The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
9 Get here as fast as you can.
9
Do your best to come to me quickly,
10 Demas, chasing fads, went off to Thessalonica and left me here. Crescens is in Galatia province, Titus in Dalmatia.
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for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11 Luke is the only one here with me. Bring Mark with you; he'll be my right-hand man
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Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.
12 since I'm sending Tychicus to Ephesus.
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I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 Bring the winter coat I left in Troas with Carpus; also the books and parchment notebooks.
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When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Watch out for Alexander the coppersmith.
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Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.
15 Fiercely opposed to our Message, he caused no end of trouble. God will give him what he's got coming.
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You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn't matter -
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At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
17 the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion!
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But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
18 God's looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!
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The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
19 Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila; also, the family of Onesiphorus.
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Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed behind in Corinth. I had to leave Trophimus sick in Miletus.
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Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.
21 Try hard to get here before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all your friends here send greetings.
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Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.
22 God be with you. Grace be with you.
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The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.