8. The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day. He will give it not only to me but also to everyone who is eagerly waiting for him to come again.
9. Hurry to visit me soon.
10. Demas has abandoned me. He fell in love with this present world and went to the city of Thessalonica. Crescens went to the province of Galatia, and Titus went to the province of Dalmatia.
11. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you. He is useful to me in my work.
12. I’m sending Tychicus to the city of Ephesus as my representative.
13. When you come, bring the warm coat I left with Carpus in the city of Troas. Also bring the scrolls and especially the parchments.
14. Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did.
15. Watch out for him. He violently opposed what we said.
16. At my first hearing no one stood up in my defense. Everyone abandoned me. I pray that it won’t be held against them.
17. However, the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that I could finish spreading the Good News for all the nations to hear. I was snatched out of a lion’s mouth.
18. The Lord will rescue me from all harm and will take me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory belongs to him forever! Amen.