2 Timothy 4

The chief work of Christ’ servants, and how people will be

Therefore I give you this charge in the presence of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom:

4:1 How very solemnly Paul now speaks. He has something of very great importance to say. “Judge”– John 5:27; Acts 17:31; Rom 2:16; 1 Cor 4:5; 2 Cor 5:10.⚜

2 Preach the Word. Be ready in season, out of season. Refute errors, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but following their own desires they will heap up teachers for themselves because they will have itching ears. 4 And they will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn them to empty stories. 5 But you be watchful in everything. Endure hardships. Do the work of an evangelist. Make full proof of your ministry.

Paul’s confidence and joy at the close of his life

6 For I am now being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is reserved for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day, and not to me only, but also to all those who love his appearing.

Personal remarks

9 Make every effort to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas has deserted me, because he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. 12 And I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. The Lord repay him for what he has done. 15 You too beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

4:14-15 See 2 Tim 1:15; 2:17; 1 Tim 1:20. Paul did not hesitate to name harmful individuals and warn people about them.⚜

16 At my first defense no man stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be put to their account. 17 However, the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully known, and all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

4:17 Men may desert the servants of the Lord Jesus but the Lord will not – Heb 13:5-6.⚜

Paul’s assurance in Christ

18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will keep me safe for his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Closing words

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, but I have left Trophimus at Miletum sick. 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens does too, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

4:21 Verses 9,13. Winter in that area could be very cold.⚜

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

4:22 These are the last written words we have of the great apostle. He repeats two principal themes of his whole ministry – the presence of the Lord Jesus with His people and the grace of God which saves, keeps, and blesses them.⚜