PAUL’S LETTERS TO TIMOTHY
Exhortation and conclusions
2 Timothy chapter 4
Introduction
In this chapter, we have the last words of the Apostle Paul written in the New Testament. They consist of a conjuration (strong admonishment) to Timothy with respect to preaching the Gospel; also, in various instructions, information and observations with reference to his own situation.
Solemn exhortation – verses 1 to 5
"Before God and the Lord Jesus Christ" in view of the final trial and the establishment of His kingdom:
-
Timothy is to "preach the Word" (the Gospel), in all circumstances, convenient or not; and especially in the sense of ministry for those who, assuming the position of Christians, do not manifest the special life that corresponds to it. The ministry will have to be with patience and constant biblical teaching (v. 2).
-
The reason for this great need for persistent teaching is that there will be preference for other less "severe" teaching than that found in the Bible, more "modern" and pleasing to worldly life and that which most "Christians" will want to live. The biblical teachings to the disciples of Christ will be called "Puritan", too "strict" for "our more liberal days, more tolerant, more self-determining" etc. .. They will prefer “fables" – those of films, television, and the so called "science" - and will have no appetite for the truth, for what GOD says (vs. 3-4).
-
But Timothy, as a true Christian, must comply with four exhortations of the apostle:
-
Constant prudence,
-
patience in "afflictions" (especially satanic persecution and obstacles)
-
faithfulness to the Gospel and service
-
strict observance of his service to God (v. 5). See Acts 20:24.
-
Parenthesis – verses 6 to 8
In this paragraph, the apostle seems to explain to himself (happily) the words of v. 5, to encourage Timothy, showing him that the admonishment did not require an impossibility, since he himself (Paul) had gone through the same experiences and difficulties, had won the fight against evil and now the sacrifice (his whole life) would be completed by the "libation" of his martyrdom (see Genesis 35:14 and Exodus 29:40). The Apostle felt assured of divine acceptance of his sacrifice – his life consecrated to the service of God.
He had fought well, ran well and kept the treasure entrusted to him - the Gospel message (v. 7). Now he could confidently foresee the coronation by the Judge (1st Corinthians 3:14), along with all His faithful servants (v. 8).
Conclusion – verses 9 to 22
In this part of the chapter, we have notices, requests, information, hopes and farewell.
- Requests. That Timothy come over to Paul, bringing him the coat and books; that he get Mark to come with him; and to come immediately, before winter.
- Notice: Alexander. This coppersmith had shown himself an enemy of Paul and should be avoided by Timothy.
- Information. Demas, Crescens, Titus and Tychicus have gone to other places, for various reasons: Demas for infidelity the others in the service of the Gospel.
Additional notes:
Demas is mentioned in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24 as "cooperating" with Paul. Unfortunately, he did not "finish the race," but departed to the world.
Titus was on evangelical service to Dalmatia (also called Illiricus, now Yugoslavia), where Paul had started preaching the Gospel - see Romans 15:9.
Luke is the "beloved physician" of Colossians 4:14 and the author of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.
Tychicus is the "beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord" mentioned in Ephesians 6:21-22 and Colossians 4:7. It seems that it was he who would be taking this letter to Timothy in Ephesus so that Timothy would come immediately to Paul in Rome.
Mark is the one that left Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13) and Paul refused to take in the second (Acts 15:38). However, he has now become "useful for service" and then wrote his Gospel. See also 1 Peter 5:13.
"The first defence" (v.16) may refer to a preliminary questioning before the court in Rome; it gave him the opportunity for a strong witness to the Gospel and the apostle was returned to prison until new evidence was produced. So he was "freed from the lion's mouth" (a common saying). However, whatever the outcome of the next charge, Paul had the glorious assurance of eternal salvation (v.18).
Prisca and Aquila were the companions of Acts 18:18, 26; later they were in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:19), Rome (Romans 16:3) and again in Ephesus. Erastus was city treasurer of Corinth (Romans 16:23). Trophimus was of Ephesus (Acts 21:29); having been left sick at Miletus, what is the reason for not having been healed by Paul? ... The gift of healing was not used without the full direction of the Lord; it is not mentioned in James 5:14-16.
Richard Dawson Jones (1895 - 1987)
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 ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 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;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 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.
9 Be diligent to come to me quickly;
10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.
15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
16 At my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
17 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.
18 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!
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
21 Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
2 Timothy chapter 4