The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
6 You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar.
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For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
7 This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way.
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I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
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Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
9 Get here as fast as you can.
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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.
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.