⁶ Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering^[a] being poured out on the altar. ⁷ I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. ⁸ So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the day of judgment he will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power.

¹⁶ When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won't be held against them. ¹⁷ But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions. ^18 (A) The Lord will always keep me from being harmed by evil, and he will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. Praise him forever and ever! Amen.