Preach the Word 1 UDB When Christ Jesus comes soon to rule, he will judge those who still live and those who have died. And now he and God are watching me as I command you BSB BSB: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom:
2 UDB to proclaim the message about Christ. Be ready to do this when it is easy to do so and also when it is not easy. Convince people about what is right when they have done wrong. Warn them not to sin. Encourage them to follow Christ. Do these things as you teach them, and always be willing to wait for them to do better. BSB BSB: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
3 UDB I tell you these things because the time will come when people among us will not follow what God truly teaches. Instead, they will find many men who will teach that it is good to do anything they want to do. In this way, they will always be looking for something new and different to learn. BSB BSB: For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
4 UDB They will stop listening to the truth, and they will pay attention to foolish stories. BSB BSB: So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
5 UDB But as for you, Timothy, control yourself no matter what happens. Be willing to endure difficult things. Do the work of preaching the good news. Complete the work you must do to serve the Lord. BSB BSB: But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
7 UDB I am like an athlete who has done his best in a contest. I am like a runner who has finished his race. I have done my best to obey God. BSB BSB: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 UDB Now a prize is waiting for me because I have lived in the right way for God. The Lord will judge me in the right way. He will give that prize to me when he comes again. And he will give it also to everyone who waits eagerly for him to come again. BSB BSB: From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
Personal Concerns 9 UDB Timothy, try to come to me soon. BSB BSB: Make every effort to come to me quickly,
10 UDB Demas left me behind and went to Thessalonica because he loves life in this world too much. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus went to Dalmatia. BSB BSB: because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11 UDB Only Luke is still with me. Get Mark and bring him with you. Do this because he can help me very much. BSB BSB: Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.
12 UDB I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. BSB BSB: Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus.
13 UDB When you come, bring the outer garment that I left at Troas with Carpus. Also bring the scrolls, especially those made from animal skins. BSB BSB: When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 UDB Alexander the metalworker acted very badly toward me. The Lord will punish him for what he has done. BSB BSB: Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
15 UDB You also should be on guard against him because he did everything possible to stop our preaching. BSB BSB: You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.
The Lord Remains Faithful 16 UDB The first time I stood in court and explained my work, no believers stood by my side to encourage me. They all stayed away. May God not hold them responsible for this. BSB BSB: At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.
17 UDB But the Lord stood with me and helped me. He made me strong so that I fully spoke his word and so that all the Gentiles listened to it. In this way God saved me from dying. BSB BSB: But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
18 UDB The Lord will rescue me from every evil thing they do. He will bring me safely to where he rules in heaven. May people praise him forever. May it be so! BSB BSB: And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings (Ephesians 6:21–24; Philippians 4:21–23)
19 UDB Greet Priscilla and Aquila. Greet the people in the home of Onesiphorus. BSB BSB: Greet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus.
20 UDB Erastus stayed in the city of Corinth. As for Trophimus, I left him in the city of Miletus because he was sick. BSB BSB: Erastus has remained at Corinth, and Trophimus I left sick in Miletus.
21 UDB Try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you; also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. BSB BSB: Make every effort to come to me before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
22 UDB May the Lord be with your spirit. May he be kind to all of you. BSB BSB: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.