1 I solemnly testify before God {Theos, Sovereign Witness} and Christ Jesus {Christos Iesous, Coming Judge}, who is about to judge the living {zontas: breathing ones} and the dead, and by His appearing {epiphaneian: manifest coming} and His kingdom:
2 Proclaim the word; stand ready {epistethi: steadfast commitment} at every opportunity, whether favorable or unfavorable; reprove, rebuke, encourage with all patience {makrothymia: enduring restraint} and teaching.
3 For a time will come when they will not endure sound teaching, but according to their own desires {epithymias: self-indulgent cravings} they will heap up teachers for themselves, having itching ears {knethomenoi: desiring novelty}.
4 And from the truth they will turn their ear {akoen: attentive listening}, but to myths {mythous: invented stories} they will be turned aside.
5 But you, be sober-minded in all things; endure hardship {kakopatheson: suffer difficulty}; do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry {diakonia: service task}.
6 For I am already being poured out {spendomai: ritual drink offering} as a drink offering, and the time of my departure {analyseos: release from life} has arrived.
7 I have contended {egonismai: strove vigorously} in the good fight {agona: noble struggle}; I have brought the race to its finish; I have guarded the faith.
8 From now on, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, which the Lord {Kyrios, Righteous Reward-Giver}, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not to me alone but also to all who have loved His appearing {epiphaneia: visible manifestation}.
9 Make every effort {spoudazo: eager diligence} to come to me {ego: personal presence} quickly.
10 For Demas {Demas: former coworker} has deserted me, having loved this present world, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens {Kreskes: fellow laborer} to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
11 Luke {Loukas: faithful coworker} is alone with me; take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry {diakonia: gospel service}.
12 But I sent Tychicus {Tychikos: faithful coworker} to Ephesus {Ephesos: key Asia city}.
13 When you come, bring the cloak {phailonen: heavy outer garment} which I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments {membranas: durable writing materials}.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did many evils to me; the Lord {Kyrios, Righteous Judge} will repay him according to his deeds {erga: outward actions}.
15 You {sy: direct addressee} also must beware of him {hon: specific opponent}, for he strongly opposed our words.
16 At my first defense {apologia: formal legal reply}, no one appeared with me, but all abandoned me. May it not be charged {logistheie: reckoned as guilt} against them.
17 But the Lord {Kyrios, Faithful Strengthener} stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message {kerygma: public proclamation} might be fully proclaimed and all the nations might hear it, and I was rescued from the mouth of the lion.
18 The Lord {Kyrios, Faithful Deliverer} will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me into His heavenly kingdom {basileia: royal dominion}; to whom be the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.
19 Greet {aspasai: offer Christian respect} Prisca and Aquila, and the household {oikos: extended believing family} of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus remained in Corinth, but I left Trophimus in Miletus {Miletos: coastal city} sick {asthenounta: physically weak}.
21 Be diligent to come before winter {kheimonos: harsh travel season}. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers {adelphoi: fellow believers}.
22 May the Lord {Kyrios, Faithful Presence} be with your spirit {pneuma: inner self}. Grace be with you all.