MODERN LITERAL VERSION

4:1 Therefore I am thoroughly testifying before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is about to judge the living and the dead according to his appearing and his kingdom.
4:2 Preach the word. Stand-ready opportunely and inopportunely. Reprove, rebuke and encourage with all patience and teaching.
4:3 For* the time will come when they will not tolerate the sound teaching, but having itchy ears, will pile up for themselves teachers according to their own lusts;
4:4 and will indeed turn their hearing away from the truth and turn aside to fables.
4:5 But you, be sober in all things, suffer evil treatment, do the work of an evangelist, fully assure your service.

4:6 For* I am already a drink-offering and the time of my departure stands-ready.
4:7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
4:8 Furthermore the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to all those who have loved* his appearing.

4:9 Be diligent to come to me shortly;
4:10 for* Demas forsook me and went to Thessalonica, having loved* this current age; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you; for* he is useful to me *for service.
4:12 But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.
4:13 Bring the coat that I left in Troas with Carpus when you come and also bring the books, especially the parchments.
4:14 Alexander the coppersmith showed to me many evils. May the Lord give to him according to his works;
4:15 whom you also, guard against; for* he has exceedingly withstood our words.
4:16 In my first defense no one came together for my defense, but all forsook me; may it not be counted against them.
4:17 But the Lord stood beside me and empowered me; that* the preaching might be fully assured through me and that * all the Gentiles might hear and I was rescued out of the mouth of the lion.
4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will save me *for his heavenly kingdom: to whom is the glory forever and ever. Amen.

4:19 Greet Prisca and Aquila and the house of Onesiphorus.
4:20 Erastus remained in Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.
4:21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus greets you and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren.

4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ, be with your spirit. Grace be with you*. Amen.