6. My life is being given as an offering for God. The time has come for me to leave this life here.
7. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully.
8. Now, a prize is waiting for me—the crown that will show I am right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give it to me on that Day. Yes, he will give it to me and to everyone else who is eagerly looking forward to his coming.
9. Do your best to come to me as soon as you can.
10. Demas loved this world too much. That is why he left me. He went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia. And Titus went to Dalmatia.
11. Luke is the only one still with me. Get Mark and bring him with you when you come. He can help me in my work here.
12. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13. When I was in Troas, I left my coat there with Carpus. So when you come, bring it to me. Also, bring my books. The books written on parchment are the ones I need.
14. Alexander the metalworker caused me so much harm. The Lord will punish him for what he did.
15. He fought against everything we teach. You should be careful that he doesn’t hurt you too.
16. The first time I defended myself, no one helped me. Everyone left me. I pray that God will forgive them.
17. But the Lord stayed with me. The Lord gave me strength so that I could tell the Good News everywhere. He wanted all those who are not Jews to hear that Good News. So I was saved from the lion’s mouth.