The People's Defense Against Apostasy: Orthodox Preaching
2 Timothy 4, verse 1. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Timothy 4, verse 2. Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2 Timothy 4, verse 3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 2 Timothy 4, verse 4. and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4, verse 5. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Paul's Example
2 Timothy 4, verse 6. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 2 Timothy 4, verse 7. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4, verse 8. Finally, there is laid 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 who have loved His appearing.
Request to See Timothy
2 Timothy 4, verse 9. Be diligent to come to me quickly; 2 Timothy 4, verse 10. for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 2 Timothy 4, verse 11. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 2 Timothy 4, verse 12. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 2 Timothy 4, verse 13. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4, verse 14. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 2 Timothy 4, verse 15. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
Paul's First Defense
2 Timothy 4, verse 16. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. 2 Timothy 4, verse 17. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 2 Timothy 4, verse 18. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
Farewell
2 Timothy 4, verse 19. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 2 Timothy 4, verse 20. Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick. 2 Timothy 4, verse 21. Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. 2 Timothy 4, verse 22. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.