2 Timothy 4

In this final chapter of Paul's second letter to Timothy, Paul gives his last charge to Timothy, urging him to preach the Word faithfully. Paul also reflects on his own life, recognizing that his time is drawing near and that he has kept the faith. He warns Timothy of the dangers of false teaching and encourages him to fulfill his ministry, even in the face of opposition. Paul concludes with personal notes, acknowledging his companions and sending greetings.

2 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV)
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:

Paul begins by solemnly charging Timothy in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, reminding him that Jesus will judge everyone, both those alive and those who have died, when He returns to establish His kingdom. This underscores the seriousness of Timothy’s responsibility and the accountability before God for how he fulfills his calling.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV)
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Paul exhorts Timothy to proclaim the message of the gospel with urgency, whether conditions are favorable or not. He must be persistent, using his ministry to correct, warn, and encourage others, always with patience and careful instruction. This charge emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God's Word, regardless of the challenges.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Paul warns that there will come a time when people will no longer tolerate the truth of sound doctrine. Instead, they will seek out teachers who tell them what they want to hear, satisfying their own desires and turning away from the truth toward myths and falsehoods. This highlights the need for Timothy to remain steadfast in the truth and not be swayed by popular opinions or false teachings.

2 Timothy 4:5 (NKJV)
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

In contrast to those who turn away from the truth, Paul instructs Timothy to stay alert and vigilant, enduring hardships for the sake of the gospel. He is to continue the work of an evangelist, proclaiming the good news, and fulfill the responsibilities of his ministry faithfully. Paul emphasizes the perseverance needed in serving God, despite the difficulties Timothy may face.

2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NKJV)
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Paul reflects on his life, acknowledging that his time on earth is coming to an end. He uses the imagery of a drink offering, symbolizing that he has given his life in service to God. He looks back on his ministry with satisfaction, knowing that he has remained faithful, fought the battles of faith, and completed the mission God had given him.

2 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)
Finally, there is laid 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 who have loved His appearing.

Paul is confident in his reward from the Lord, describing it as a crown of righteousness that will be given to him at the final judgment. This reward is not just for him but for all who have longed for Christ’s return. Paul’s hope in eternal life and the promise of a future reward serves as an encouragement to Timothy and all believers to remain faithful.

2 Timothy 4:9-10 (NKJV)
Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

Paul asks Timothy to come quickly because he is feeling the sting of desertion. Demas, one of Paul’s former companions, abandoned him out of a love for the world, choosing to go to Thessalonica. Others like Crescens and Titus have also left, but for different reasons, perhaps for ministry. This reflects Paul's loneliness and need for Timothy's companionship.

2 Timothy 4:11-12 (NKJV)
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

Paul notes that Luke, the beloved physician, is his only remaining companion. He asks Timothy to bring Mark, indicating that Mark has now become valuable for ministry, despite their earlier conflict. Paul also mentions that Tychicus has been sent to Ephesus, likely to continue ministering in that region. This shows Paul’s strategic planning for the continuation of the ministry.

2 Timothy 4:13 (NKJV)
Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

Paul makes a personal request for Timothy to bring his cloak, likely because he anticipates the cold. He also asks for his books and parchments, indicating that even in his final days, Paul remains devoted to study and possibly writing. This request highlights Paul's practical needs and his enduring commitment to the gospel.

2 Timothy 4:14-15 (NKJV)
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

Paul warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith, who had opposed Paul’s teaching and caused him harm. Paul leaves judgment in God's hands but advises Timothy to be cautious of him. This serves as a reminder to Timothy to be aware of those who oppose the gospel and to be discerning in his ministry.

2 Timothy 4:16 (NKJV)
At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

Paul reflects on the loneliness he experienced during his first trial, where no one stood by him. Despite the abandonment, Paul extends grace, praying that God would not hold it against those who deserted him. This highlights Paul's forgiving nature, even in times of personal hardship.

2 Timothy 4:17-18 (NKJV)
But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

Paul contrasts the abandonment by others with the faithful presence of the Lord, who strengthened him during his trial. Through God’s help, Paul was able to proclaim the gospel fully to the Gentiles. He also expresses confidence that God will continue to deliver him from harm and bring him safely into His eternal kingdom. Paul's gratitude and trust in God's deliverance are clear in his words of praise.

2 Timothy 4:19-20 (NKJV)
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.

Paul sends greetings to familiar names in his ministry circle, including Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, who were his close companions. He also mentions Onesiphorus’ household and notes that Erastus stayed in Corinth. Paul acknowledges that Trophimus was left behind in Miletus due to illness. These personal remarks show Paul's ongoing care for his fellow workers.

2 Timothy 4:21 (NKJV)
Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.

Paul urges Timothy to hurry and visit him before winter, as time is running short. He also passes on greetings from others who are with him, showing that he is still connected to the Christian community even in his final days. The inclusion of specific names indicates Paul's personal concern for his companions and their mutual support in the faith.

2 Timothy 4:22 (NKJV)
The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul closes his letter with a final blessing, invoking the presence of the Lord Jesus to be with Timothy in spirit. He prays for God’s grace to be with him, expressing his love and desire for Timothy’s spiritual well-being. This farewell underscores Paul's faith in Christ's sustaining grace, even as he approaches the end of his own life.