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¹ I urge you in the name of God and Christ Jesus, who will one day give everyone what's coming to them, ² to spread the word of God. Keep both feet in the stirrups and always be ready, no matter the season or circumstance. Never shy away from correcting or encouraging, but do both with patience and careful teaching.

³ A time is coming when people will turn a deaf ear to the truth. They'll follow their own lustful desires and only listen to those who tell them what they want to hear. ⁴ They'll trade the truth for lies.

⁵ Keep yourself under control at all times. Don't be afraid of taking a hit for the Lord. Spread the good news and ride in the way God has called each of us to.

⁶ My life is slipping away faster and faster. The time is near and my sacrifice is nearly complete. ⁷ I have fought the good fight. I have finished the drive. I have been, and continue to be faithful until the end. ⁸ Waiting for me at the end is the trophy buckle of righteousness. The Most Righteous, Christ Jesus, will present it to me on that day. But there's not just one. One is waiting for all who've longed to meet him face to face and receive the reward for their ride.

Last Words

⁹ Strike a long trot and try to get here quickly. ¹⁰ Crescens had pressing matters in Galatia. I had to send Titus to Dalmatia. But Demas just quit me flat-out. He started longing for the world's ways and rode off to Thessalonica in search of worldly pleasure. ¹¹ Luke is here though. He hasn't given up. Find Mark and bring him with you. I have some things I need to tell him. ¹² I've sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ When you ride through Troas, stop and get my cloak I left with Carpus. While you're there, get my writing materials and the things I've written.

¹⁴ Alexander the metalworker did a number on me. The Lord knows his sins and he will get what's coming to him, of that I am positive. ¹⁵ If you run across him, be wary. He opposed our message and he is a strong adversary.

¹⁶ When I was on public display against him, nobody stood up and helped me. The silence of the supporters hurt worse than anything, but I pray nothing is held against them. Fear drives people to silence, but I will not be silent. ¹⁷ But even though others deserted me, God did not. He gave me the strength to speak the good news of love, grace, and forgiveness so the outsiders would hear it. I was saved from the lion's teeth. ¹⁸ The Lord is my protector and will deliver me from every evil attack and deliver me safely to his side in his heavenly kingdom. To God be the glory forever. Amen.

Adios, Amigos

¹⁹ Say hello to Priscilla, Aquila, and Onesiphorus and all his family. ²⁰ Erastus stayed in Corinth to continue the gather and Trophimus was ill in Miletus last I heard. ²¹ Try to get here before the snow flies. Eubulus says, "Howdy!" and so does Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the other cowboys and cowgirls.

²² May the Lord fill your spirit. And may his grace rule in you all.