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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on 2 Timothy 4
Commentary on 2 Timothy 4 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 4
2Ti 4:1-22. Solemn Charge to Timothy to Do His Duty Zealously, for Times of Apostasy Are at Hand, and the Apostle Is near His Triumphant End: Requests Him to Come and Bring Mark with Him to Rome, as Luke Alone Is with Him, the Others Having Gone: Also His Cloak and Parchments: Warns Him against Alexander: Tells What Befell Him at His First Defense: Greetings: Benediction.
1. charge—Greek, "adjure."
therefore—omitted in the oldest manuscripts.
the Lord Jesus Christ—The oldest manuscripts read simply, "Christ Jesus."
shall judge—His commission from God is mentioned, Ac 10:42; his resolution to do so, 1Pe 4:5; the execution of his commission, here.
at his appearing—The oldest manuscripts read, "and" for "at"; then translate, "(I charge thee before God … ) and by His appearing."
and his kingdom—to be set at His appearing, when we hope to reign with Him. His kingdom is real now, but not visible. It shall then be both real and visible (Lu 22:18, 30; Re 1:7; 11:15; 19:6). Now he reigns in the midst of His enemies expecting till they shall be overthrown (Ps 110:2; Heb 10:13). Then He shall reign with His adversaries prostrate.
2. Preach—literally, "proclaim as a herald." The term for the discourses in the synagogue was daraschoth; the corresponding Greek term (implying dialectial style, dialogue, and discussion, Ac 17:2, 18; 18:4, 19) is applied in Acts to discourses in the Christian Church. Justin Martyr [Apology, 2], describes the order of public worship, "On Sunday all meet and the writings of the apostles and prophets are read; then the president delivers a discourse; after this all stand up and pray; then there is offered bread and wine and water; the president likewise prays and gives thanks, and the people solemnly assent, saying, Amen." The bishops and presbyters had the right and duty to preach, but they sometimes called on deacons, and even laymen, to preach. Eusebius [Ecclesiastical History, 6.19]; in this the Church imitated the synagogue (Lu 4:17-22; Ac 13:15, 16).
be instant—that is, urgent, earnest, in the whole work of the ministry.
in season, out of season—that is, at all seasons; whether they regard your speaking as seasonable or unseasonable. "Just as the fountains, though none may draw from them, still flow on; and the rivers, though none drink of them, still run; so must we do all on our part in speaking, though none give heed to us" [Chrysostom, Homily, 30, vol. 5., p. 221]. I think with Chrysostom, there is included also the idea of times whether seasonable or unseasonable to Timothy himself; not merely when convenient, but when inconvenient to thee, night as well as day (Ac 20:31), in danger as well as in safety, in prison and when doomed to death as well as when at large, not only in church, but everywhere and on all occasions, whenever and wherever the Lord's work requires it.
reprove—"convict," "confute."
with, &c.—Greek, "IN (the element in which the exhortation ought to have place) all long-suffering (2Ti 2:24, 25; 3:10) and teaching"; compare 2Ti 2:24, "apt to teach." The Greek for "doctrine" here is didache, but in 2Ti 3:16, didascalia. "Didascalia" is what one receives; "didache" is what is communicated [Tittmann].
3. they—professing Christians.
sound doctrine—Greek, "the sound (see on 1Ti 1:10) doctrine (didascalias)" or "teaching," namely, of the Gospel. Presently follows the concrete, "teachers."
after their own lusts—Instead of regarding the will of God they dislike being interrupted in their lusts by true teachers.
heap—one on another: an indiscriminate mass of false teachers. Variety delights itching ears. "He who despises sound teaching, leaves sound teachers; they seek instructors like themselves" [Bengel]. It is the corruption of the people in the first instance, that creates priestcraft (Ex 32:1).
to themselves—such as will suit their depraved tastes; populus vult decipi, et decipiatur—"the people wish to be deceived, so let them be deceived." "Like priest, like people" (1Ki 12:31; Ho 4:9).
itching—like to hear teachers who give them mere pleasure (Ac 17:19-21), and do not offend by truths grating to their ears. They, as it were, tickle with pleasure the levity of the multitude [Cicero], who come as to a theater to hear what will delight their ears, not to learn [Seneca, Epistles, 10.8] what will do them good. "Itch in the ear is as bad in any other part of the body, and perhaps worse" [South].
4. The ear brooks not what is opposed to the man's lusts.
turned—Greek, "turned aside" (1Ti 1:6). It is a righteous retribution, that when men turn away from the truth, they should be turned to fables (Jer 2:19).
fables—(1Ti 1:4).
5. I am no longer here to withstand these things; be thou a worthy successor of me, no longer depending on me for counsel, but thine own master, and swimming without the corks [Calvin]; follow my steps, inherit their result, and the honor of their end [Alford].
watch thou—literally, "with the wakefulness of one sober."
in all things—on all occasions and under all circumstances (Tit 2:7).
endure affliction—suffer hardships [Alford].
evangelist—a missionary bishop preacher, and teacher.
make full proof of—fulfil in all its requirements, leaving nothing undone (Ac 12:25; Ro 15:19; Col 4:17).
6. Greek, "For I am already being offered"; literally, as a libation; appropriate to the shedding of his blood. Every sacrifice began with an initiatory libation on the victim's head (compare Note, see on Php 2:17). A motive to stimulate Timothy to faithfulness—the departure and final blessedness of Paul; it is the end that crowns the work [Bengel]. As the time of his departure was indicated to Peter, so to Paul (2Pe 1:14).
my departure—literally, "loosing anchor" (see on Php 1:23). Dissolution.
7. "I have striven the good strife"; the Greek is not restricted to a fight, but includes any competitive contest, for example, that of the racecourse (1Ti 6:12 [Alford]; 1Co 9:24, &c.; Heb 12:1, 2).
kept the faith—the Christian faith committed to me as a believer and an apostle (compare 2Ti 1:14; Re 2:10; 3:10).
8. a crown—rather as Greek, "the crown." The "henceforth" marks the decisive moment; he looks to his state in a threefold aspect: (1) The past "I have fought"; (2) The immediate present; "there is laid up for me." (3) The future "the Lord will give in that day" [Bengel].
crown—a crown, or garland, used to be bestowed at the Greek national games on the successful competitor in wrestling, running, &c. (compare 1Pe 5:4; Re 2:10).
of righteousness—The reward is in recognition of righteousness wrought in Paul by God's Spirit; the crown is prepared for the righteous; but it is a crown which consists in righteousness. Righteousness will be its own reward (Re 22:11). Compare Ex 39:30. A man is justified gratuitously by the merits of Christ through faith; and when he is so justified God accepts his works and honors them with a reward which is not their due, but is given of grace. "So great is God's goodness to men that He wills that their works should be merits, though they are merely His own gifts" [Pope Celestine I., Epistles, 12].
give—Greek, "shall award" in righteous requital as "Judge" (Ac 17:31; 2Co 5:10; 2Th 1:6, 7).
in that day—not until His appearing (2Ti 1:12). The partakers of the first resurrection may receive a crown also at the last day, and obtain in that general assembly of all men, a new award of praise. The favorable sentence passed on the "brethren" of the Judge, who sit with Him on His throne, is in Mt 25:40, taken for granted as already awarded, when that affecting those who benefited them is being passed [Bengel]. The former, the elect Church who reign with Christ in the millennium, are fewer than the latter. The righteous heavenly Judge stands in contrast to the unrighteous earthly judges who condemned Paul.
me—individual appropriation. Greek, "not only to me."
them that love—Greek, "have loved, and do love"; habitual love and desire for Christ's appearing, which presupposes faith (compare Heb 9:28). Compare the sad contrast, 2Ti 4:10, "having loved this present world."
9. (2Ti 4:21; 2Ti 1:4, 8.) Timothy is asked to come to be a comfort to Paul, and also to be strengthened by Paul, for carrying on the Gospel work after Paul's decease.
10. Demas—once a "fellow laborer" of Paul, along with Mark and Luke (Col 4:14; Phm 24). His motive for forsaking Paul seems to have been love of worldly ease, safety, and comforts at home, and disinclination to brave danger with Paul (Mt 13:20, 21, 22). Chrysostom implies that Thessalonica was his home.
Galatia—One oldest manuscript supports the reading "Gaul." But most oldest manuscripts, &c., "Galatia."
Titus—He must have therefore left Crete after "setting in order" the affairs of the churches there (Tit 1:5).
Dalmatia—part of the Roman province of Illyricum on the coast of the Adriatic. Paul had written to him (Tit 3:12) to come to him in the winter to Nicopolis (in Epirus), intending in the spring to preach the Gospel in the adjoining province of Dalmatia. Titus seems to have gone thither to carry out the apostle's intention, the execution of which was interrupted by his arrest. Whether he went of his own accord, as is likely, or was sent by Paul, which the expression "is departed" hardly accords with, cannot be positively decided. Paul here speaks only of his personal attendants having forsaken him; he had still friends among the Roman Christians who visited him (2Ti 4:21), though they had been afraid to stand by him at his trial (2Ti 4:16).
11. Take—Greek, "take up" on thy journey (Ac 20:13, 14). John Mark was probably in, or near, Colosse, as in the Epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:10), written two years before this, he is mentioned as about to visit them. Timothy was now absent from Ephesus and somewhere in the interior of Asia Minor; hence he would be sure to fall in with Mark on his journey.
he is profitable to me for the ministry—Mark had been under a cloud for having forsaken Paul at a critical moment in his missionary tour with Barnabas (Ac 15:37-40; 13:5, 13). Timothy had subsequently occupied the same post in relation to Paul as Mark once held. Hence Paul, appropriately here, wipes out the past censure by high praise of Mark and guards against Timothy's making self-complacent comparisons between himself and Mark, as though he were superior to the latter (compare Phm 24). Demas apostatizes. Mark returns to the right way, and is no longer unprofitable, but is profitable for the Gospel ministry (Phm 11).
12. And—Greek, "But." Thou art to come to me, but Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus to supply thy place (if thou so willest it) in presiding over the Church there in thy absence (compare Tit 3:12). It is possible Tychicus was the bearer of this Epistle, though the omission of "to thee" is rather against this view.
13. cloak … I left—probably obliged to leave it in a hurried departure from Troas.
Carpus—a faithful friend to have been entrusted with so precious deposits. The mention of his "cloak," so far from being unworthy of inspiration, is one of those graphic touches which sheds a flood of light on the last scene of Paul's life, on the confines of two worlds; in this wanting a cloak to cover him from the winter cold, in that covered with the righteousness of saints, "clothed upon with his house from heaven" [Gaussen]. So the inner vesture and outer garment of Jesus, Paul's master, are suggestive of most instructive thought (Joh 19:2).
books—He was anxious respecting these that he might transmit them to the faithful, so that they might have the teaching of his writings when he should be gone.
especially the parchments—containing perhaps some of his inspired Epistles themselves.
14. Alexander the coppersmith—or "smith" in general. Perhaps the same as the Alexander (see on 1Ti 1:20) at Ephesus. Excommunicated then he subsequently was restored, and now vented his personal malice because of his excommunication in accusing Paul before the Roman judges, whether of incendiarism or of introducing a new religion. See my Introduction. He may have been the Alexander put forward by the Jews in the tumult at Ephesus (Ac 19:33, 34).
reward—The oldest manuscripts read, "shall reward," or "requite him." Personal revenge certainly did not influence the apostle (2Ti 4:16, end).
15. our words—the arguments of us Christians for our common faith. Believers have a common cause.
16. At my first answer—that is, "defense" in court, at my first public examination. Timothy knew nothing of this, it is plain, till Paul now informs him. But during his former imprisonment at Rome, Timothy was with him (Php 1:1, 7). This must have been, therefore, a second imprisonment. He must have been set free before the persecution in A.D. 64, when the Christians were accused of causing the conflagration in Rome; for, had he been a prisoner then, he certainly would not have been spared. The tradition [Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 2.251] that he was finally beheaded, accords with his not having been put to death in the persecution, A.D. 64, when burning to death was the mode by which the Christians were executed, but subsequently to it. His "first" trial in his second imprisonment seems to have been on the charge of complicity in the conflagration; his absence from Rome may have been the ground of his acquittal on that charge; his final condemnation was probably on the charge of introducing a new and unlawful religion into Rome.
stood with me—Greek, "came forward with me" [Alford] as a friend and advocate.
may it not be laid to their charge—The position of "their," in the Greek, is emphatic. "May it not be laid to THEIR charge," for they were intimidated; their drawing back from me was not from bad disposition so much as from fear; it is sure to be laid to the charge of those who intimidated them. Still Paul, like Stephen, would doubtless have offered the same prayer for his persecutors themselves (Ac 7:60).
17. the Lord—the more because men deserted me.
stood with me—stronger than "came forward with me" (Greek, 2Ti 4:16).
strengthened—Greek, "put strength in me."
by me—"through me"; through my means. One single occasion is often of the greatest moment.
the preaching—"the Gospel proclamation."
might be fully known—might be fully made (see on 2Ti 4:5).
that all the Gentiles—present at my trial, "might hear" the Gospel proclaimed then. Rome was the capital of the Gentile world, so that a proclamation of the truth to the Romans was likely to go forth to the rest of the Gentile world.
I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion—namely, Satan, the roaring, devouring lion (Lu 22:31; 1Pe 5:8). I was prevented falling into his snare (2Ti 2:26; Ps 22:21; 2Pe 2:9); 2Ti 4:18 agrees with this interpretation, "The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work," namely, both from evil and the evil one, as the Greek of the Lord's Prayer expresses it. It was not deliverance from Nero (who was called the lion) which he rejoiced in, for he did not fear death (2Ti 4:6-8), but deliverance from the temptation, through fear, to deny His Lord: so Alford.
18. And the Lord shall, &c.—Hope draws its conclusions from the past to the future [Bengel].
will preserve me—literally, "will save" (Ps 22:21), "will bring me safe to." Jesus is the Lord and the Deliverer (Php 3:20; 1Th 1:10): He saves from evil; He gives good things.
heavenly kingdom—Greek, "His kingdom which is a heavenly one."
to whom, &c.—Greek, "to whom be the glory unto the ages of ages." The very hope produces a doxology: how much greater will be the doxology which the actual enjoyment shall produce! [Bengel].
19. Prisca and Aquila—(Ac 18:2, 3; Ro 16:3, 4; 1Co 16:19, written from Ephesus, where therefore Aquila and Priscilla must then have been).
household of Onesiphorus—If he were dead at the time, the "household" would not have been called "the household of Onesiphorus." He was probably absent (see on 2Ti 1:16).
20. In order to depict his desertion, he informs Timothy that Erastus, one of his usual companions (Ac 19:22, possibly the same Erastus as in Ro 16:23, though how he could leave his official duties for missionary journeys is not clear), stayed behind at Corinth, his native place, or usual residence, of which city he was "chamberlain," or city steward and treasurer (Ro 16:23); and Trophimus he left behind at Miletus sick. (On his former history, see on Ac 20:4; Ac 21:29). This verse is irreconcilable with the imprisonment from which he writes being the first: for he did not pass by Corinth or Miletus on his way to Rome when about to be imprisoned for the first time. As Miletus was near Ephesus, there is a presumption that Timothy was not at Ephesus when Paul wrote, or he would not need to inform Timothy of Trophimus lying sick in his immediate neighborhood. However, Trophimus may not have been still at Miletus at the time when Paul wrote, though he had left him there on his way to Rome. Prisca and Aquila were most likely to be at Ephesus (2Ti 4:19), and he desires Timothy to salute them: so also Onesiphorus' household (2Ti 1:18). Paul had not the power of healing at will (Ac 19:12), but as the Lord allowed him.
21. before winter—when a voyage, according to ancient usages of navigation, would be out of the question: also, Paul would need his "cloak" against the winter (2Ti 4:13).
Pudens … Claudia—afterwards husband and wife (according to Martial [Epigrams, 4.13; 11.54]), he a Roman knight, she a Briton, surnamed Rufina. Tacitus [On Agriculture, 14], mentions that territories in southeast Britain were given to a British king; Cogidunus, in reward for his fidelity to Rome, A.D. 52, while Claudius was emperor. In 1772 a marble was dug up at Chichester, mentioning Cogidunus with the surname Claudius, added from his patron, the emperor's name; and Pudens in connection with Cogidunus, doubtless his father-in-law. His daughter would be Claudia, who seems to have been sent to Rome for education, as a pledge of the father's fidelity. Here she was under the protection of Pomponia, wife of Aulus Plautius, conqueror of Britain. Pomponia was accused of foreign superstitions, A.D. 57 [Tacitus, Annals, 3.32], probably Christianity. She probably was the instrument of converting Claudia, who took the name Rufina from her, that being a cognomen of the Pomponian gens (compare Ro 16:13, Rufus, a Christian). Pudens in Martial and in the Chichester inscription, appears as a pagan; but perhaps he or his friends concealed his Christianity through fear. Tradition represents Timothy, a son of Pudens, as taking part in converting the Britons.
Linus—put third; therefore not at this time yet, as he was afterwards, bishop. His name being here inserted between Pudens and Claudia, implies the two were not yet married. "Eubulus" is identified by some with Aristobulus, who, with his converts, is said to have been among the first evangelists of Britain. Paul himself, says Clement, "visited the farthest west [perhaps Britain, certainly Spain], and was martyred under the rulers at Rome," who were Nero's vicegerents in his absence from the city.
22. Grace be with you—plural in oldest manuscripts, "with YOU," that is, thee and the members of the Ephesian and neighboring churches.