3 But understand this, that in the last days difficult 1 times will come. 2 For people 2 will be lovers of themselves, 3 lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. 5 They will maintain the outward appearance 4 of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. 5 6 For some of these insinuate themselves 6 into households and captivate weak women 7 who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions. 7 Such women are always seeking instruction, 8 yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 And just as Jannes and Jambres 9 opposed Moses, so these people – who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith 10 – also oppose the truth. 9 But they will not go much further, 11 for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres. 12
10 You, however, 13 have followed my teaching, my 14 way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, 11 as well as the persecutions and sufferings 15 that happened to me in Antioch, 16 in Iconium, and in Lystra. 17 I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all. 12 Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, 18 deceiving others and being deceived themselves. 19 14 You, however, must continue 20 in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know 21 who taught you 22 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture 23 is inspired by God 24 and useful for teaching, for reproof, 25 for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God 26 may be capable 27 and equipped for every good work.
4 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 Preach the message, 1 be ready 2 whether it is convenient or not, 3 reprove, rebuke, exhort 4 with complete patience and instruction. 3 For there will be a time when people 5 will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, 6 they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. 7 4 And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. 8 5 You, however, be self-controlled 9 in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart 10 is at hand. 7 I have competed well; 11 I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! 8 Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day – and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on 12 his appearing.
9 Make every effort to come to me soon. 10 For Demas deserted me, since he loved 13 the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. 14 Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help 15 to me in ministry. 16 12 Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 17 13 When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. 18 The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds. 19 15 You be on guard against him 20 too, because he vehemently opposed our words. 16 At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it. 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message 21 would be fully proclaimed 22 for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! 18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely 23 into his heavenly kingdom. To him 24 be glory for ever and ever! 25 Amen.
19 Greetings to 26 Prisca and Aquila 27 and the family of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth. 28 Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. 29 22 The Lord 30 be with your spirit. Grace be with you. 31
