2 Timothy 4 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

I'm charging you — right in front of God and the One, Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead — and by his appearing and his kingdom:

Proclaim the message. Be ready whether the timing is convenient or not. Correct people, warn them, and encourage them — with complete patience and careful teaching.

Because the time is coming when people won't put up with sound teaching anymore. Instead, they'll pile up teachers who tell them what they want to hear — because they have an itch they need scratched.

They'll turn away from the truth and wander off into myths.

But you — keep your head in every situation. Endure hardship. Do the work of someone who spreads the good news. Carry out your service fully.

As for me, my life is already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for me to leave.

I've fought the good fight. I've finished the race. I've kept the faith.

From now on, the crown of justice is waiting for me. The Lord — the just judge — will award it to me on that day. And not only to me, but to everyone who has longed for his appearing.

Do your best to come to me soon.

Demas abandoned me because he fell in love with this present world and took off for Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

Only Luke is still with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you — he's useful to me for the work.

I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, and the scrolls — especially the parchments.

Alexander the metalworker did me a lot of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did.

Watch out for him yourself — he strongly opposed our message.

At my first defense, nobody stood by me — everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and all the non-Jewish people could hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. All the glory belongs to him forever and ever. Yes, it does.

Say hello to Prisca and Aquila, and to the household of Onesiphorus.

Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.

Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.

The Lord be with your spirit. Undeserved kindness be with all of you.