2 Timothy 4

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

1I am telling you something very serious, Timothy. God is watching, and so is the Lord Jesus Christ. He will judge every person, both those alive and those who have died. He will do this when he comes back and rules as king.

2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2Preach God's word. Be ready at all times, when it is easy and when it is hard. Show people where they are wrong. Correct them, and cheer them on. Be very patient, and keep teaching.

3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

3A time is coming when people will not put up with true teaching. They will pick teachers who tell them what they want to hear.

4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

4They will stop listening to the truth. They will listen to made-up stories instead.

5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

5But you must keep a clear head in everything. Keep going when life is hard. Tell people the good news about Jesus. Finish the work God gave you to do.

6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

6My life is already being poured out like a gift to God. It is almost time for me to go.

Note"Poured out like a gift to God" points to an old custom. People poured out wine at the altar as a gift. Paul means his life is coming to an end.

7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

7I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept on trusting God.

8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

8Now a prize is waiting for me. It is a crown for people who did what is right. The Lord is a fair judge. He will give it to me on that day. He will give it to everyone else who is glad he is coming.

NoteA crown here means the wreath of leaves given to the winner of a race.

9Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

9Please try hard to come to me soon.

10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

10Demas loved this world more, so he left me. He went to the city of Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus went to Dalmatia.

11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

11Only Luke is still here with me. Get Mark and bring him with you. He is a big help to me in my work.

12And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

12I sent Tychicus to the city of Ephesus.

13The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

13When you come, bring the coat I left at Troas with a man named Carpus. Bring my books too, and most of all the parchments.

NoteParchments were writing sheets made from animal skin. They cost more than paper and lasted longer.

14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

14Alexander, a man who worked with copper, hurt me very much. The Lord will pay him back for what he did.

15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

15You should watch out for him too. He fought hard against what we teach.

16At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

16The first time I spoke to defend myself in court, no one stood with me. Everyone left me alone. I ask God not to blame them for it.

17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

17But the Lord stayed with me and made me strong. So the message was told in full, and people from every nation heard it. I was saved from the lion's mouth.

18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18The Lord will keep me safe from every evil thing that is done. He will bring me safely into his kingdom in heaven. May he be honored forever and ever. Amen, which means "yes, this is true."

19Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

19Say hello for me to Prisca and Aquila. Say hello to the family of Onesiphorus.

20Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

20Erastus stayed in the city of Corinth. I left Trophimus in Miletus because he was sick.

21Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

21Try hard to come to me before winter. Eubulus says hello to you. So do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the believers here.

22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

22May the Lord be with your spirit. May God be kind to you all. Amen.