Worthy.Bible » Parallel » 2 Timothy » Chapter 4

2 Timothy 4:1-22 King James Version (KJV)

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:1-22 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 I G1473 charge G1263 thee therefore G3767 before G1799 God, G2316 and G2532 the Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 who G3588 shall G3195 judge G2919 the quick G2198 and G2532 the dead G3498 at G2596 his G846 appearing G2015 and G2532 his G846 kingdom; G932

2 Preach G2784 the word; G3056 be instant G2186 in season, G2122 out of season; G171 reprove, G1651 rebuke, G2008 exhort G3870 with G1722 all G3956 longsuffering G3115 and G2532 doctrine. G1322

3 For G1063 the time G2540 will come G2071 when G3753 they will G430 not G3756 endure G430 sound G5198 doctrine; G1319 but G235 after G2596 their own G2398 lusts G1939 shall they heap G2002 to themselves G1438 teachers, G1320 having itching G2833 ears; G189

4 And G2532 they shall turn away G3303 G654 their ears G189 from G575 the truth, G225 and G1161 shall be turned G1624 unto G1909 fables. G3454

5 But G1161 watch G3525 thou G4771 in G1722 all things, G3956 endure afflictions, G2553 do G4160 the work G2041 of an evangelist, G2099 make full proof G4135 of thy G4675 ministry. G1248

6 For G1063 I G1473 am G4689 now G2235 ready to be offered, G4689 and G2532 the time G2540 of my G1699 departure G359 is at hand. G2186

7 I have fought G75 a good G2570 fight, G73 I have finished G5055 my course, G1408 I have kept G5083 the faith: G4102

8 Henceforth G3063 there is laid up G606 for me G3427 a crown G4735 of righteousness, G1343 which G3739 the Lord, G2962 the righteous G1342 judge, G2923 shall give G591 me G3427 at G1722 that G1565 day: G2250 and G1161 not G3756 to me G1698 only, G3440 but G235 unto all them G3956 also G2532 that love G25 his G846 appearing. G2015

9 Do thy diligence G4704 to come G2064 shortly G5030 unto G4314 me: G3165

10 For G1063 Demas G1214 hath forsaken G1459 me, having loved G25 this present G3568 world, G165 and G2532 is departed G4198 unto G1519 Thessalonica; G2332 Crescens G2913 to G1519 Galatia, G1053 Titus G5103 unto G1519 Dalmatia. G1149

11 Only G3441 Luke G3065 is G2076 with G3326 me. G1700 Take G353 Mark, G3138 and bring him G71 with G3326 thee: G4572 for G1063 he is G2076 profitable G2173 to me G3427 for G1519 the ministry. G1248

12 And G1161 Tychicus G5190 have I sent G649 to G1519 Ephesus. G2181

13 The cloke G5341 that G3739 I left G620 at G1722 Troas G5174 with G3844 Carpus, G2591 when thou comest, G2064 bring G5342 with thee, and G2532 the books, G975 but especially G3122 the parchments. G3200

14 Alexander G223 the coppersmith G5471 did G1731 me G3427 much G4183 evil: G2556 the Lord G2962 reward G591 him G846 according to G2596 his G846 works: G2041

15 Of whom G3739 be G5442 thou G4771 ware G5442 also; G2532 for G1063 he hath G436 greatly G3029 withstood G436 our G2251 words. G3056

16 At G1722 my G3450 first G4413 answer G627 no man G3762 stood G4836 with me, G3427 but G235 all G3956 men forsook G1459 me: G3165 I pray God that it may G3049 not G3361 be laid G3049 to their charge. G846

17 Notwithstanding G1161 the Lord G2962 stood G3936 with me, G3427 and G2532 strengthened G1743 me; G3165 that G2443 by G1223 me G1700 the preaching G2782 might be fully known, G4135 and G2532 that all G3956 the Gentiles G1484 might hear: G191 and G2532 I was delivered G4506 out of G1537 the mouth G4750 of the lion. G3023

18 And G2532 the Lord G2962 shall deliver G4506 me G3165 from G575 every G3956 evil G4190 work, G2041 and G2532 will preserve G4982 me unto G1519 his G846 heavenly G2032 kingdom: G932 to whom G3739 be glory G1391 for G1519 ever G165 and ever. G165 Amen. G281

19 Salute G782 Prisca G4251 and G2532 Aquila, G207 and G2532 the household G3624 of Onesiphorus. G3683

20 Erastus G2037 abode G3306 at G1722 Corinth: G2882 but G1161 Trophimus G5161 have I left G620 at G1722 Miletum G3399 sick. G770

21 Do thy diligence G4704 to come G2064 before G4253 winter. G5494 Eubulus G2103 greeteth G782 thee, G4571 and G2532 Pudens, G4227 and G2532 Linus, G3044 and G2532 Claudia, G2803 and G2532 all G3956 the brethren. G80

22 The Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 be with G3326 thy G4675 spirit. G4151 Grace G5485 be with G3326 you. G5216 Amen. G281

2 Timothy 4:1-22 American Standard (ASV)

1 I charge `thee' in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

2 preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

5 But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.

6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:

8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

9 Give diligence to come shortly unto me:

10 for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering.

12 But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.

13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works:

15 of whom do thou also beware; for he greatly withstood our words.

16 At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.

17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might me fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom `be' the glory forever and ever. Amen.

19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.

21 Give diligence to come before winter. Eubulus saluteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

22 The Lord be with thy spirit. Grace be with you.

2 Timothy 4:1-22 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 I do fully testify, then, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is about to judge living and dead at his manifestation and his reign --

2 preach the word; be earnest in season, out of season, convict, rebuke, exhort, in all long-suffering and teaching,

3 for there shall be a season when the sound teaching they will not suffer, but according to their own desires to themselves they shall heap up teachers -- itching in the hearing,

4 and indeed, from the truth the hearing they shall turn away, and to the fables they shall be turned aside.

5 And thou -- watch in all things; suffer evil; do the work of one proclaiming good news; of thy ministration make full assurance,

6 for I am already being poured out, and the time of my release hath arrived;

7 the good strife I have striven, the course I have finished, the faith I have kept,

8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of the righteousness that the Lord -- the Righteous Judge -- shall give to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to all those loving his manifestation.

9 Be diligent to come unto me quickly,

10 for Demas forsook me, having loved the present age, and went on to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia,

11 Lukas only is with me; Markus having taken, bring with thyself, for he is profitable to me for ministration;

12 and Tychicus I sent to Ephesus;

13 the cloak that I left in Troas with Carpus, coming, bring thou and the books -- especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; may the Lord repay to him according to his works,

15 of whom also do thou beware, for greatly hath he stood against our words;

16 in my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me, (may it not be reckoned to them!)

17 and the Lord stood by me, and did strengthen me, that through me the preaching might be fully assured, and all the nations might hear, and I was freed out of the mouth of a lion,

18 and the Lord shall free me from every evil work, and shall save `me' -- to his heavenly kingdom; to whom `is' the glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.

19 Salute Prisca and Aquilas, and Onesiphorus' household;

20 Erastus did remain in Corinth, and Trophimus I left in Miletus infirm;

21 be diligent to come before winter. Salute thee doth Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

22 The Lord Jesus Christ `is' with thy spirit; the grace `is' with you! Amen.

2 Timothy 4:1-22 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 I testify before God and Christ Jesus, who is about to judge living and dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom,

2 proclaim the word; be urgent in season [and] out of season, convict, rebuke, encourage, with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time shall be when they will not bear sound teaching; but according to their own lusts will heap up to themselves teachers, having an itching ear;

4 and they will turn away their ear from the truth, and will have turned aside to fables.

5 But *thou*, be sober in all things, bear evils, do [the] work of an evangelist, fill up the full measure of thy ministry.

6 For *I* am already being poured out, and the time of my release is come.

7 I have combated the good combat, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Henceforth the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will render to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all who love his appearing.

9 Use diligence to come to me quickly;

10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved the present age, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

11 Luke alone is with me. Take Mark, and bring [him] with thyself, for he is serviceable to me for ministry.

12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13 The cloak which I left behind [me] in Troas at Carpus's, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the smith did many evil things against me. The Lord will render to him according to his works.

15 Against whom be *thou* also on thy guard, for he has greatly withstood our words.

16 At my first defence no man stood with me, but all deserted me. May it not be imputed to them.

17 But the Lord stood with [me], and gave me power, that through me the proclamation might be fully made, and all [those of] the nations should hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth.

18 The Lord shall deliver me from every wicked work, and shall preserve [me] for his heavenly kingdom; to whom [be] glory for the ages of ages. Amen.

19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left behind in Miletus sick.

21 Use diligence to come before winter. Eubulus salutes thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and the brethren all.

22 The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Grace [be] with you.

2 Timothy 4:1-22 World English Bible (WEB)

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:

2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.

3 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;

4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.

5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.

7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

8 From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

9 Be diligent to come to me soon,

10 for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministering.

12 But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

13 Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works,

15 of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.

16 At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.

17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick.

21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:1-22 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 I give you orders, before God and Christ Jesus, who will be the judge of the living and the dead, and by his revelation and his kingdom;

2 Be preaching the word at all times, in every place; make protests, say sharp words, give comfort, with long waiting and teaching;

3 For the time will come when they will not take the true teaching; but, moved by their desires, they will get for themselves a great number of teachers for the pleasure of hearing them;

4 And shutting their ears to what is true, will be turned away to belief in foolish stories.

5 But be self-controlled in all things, do without comfort, go on preaching the good news, completing the work which has been given you to do.

6 For I am even now being offered, and my end is near.

7 I have made a good fight, I have come to the end of my journey, I have kept the faith:

8 From now on, the crown of righteousness is made ready for me, which the Lord, the upright judge, Will give to me at that day: and not only to me, but to all those who have had love for his revelation.

9 Do your best to come to me before long:

10 For Demas has gone away from me, for love of this present life, and has gone to Thessalonica: Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and take him with you; for he is of use to me in the work.

12 Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.

13 The coat which I did not take from Troas and which is with Carpus, get when you come, and the books, specially the papers.

14 Alexander the copper-worker did me much wrong: the Lord will give him the reward of his works:

15 But be on the watch for him, for he was violent in his attacks on our teaching.

16 At my first meeting with my judges, no one took my part, but all went away from me. May it not be put to their account.

17 But the Lord was by my side and gave me strength; so that through me the news might be given out in full measure, and all the Gentiles might give ear: and I was taken out of the mouth of the lion.

18 The Lord will keep me safe from every evil work and will give me salvation in his kingdom in heaven: to whom be glory for ever and ever. So be it.

19 Give my love to Prisca and Aquila and those of the house of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus was stopping at Corinth; but Trophimus, when I last saw him was at Miletus, ill.

21 Do your best to come before the winter. Eubulus sends you his love, and Pudens and Linus and Claudia, and all the brothers.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Timothy 4

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Chapter 4

In this chapter,

  • I. Paul with great solemnity and earnestness presses Timothy to the diligent and conscientious discharge of his work and office as an evangelist; and the charge given to him all gospel ministers are to take to themselves (v. 1-5).
  • II. The reason of his concern in this case, Why must Timothy now be instant in season, etc., in a particular manner? Because the church was likely to be deprived of the apostle's labours, for his departure was at hand (v. 6-8).
  • III. Divers particular matters, with a hint and caution, about Alexander the coppersmith (v. 9-15).
  • IV. He informs him of what befel him at his first answer; though men forsook him, the Lord stood by him, and this encouraged him to hope for future deliverance (v. 16-18). And then he concludes with salutations and a benediction (v. 19-22).

2Ti 4:1-8

Observe,

  • I. How awfully this charge is introduced (v. 1): I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. Observe, The best of men have need to be awed into the discharge of their duty. The work of a minister is not an indifferent thing, but absolutely necessary. Woe be to him if he preach not the gospel, 1 Co. 9:16. To induce him to faithfulness, he must consider,
    • 1. That the eye of God and Jesus Christ was upon him: I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ; that is, "as thou tenderest the favour of God and Jesus Christ; as thou wilt approve thyself to God and Jesus Christ, by the obligations both of natural and revealed religion; as thou wilt make due returns to the God who made thee and the Lord Jesus Christ who redeemed thee.'
    • 2. He charges him as he will answer it at the great day, reminding him of the judgment to come, which is committed to the Lord Jesus. He shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom, that is, when he appears in his kingdom. It concerns all, both ministers and people, seriously to consider the account that they must shortly give to Jesus Christ of all the trusts reposed in them. Christ shall judge the quick and the dead, that is, those that at the last day shall be found alive, and those who shall be raised to life out of the grave. Note,
      • (1.) The Lord Jesus Christ shall judge the quick and the dead. God hath committed all judgment unto the Son, and hath appointed him the Judge of quick and dead, Acts 10:42.
      • (2.) He will appear; he will come the second time, and it will be a glorious appearance, as the word epiphaneia signifies.
      • (3.) Then his kingdom shall appear in its glory: At his appearing and kingdom; for he will then appear in his kingdom, sitting on a throne, to judge the world.
  • II. What is the matter of the charge, v. 2-5. He is charged,
    • 1. To preach the word. This is ministers' business; a dispensation is committed to them. It is not their own notions and fancies that they are to preach, but the pure plain word of God; and they must not corrupt it, but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, they speak in Christ, 2 Co. 2:17.
    • 2. To urge what he preached, and to press it with all earnestness upon his hearers: "Be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort; do this work with all fervency of spirit. Call upon those under thy charge to take heed of sin, to do their duty: call upon them to repent, and believe, and live a holy life, and this both in season and out of season. In season, when they are at leisure to hear thee, when some special opportunity offers itself of speaking to them with advantage. Nay, do it out of season, even when there is not that apparent probability of fastening something upon them, because thou dost not know but the Spirit of God may fasten upon them; for the wind bloweth where it listeth; and in the morning we must sow our seed, and in the evening not withhold our hand,' Eccl. 11:6. We must do it in season, that is, let slip no opportunity; and do it out of season, that is, not shift off the duty, under pretence that it is out of season.
    • 3. He must tell people of their faults: "Reprove them, rebuke them. Convince wicked people of the evil and danger of their wicked courses. Endeavour, by dealing plainly with them, to bring them to repentance. Rebuke them with gravity and authority, in Christ's name, that they may take thy displeasure against them as an indication of God's displeasure.'
    • 4. He must direct, encourage, and quicken those who began well. "Exhort them (persuade them to hold on, and endure to the end) and this with all long-suffering and doctrine.'
      • (1.) He must do it very patiently: With all long-suffering. "If thou do not see the effect of thy labours presently, yet do not therefore give up the cause; be not weary of speaking to them.' While God shows to them all long-suffering, let ministers exhort with all long-suffering.
      • (2.) He must do it rationally, not with passion, but with doctrine, that is, "In order to the reducing of them to good practices, instil into them good principles. Teach them the truth as it is in Jesus, reduce them to a firm belief of it, and this will be a means both to reclaim them from evil and to bring them to good.' Observe,
        • [1.] A minister's work has various parts: he is to preach the word, to reprove, rebuke, and exhort.
        • [2.] He is to be very diligent and careful; he must be instant in season and out of season; he must spare no pains nor labour, but must be urgent with them to take care of their souls and their eternal concerns.
    • 5. He must watch in all things. "Seek an opportunity of doing them a kindness; let no fair occasion slip, through thy negligence. Watch to thy work; watch against the temptations of Satan, by which thou mayest be diverted from it; watch over the souls of those who are committed to thy charge.'
    • 6. He must count upon afflictions, and endure them, make the best of them. Kakopatheµson, endure patiently. "Be not discouraged by the difficulties thou meetest with, but bear them with an evenness of spirit. Inure thyself to hardships.'
    • 7. He must remember his office, and discharge its duties: Do the work of an evangelist. The office of the evangelist was, as the apostles' deputies, to water the churches that they planted. They were not settled pastors, but for some time resided in, and presided over, the churches that the apostles had planted, till they were settled under a standing ministry. This was Timothy's work.
    • 8. He must fulfil his ministry: Make full proof of it. It was a great trust that was reposed in him, and therefore he must answer it, and perform all the parts of his office with diligence and care. Observe,
      • (1.) A minister must expect afflictions in the faithful discharge of his duty.
      • (2.) He must endure them patiently, like a Christian hero.
      • (3.) These must not discourage him in his work, for he must do his work, and fulfil his ministry.
      • (4.) The best way to make full proof of our ministry is to fulfil it, to fill it up in all its parts with proper work.
  • III. The reasons to enforce the charge.
    • 1. Because errors and heresies were likely to creep into the church, by which the minds of many professing Christians would be corrupted (v. 3, 4): "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. Therefore improve the present time, when they will endure it. Be busy now, for it is seedtime; when the fields are white unto the harvest, put in the sickle, for the present gale of opportunity will be soon over. They will not endure sound doctrine. There will be those who will heap to themselves corrupt teachers, and will turn away their ears from the truth; and therefore secure as many as thou canst, that, when these storms and tempests do arise, they may be well fixed, and their apostasy may be prevented.' People must hear, and ministers must preach, for the time to come, and guard against the mischiefs that are likely to arise hereafter, though they do not yet arise. They will turn away their ears from the truth; they will grow weary of the old plain gospel of Christ, and then they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them, and God will give them up to those strong delusions, because they received not the truth in the love of it, 2 Th. 2:11, 12. Observe,
      • (1.) These teachers were of their own heaping up, and not of God's sending; but they chose them, to gratify their lusts, and to please their itching ears.
      • (2.) People do so when they will not endure sound doctrine, that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose; then they will have teachers of their own.
      • (3.) There is a wide difference between the word of God and the word of such teachers; the one is sound doctrine, the word of truth, the other is only fables.
      • (4.) Those that are turned unto fables first turn away their ears from the truth, for they cannot hear and mind both, any more than they can serve two masters. Nay, further, it is said, They shall be turned unto fables. God justly suffers those to turn to fables who grow weary of the truth, and gives them up to be led aside from the truth by fables.
    • 2. Because Paul for his part had almost done his work: Do thou make full proof of thy ministry, for I am now ready to be offered, v. 6. And,
      • (1.) "Therefore there will be the more occasion for thee.' When labourers are removed out of the vineyard, it is no time for those to loiter that are left behind, but to double their diligence. The fewer hands there are to work the more industrious those hands must be that are at work.
      • (2.) "I have done the work of my day and generation; do thou in like manner do the work of thy day and generation.'
      • (3.) The comfort and cheerfulness of Paul, in the prospect of his approaching departure, might encourage Timothy to the utmost industry, and diligence, and seriousness in his work. Paul was an old soldier of Jesus Christ, Timothy was but newly enlisted. "Come,' says Paul, "I have found our Master kind and the cause good; I can look back upon my warfare with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction; and therefore be not afraid of the difficulties thou must meet with. The crown of life is as sure to thee as if it were already upon thy head; and therefore endure afflictions, and make full proof of thy ministry.' The courage and comfort of dying saints and ministers, and especially dying martyrs, are a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian religion, and a great encouragement to living saints and ministers in their work. Here the apostle looks forward, upon his death approaching: I am now ready to be offered. The Holy Ghost witnessed in every city that bonds and afflictions did abide him, Acts 20:23. He was now at Rome, and it is probable that he had particular intimations from the Spirit that there he should seal the truth with his blood; and he looks upon it now as near at hand: I am already poured out; so it is in the original, eµdeµ spendomai; that is, I am already a martyr in affection. It alludes to the pouring out of the drink-offerings; for the blood of the martyrs, though it was not a sacrifice of atonement, was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the honour of the grace of God and his truths. Observe,
        • [1.] With what pleasure he speaks of dying. He calls it his departure; though it is probable that he foresaw he must die a violent bloody death, yet he calls it his departure, or his release. Death to a good man is his release from the imprisonment of this world and his departure to the enjoyments of another world; he does not cease to be, but is only removed from one world to another.
        • [2.] With what pleasure he looks back upon the life he had lived (v. 7): I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, etc. He did not fear death, because he had the testimony of his conscience that by the grace of God he had in some measure answered the ends of living. As a Christian, as a minister, he had fought a good fight. He had done the service, gone through the difficulties of his warfare, and had been instrumental in carrying on the glorious victories of the exalted Redeemer over the powers of darkness. His life was a course, and he had now finished it; as his warfare was accomplished, so his race was run. "I have kept the faith. I have kept the doctrines of the gospel, and never betrayed any of them.' Note,
          • First, The life of a Christian, but especially of a minister, is a warfare and a race, sometimes compared to the one in the scripture, and sometimes to the other.
          • Secondly, It is a good fight, a good warfare; the cause is good, and the victory is sure, if we continue faithful and courageous.
          • Thirdly, We must fight this good fight; we must fight it out, and finish our course; we must not give over till we are made more than conquerors through him who hath loved us, Rom. 8:37.
          • Fourthly, It is a great comfort to a dying saint, when he can look back upon his past life and say with our apostle, "I have fought, etc. I have kept the faith, the doctrine of faith and the grace of faith.' Towards the end of our days to be able to speak in this manner, what comfort, unspeakable comfort, will it afford! Let it then be our constant endeavour, by the grace of God, that we may finish our course with joy, Acts 20:24.
        • [3.] With what pleasure he looks forward to the life he was to live hereafter (v. 8): Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, etc. He had lost for Christ, but he was sure he should not lose by him, Phil. 3:8. Let this encourage Timothy to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ that there is a crown of life before us, the glory and joy of which will abundantly recompense all the hardships and toils of our present warfare. Observe, It is called a crown of righteousness, because it will be the recompence of our services, which God is not unrighteous to forget; and because our holiness and righteousness will there be perfected, and will be our crown. God will give it as a righteous Judge, who will let none love by him. And yet this crown of righteousness was not peculiar to Paul, as if it belonged only to apostles and eminent ministers and martyrs, but to all those also that love his appearing. Observe, It is the character of all the saints that they love the appearing of Jesus Christ: they loved his first appearing, when he appeared to take away sin by the sacrifice of himself (Heb. 9:26); they love to think of it; they love his second appearing at the great day; love it, and long for it: and, with respect to those who love the appearing of Jesus Christ, he shall appear to their joy; there is a crown of righteousness reserved for them, which shall then be given them, Heb. 9:28. We learn hence,
          • First, The Lord is the righteous Judge, for his judgment is according to truth.
          • Secondly, The crown of believers is a crown of righteousness, purchased by the righteousness of Christ, and bestowed as the reward of the saints' righteousness.
          • Thirdly, This crown, which believers shall wear, is laid up for them; they have it not at present, for here they are but heirs; they have it not in possession, and yet it is sure, for it is laid up for them.
          • Fourthly, The righteous Judge will give it to all who love, prepare, and long for his appearing. Surely I come quickly. Amen, even so come, Lord Jesus.

2Ti 4:9-15

Here are divers particular matters which Paul mentions to Timothy, now at the closing of the epistle.

  • 1. He bids him hasten to him, if possible (v. 9): So thy diligence to come shortly to me. For Timothy was an evangelist, one who was not a fixed pastor of any one place, but attended the motions of the apostles, to build upon their foundation. Paul wanted Timothy's company and help; and the reason he gives is because several had left him (v. 10); one from an ill principle, namely, Demas, who abides under an ill name for it: Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. He quitted Paul and his interest, either for fear of suffering (because Paul was now a prisoner, and he was afraid o coming into trouble upon his account) or being called off from his ministry by secular affairs, in which he entangled himself; his first love to Christ and his gospel was forsaken and forgotten, and he fell in love with the world. Note, Love to this present world is often the cause of apostasy from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. He has gone off, has departed to Thessalonica, called thither perhaps by trade, or by some other worldly business. Crescens had gone one way and Titus another way. Luke however remained with Paul (v. 11, 12), and was not this enough? Paul did not think it so; he loved the company of his friends.
  • 2. He speaks respectfully concerning Mark: He is profitable to me for the ministry. It is supposed that this Mark was he about whom Paul and Barnabas had contended, Acts 15:39. Paul would not take him with him to the work, because he had once flinched and drawn back: but now, says he, Take Mark, and bring him with thee. By this it appears that Paul was now reconciled to Mark, and had a better opinion of him than he had had formerly. This teaches us to be of a forgiving spirit; we must not therefore disclaim for ever making use of those that are profitable and useful, though they may have done amiss.
  • 3. Paul orders Timothy to come to him, bids him as he came through Troas to bring with him thence those things which he had left behind him there (v. 13), the cloak he had left there, which, it may be, Paul had the more occasion for in a cold prison. It is probable that it was the habit Paul usually wore, a plain dress. Some read it, the roll of parchment I left at Troas; others, the desk that I left. Paul was guided by divine inspiration, and yet he would have his books with him. Whereas he had exhorted Timothy to give attendance to reading, so he did himself, though he was now ready to be offered. As long as we live, we must be still learning. But especially the parchments, which some think were the originals of his epistles; others think they were the skins of which he made his tents, whereby he obtained a livelihood, working with his own hands.
  • 4. He mentions Alexander, and the mischief that he had done him, v. 14, 15. This is he who is spoken of Acts 19:33. It should seem, he had been a professor of the Christian religion, a forward professor, for he was there particularly maligned by the worshippers of Diana, and yet he did Paul much evil. Paul was in as much danger from false brethren (2 Co. 11:26) as from open enemies. Paul foretels that God would reckon with him. It is a prophetical denunciation of the just judgment of God that would befal him: The Lord will reward him according to his works. He cautions Timothy to take heed of him: "Of whom be thou aware also, that he do not, under pretence of friendship, betray thee to mischief.' It is dangerous having any thing to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. Observe,
    • (1.) Some who were once Paul's hearers and admirers did not give him reason to remember them with much pleasure; for one forsook him, and another did him much evil, and greatly withstood his words. Yet,
    • (2.) At the same time he mentions some with pleasure; the badness of some did not make him forget the goodness of others; such as Timothy, Titus, Mark, and Luke.
    • (3.) The apostle has left a brand on the names and memory of two persons; the one is Demas, who forsook him, having loved the present world, and the other is Alexander, who greatly withstood his words.
    • (4.) God will reward evil-doers, particularly apostates, according to their works.
    • (5.) Of such as are of Alexander's spirit and temper we should beware; for they will do us no good, but all the mischief that is in their power.

2Ti 4:16-22

Here,

  • I. He gives Timothy an account of his own present circumstances.
    • 1. He had lately been called to appear before the emperor, upon his appeal to Caesar; and then no man stood with him (v. 16), to plead his cause, to bear testimony for him, or so much as to keep him in countenance, but all men forsook him. This was strange, that so good a man as Paul should have nobody to own him, even at Rome, where there were many Christians, whose faith was spoken of throughout the world, Rom. 1:8. But men are but men. The Christians at Rome were forward to go and meet him (Acts 28); but when it came to the pinch, and they would be in danger of suffering with him, then they all forsook him. He prays that God would not lay it to their charge, intimating that it was a great fault, and God might justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. See what a distinction is put between sins of presumption and sins of infirmity. Alexander the coppersmith, who maliciously withstood Paul, he prays against: The Lord reward him according to his works; but respecting these Christians, who through weakness shrunk from Paul in time of trial, he says, The Lord lay it not to their charge. Observe,
      • (1.) Paul had his trials in his friends' forsaking him in a time of danger as well as in the opposition made by enemies: all forsook him.
      • (2.) It was their sin not to appear for the good apostle, especially at his first answer; but it was a sin of weakness, and therefore the more excusable. Yet,
      • (3.) God might lay it to their charge, but Paul endeavours to prevent it by his earnest prayers: Let it not be laid to their charge.
    • 2. Notwithstanding this God stood by him (v. 17), gave him extraordinary wisdom and courage, to enable him to speak so much the better himself. When he had nobody to keep him in countenance, God made his face to shine.-That by me the preaching might be fully known, that is, "God brought me out from that difficulty that I might preach the gospel, which is my business.' Nay, it should seem, that he might preach the gospel at that time; for Paul knew how to preach at the bar as well as in the pulpit. And that all the Gentiles might hear; the emperor himself and the great men who would never have heard Paul preach if he had not been brought before them. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, that is, of Nero (as some think) or some other judge. Some understand it only as a proverbial form of speech, to signify that he was in imminent danger. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work. See how Paul improved his experiences: "He that delivered doth deliver, and we trust he will yet deliver, will deliver me from every evil work, from any ill done to me by others. And shall preserve me to his heavenly kingdom.' And for this he gives glory to God, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. Observe,
      • (1.) If the Lord stand by us, he will strengthen us, in a time of difficulty and danger, and his presence will more than supply every one's absence.
      • (2.) When the Lord preserves his servants from great and imminent danger, it is for eminent work and service. Paul was preserved that by him the preaching might be fully known, etc.
      • (3.) Former deliverances should encourage future hopes.
      • (4.) There is a heavenly kingdom, to which the Lord will preserve his faithful witnessing or suffering servants.
      • (5.) We ought to give God the glory of all past, present, and future deliverances: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
  • II. He sends salutations to Aquila, and Priscilla, and the household of Onesiphorus, v. 19. He mentions his leaving Trophimus sick at Miletum (v. 20), by which it appears that though the apostles healed all manner of diseases miraculously, for the confirmation of their doctrine, yet they did not exert that power upon their own friends, lest it should have looked like a collusion.
  • III. He hastens Timothy to come to him before winter (v. 21), because he longed to see him, and because in the winter the journey or voyage would be more dangerous.
  • IV. He sends commendations to him from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. One of the heathen writers at this time mentions one Pudens and his wife Claudia, and says the Claudia was a Briton, whence some have gathered that it was this Pudens, and that Claudia here was his wife, and that they were eminent Christians at Rome.
  • V. He concludes with a prayer, that the Lord Jesus would be with his spirit. We need no more to make us happy than to have the Lord Jesus Christ with our spirits; for in him all spiritual blessings are summed up. And it is the best prayer we can put up for our friends, that the Lord Jesus Christ may be with their spirits, to sanctify and save them, and at last to receive them to himself; as Stephen the proto-martyr prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, Acts 7:59. "Lord Jesus, receive that spirit which thou hast been with while it was united to the body; do not now leave it in its separate state.' Grace be with you. Amen. This was our apostle's token in every epistle; so he wrote. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen, 2 Th. 3:17, 18. And if grace be with us here to convert and change us, to make us holy, to keep us humble, and to enable us to persevere to the end, glory will crown us hereafter: for the Lord is a sun, and a shield; the Lord will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from those that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee, Ps. 84:11, 12. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God our Saviour, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.