2 Timothy

Paul's final letter, urging Timothy to be strong in faith and continue preaching the gospel.

Chapter 4

1 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;

*I ask you, in front of God and Jesus Christ, to remember that they will judge everyone - those living and those already dead - when they return and establish their kingdom.

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

*Teach the message; do it quickly, whether it's the right or wrong time; correct, scold, encourage using patience and knowledge.

3 For 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;

*Eventually, people won't want good teachings; instead, they'll find teachers who agree with their desires, and these teachers will tickle their ears.

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

*They will ignore the truth and believe in made-up stories instead.

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

*But be careful in everything, bear with hardships, act like a preacher, show that you are really doing your job.

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

*I am prepared to be given up, and my leaving soon is about to happen.

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

*I've done a great struggle, I completed my journey, I remained loyal to the beliefs:

8 Henceforth 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.

*From now on, I have a reward of doing what's right waiting for me, given by the fair Judge, Jesus. This reward isn't just for me, but also for everyone who loves His return.

9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

*Make sure to come to me quickly:

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

*Demas left me because he loves this world now and went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus went to Dalmatia.

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

*Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him along; he's useful for my work.

12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

*I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

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

*Bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas when you come, along with the books, especially the parchment ones.

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

*Alexander, the metalworker, did me a lot of harm: the Lord will pay him back based on what he does.

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

*Be careful of him too, because he has strongly opposed our message.

16 At 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.

*In my first response, nobody supported me, and everyone left me. I hope God won't hold this against them.

17 Notwithstanding 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.

*Even though the Lord supported me and gave me strength, so that everyone could learn about the preaching and the Gentiles could hear it too; I was saved from being eaten by a lion.

18 And 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.

*And the Lord will save me from all bad things and keep me for his heavenly kingdom. Glory to him forever and ever. Amen.

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

*Greet Priscilla and Aquila, and Onesiphorus' family.

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

*Erastus stayed in Corinth; I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.

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

*Work hard to arrive before it gets cold. Eubulus sends his greetings, along with Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the other believers.

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

*Jesus with you. Blessings to you. Yes, indeed.

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