章 |
4:1 |
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
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4:2 |
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
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4:3 |
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
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4:4 |
and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
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4:5 |
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
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4:6 |
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
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4:7 |
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
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4:8 |
in the future 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 also to all who have loved His appearing.
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4:9 |
Make every effort to come to me soon;
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4:10 |
for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
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4:11 |
Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.
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4:12 |
But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
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4:13 |
When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.
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4:14 |
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
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4:15 |
Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.
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4:16 |
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
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4:17 |
But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.
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4:18 |
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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4:19 |
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
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4:20 |
Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.
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4:21 |
Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren.
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4:22 |
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
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