so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. 10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, yet the Lord rescued me from them all. 12 Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 4 1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future there is laid up 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 loved his appearing. 9 Do your best to come to me soon; 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in my ministry. 12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him for his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 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 rescued