2 Timothy Chapter 4
1 I command 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 away to fables.
5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfil 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, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, 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 service.
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 deeds,
15 of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.
16 At my first defence, 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. So 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 him 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.
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2 Timothy Chapter 4 Guide
As the result of these charges, the apostle shows what Timothy's attitude must be toward those over whom he has oversight. There are four things which he must do. "Preach the Word," "reprove," "rebuke," "exhort." The qualities of the Word which are of value in building personal character are to be used in carrying out relative responsibility.
Then follow what are, in all probability, the last written words of Paul preserved to us. His position was that he was already "being offered." This was a reference to his consciousness that his life was drawing to a close. He referred to that coming experience as a "departure."
Looking back over the years of service, he had no lament, but triumphant thankfulness. Three phrases indicate his consciousness of that service, "I have fought," "I have finished," "I have kept." Looking to the future, he declared that a crown was laid up for him. He then referred to his associates. Demas had left him, having loved the present age. Crescens was away in Galatia, Titus in Dalmatia, both probably carrying out some mission. Luke was still by his side. Mark was absent, but Timothy was charged to bring him with him when he came. Tychicus was also absent in Ephesus. It is in some senses a sad picture, yet it glows with light. The final section is purely personal. Paul commissioned Timothy to bring a cloak, some books, and certain parchments.
It is impossible to read the close of this letter without seeing how remarkably the apostle had been brought into active fellowship with his Lord. His last words were of the nature of a prayer of desire, expressive of all he felt that Timothy would need in the midst of the difficulties and dangers of his position in Ephesus, "The Lord be with thy spirit." If this desire were fulfilled, the faithfulness of Timothy would be assured.
The closing sentence, "Grace be with you," is such as would be expected from Paul. The one theme of all his preaching and teaching had been grace. The way of grace is the way of the Lord's fellowship; it is by grace that the Master abides with the spirit of His servant.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
2 Timothy Chapter 4 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine. -- (1-5)
- Enforces the charge from his own martyrdom, then at hand. -- (6-8)
- Desires him to come speedily. -- (9-13)
- He cautions, and complains of such as had deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation to the heavenly kingdom. -- (14-18)
- Friendly greetings and his usual blessing. -- (19-22)
Verses 1-5
People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness, and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.
Verses 6-8
The blood of the martyrs, though not a sacrifice of atonement, yet was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the grace of God and his truth. Death to a good man, is his release from the imprisonment of this world, and his departure to the enjoyments of another world. As a Christian, and a minister, Paul had kept the faith, kept the doctrines of the gospel. What comfort will it afford, to be able to speak in this manner toward the end of our days! The crown of believers is a crown of righteousness, purchased by the righteousness of Christ. Believers have it not at present, yet it is sure, for it is laid up for them. The believer, amidst poverty, pain, sickness, and the agonies of death, may rejoice; but if the duties of a man's place and station are neglected, his evidence of interest in Christ will be darkened, and uncertainty and distress may be expected to cloud and harass his last hours.
Verses 9-13
The love of this world, is often the cause of turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by Divine inspiration, yet he would have his books. As long as we live, we must still learn. The apostles did not neglect human means, in seeking the necessaries of life, or their own instruction. Let us thank the Divine goodness in having given us so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; and let us seek that by reading them our profiting may appear to all.
Verses 14-18
There is as much danger from false brethren, as from open enemies. It is dangerous having to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. The Christians at Rome were forward to meet him, Ac 28, but when there seemed to be a danger of suffering with him, then all forsook him. God might justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. The apostle was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, that is, of Nero, or some of his judges. If the Lord stands by us, he will strengthen us in difficulties and dangers, and his presence will more than supply every one's absence.
Verses 19-22
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. It is the best prayer we can offer 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. Many who believed as Paul, are now before the throne, giving glory to their Lord: may we be followers of them.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.