1 

I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:

2 

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.

3 

For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;

4 

and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.

5 

But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

6 

For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.

7 

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

8 

From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.