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¹ I conjure you in the name of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is to judge the living and the dead, at his appearance in his kingdom, ² to preach the word with assiduity upon all occasions: reprove, censure, exhort, with the most tender persuasions. ³ for the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but get teachers of their own corrupt taste, to sooth their ears that itch for flattery: ⁴ which, while they are deaf to the truth, attentively listen to fables. ⁵ be you then entirely upon the watch: be insensible to toil: perform the work of an evangelist, and discharge your ministerial function. ⁶ as for me, my blood will soon be pour'd out, and the time of my departure draws nigh: ⁷ I have struggled in a glorious cause: I have finish'd my career: I have stood to the faith: ⁸ I have nothing more to do, but to receive the crown of virtue reserv'd for me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me in that day: and not only to me, but to those also, who have long'd for his appearance.

⁹ Endeavour to come to me very soon: ¹⁰ for Damas, out of love to this world has abandon'd me, and is gone to Thessalonica: Crescens, to Galatia: and Titus, to Dalmatia. ¹¹ only Luke is with me. take Mark and bring him with you; because he will be useful to me in the ministry. ¹² Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. ¹³ when you come, bring the cloke and books, but especially the roll, which I left with Carpus at Troas. ¹⁴ Alexander the copper-smith did me many injuries: the Lord may reward him according to his actions. ¹⁵ beware of him, for he violently opposed our doctrine.

¹⁶ At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge. ¹⁷ however the Lord assisted and strengthen'd me, that the gospel might be confirm'd by my remonstrance, and all the nations might hear it; so that I was deliver'd out of the mouth of the lion: ¹⁸ and the Lord will deliver me from every malicious design, and preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. to him be glory to endless ages. amen. ¹⁹ Salute Prisca, and Aquila, and the family of Onesiphorus. ²⁰ Erastus staid at Corinth: but Trophimus I left sick at Miletum. ²¹ endeavour to come before winter. Eubulus, Prudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren salute you. ²² the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. grace be with you. AMEN.