² Preach^(A) the word;^(B) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke^(C) and encourage^(D)—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.^(E) Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.^{(F) 4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.^{(G) 5} But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,^(H) do the work of an evangelist,^(I) discharge all the duties of your ministry.

⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,^(J) and the time for my departure is near.^{(K) 7} I have fought the good fight,^(L) I have finished the race,^(M) I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me^(N) the crown of righteousness,^(O) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(P)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(Q)