The Message Bible MSG
New Living Translation NLT
1 I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule,
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I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:
2 so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.
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Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food - catchy opinions that tickle their fancy.
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For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
4 They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.
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They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you - keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.
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But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar.
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As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death 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, and I have remained faithful.
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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And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
9 Get here as fast as you can.
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Timothy, please come as soon as you can.
10 Demas, chasing fads, went off to Thessalonica and left me here. Crescens is in Galatia province, Titus in Dalmatia.
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Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone 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. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be 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, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.
14 Watch out for Alexander the coppersmith.
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Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge 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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Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.
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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The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted 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 with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.
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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Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
19 Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila; also, the family of Onesiphorus.
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Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed behind in Corinth. I had to leave Trophimus sick in Miletus.
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Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at 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 sends you greetings, 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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May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.
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.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.