 3}For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires^{* 4}and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. ⁵As for you, be sober in everything, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.^*

⁶As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, 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}From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^*