4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom.NRSV Paul had used these words previously (see 1 Timothy 5:21), but this time he included references to judgment and to Christ's return. Perhaps thoughts of judgment could not escape Paul's thoughts as his own death neared: "For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10 nrsv). The appearing of the kingdom, although still future in Paul's thought, was so certain as to be part of this charge and encouragement to Timothy. If we are convinced that Christ's return is inevitable, we too will be powerfully motivated by that fact.

I give you this charge.NIV Paul's final words to Timothy in this letter carried a charge (a command or injunction) witnessed by God and Christ Jesus. The charge is composed of five specific commands that follow. The aged apostle knew that his death was at hand and that he might not see Timothy again (although he hoped to, see 4:9, 11, 13, 21). Therefore these words held great importance for Timothy. Paul wanted Timothy to realize how critical it was for him to obey his words. Timothy would stand before the Lord at the Last Judgment and answer for how he responded to Paul's charge.

4:2 Preach the word!NKJV First and foremost, Timothy was to preach the message of the gospel. The word preach suggests vigorous proclamation! Paul wanted Timothy to be bold and passionate. It was up to Timothy to preach the gospel so that the Christian faith could spread throughout the world.

Be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable.NRSV Timothy must be always on duty and ready to serve, whether or not the opportunity was right. Paul, soon to die, may have looked back on his life realizing how short the time had been. Paul urged Timothy to make the most of the time he would be allotted on this earth, as Paul had written in Ephesians 5:16, "Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (niv).

Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.NIV Timothy should correct those who were in error by patiently and carefully explaining the truth, helping them to understand and accept it. Timothy should rebuke those who were sinning by patiently and carefully explaining their sin and their need for repentance. Timothy should encourage those who were growing, for even those growing in the faith need patient and careful instruction and guidance. Patience should always characterize Timothy's attitude as he dealt with the people in his church; careful instruction (or doctrine) should be the basis for his words. Patience and careful instruction insure that preaching, correcting, and rebuking will be compassionate, not harsh.

4:3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires.NRSV When Paul spoke about false teaching, he usually focused on the evil intentions of the false teachers. However, false teachers could not flourish if they had no audience. Here Paul was pointing out the fault on the part of the listeners. They would not put up with sound doctrine because it said what they didn't want to hear, convicting them and making demands they didn't want to follow. So these people would turn to others who would tell them what was more palatable. Like the false prophets of Old Testament times, these false teachers would teach whatever their audience wanted to hear. They had itching ears, which means they were seeking novel teaching and craving what satisfied their curiosity. To this end, they found teachers that suited their own desires.

4:4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.NIV These people would turn away from the truth taught by Timothy, wandering off into the false teachers' fascinating "myths and endless genealogies" (1 Timothy 1:4 nrsv). What they would hear made sense, seemed true, and made them comfortable. So wandering away from the difficult truth was easy.

4:5 But you, keep your head in all situations.NIV Once again, as in 2:1; 3:10, 14, Paul followed the mention of those who were wayward with a strong contrasting but you for his disciple. Timothy should keep his head whenever he interacted with people by not reacting quickly. Keeping his head would make him morally alert to temptation, resistant to pressure, and vigilant when facing heavy responsibility.

When Paul advised Timothy about self-control, there were more issues involved than Timothy's ability to monitor and channel his desires and impulses. Timothy had already discovered (as almost everyone who attempts to represent Christ discovers) that one's best intentions are often misunderstood by others. Where we offer instruction, some hear only narrow-mindedness; where we offer compassionate correction, some hear only harsh judgment; where we express God's standards, some hear only legalism or arrogance. Unfortunately, their responses are based on what they perceive rather than on what we mean. The ability to "keep our head" in those moments makes the real difference between failure and faithfulness. We "keep our head" in at least two significant ways:

(1) We must not retaliate against those who reject us. To become defensive, attack the other person, or even to ignore his or her words will not help.

(2) We must maintain the truth we have learned. We must listen to what has been said, lest our method or timing is ill-chosen, but we must not deviate from following Christ.

Endure suffering.NRSV The same Greek verb is used in 2:3, where Paul wrote, "Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (nrsv). The suffering, hardship, persecution, and struggles would only intensify in the days and months ahead. Many in Timothy's ministry would look to Timothy as their example. Timothy would have to endure. In fact, like his mentor Paul, Timothy did experience imprisonment (see Hebrews 13:23).

Do the work of an evangelist. That work was to proclaim the gospel to all people at all times, calling on them to repent and be saved. Whatever the obstacles, opposition of false teachers, problems of church administration, distractions, or discouragements, Timothy was not to allow any of them to keep him from his appointed task.

Carry out your ministry fully.NRSV This is also translated, "Discharge all the duties of your ministry" (niv). Nothing should deter Timothy from carrying out his duties until the day when his ministry would be completed (that is, at his death).

How can we know when we have fully carried out our ministry? By defining ministry in terms of lifelong goals rather than temporary jobs, positions, and opportunities. Then, when life ends, we will be able to say with Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (3:7).

4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.NIV Paul told the terrible truth. Departure here means not release but death. A drink offering consisted of wine poured out on an altar as a sacrifice to God (see Genesis 35:14; Exodus 29:41; Numbers 28:24). Paul viewed his life as an offering, poured out before God. Paul had used the same comparison in Philippians 2:17, where he wrote, "Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming for your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you" (niv). There will be times when service seems wasted. Sometimes, being poured out will feel like being thrown out! When that happens, remember Paul's image of the drink offering and be encouraged. Even if he had to die, Paul was content. Paul's commitment was total; thus, sacrificing his life to build others' faith seemed to him a joyous reward.

Paul's words about his departure would communicate to Timothy that he would not be able to count on Paul's presence or encouragement much longer. Shared leadership was ending. Timothy must take charge.

4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.NKJV Paul's three phrases, in the perfect tense, convey finality. Paul knew this was the end. He had called Timothy to "fight the good fight of the faith" (1 Timothy 6:12 nrsv); his own fight was over. The fight had been worthwhile, and he had fought well.

Paul's race was finished, or at least the end was clearly in sight. It is important to note that Paul made no claim to having won the race; he was content with having finished it. Marathon runners know the exhilaration of finishing the grueling miles of that race—they are thankful just to cross the finish line. Completion is a significant accomplishment, revealing incredible endurance and determination. In his farewell to the elders in the Ephesian church at the end of his third missionary journey (prior to heading to possible imprisonment in Jerusalem), Paul had said, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace" (Acts 20:24 niv).

I have kept the faith has been taken two ways: (1) Paul had remained loyal to God even in trials and had played by God's rules; or (2) Paul had guarded and preserved the gospel message. Most likely, the second meaning is correct.

Paul had called Timothy to "guard what has been entrusted to you" (1 Timothy 6:20 nrsv). "The faith" referred to what had been entrusted to Paul; this also had been entrusted to Timothy. Paul had never wavered in his faith and trusted that soon he would experience all the promises on which he had based his life and ministry.

4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day.NKJV In Roman athletic games, a laurel wreath was given to the winners. A symbol of triumph and honor, it was the most coveted prize in ancient Rome. This is probably what Paul was referring to when he spoke of a crown. Waiting for Paul, laid up for him, was a reward—the crown of righteousness. This phrase could be taken to mean that righteousness itself is the reward (as in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10, where the "crown of life" is the reward of eternal life), or that the crown is the reward for righteousness (see 3:16). In either case, Paul knew that a reward awaited him.

Paul would receive his reward from the Lord, the righteous Judge. Soon to be condemned to death for his faith, Paul would ultimately be vindicated by God himself. Paul's reward would be given on that Day, a reference to Christ's return. "Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20 niv).

And not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.NKJV This crown of righteousness, this reward, was not for Paul alone. It is promised to all who have loved the Lord and eagerly desire his return. What an encouragement to Timothy, to the loyal believers in his church, and to all believers. Whatever we may face—discouragement, persecution, or death—we know our reward is with Christ in eternity.

Life Application Bible Commentary - Life Application Bible Commentary – 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.

2 TIMOTHY 4:9-22

PAUL'S FINAL WORDS / 4:9-22

Paul was experiencing the loneliness of a leader whose team has dispersed. He was not entirely alone (4:21), but many of his working associates were on distant assignments. At least one former leader, Demas, had deserted Paul. So Paul was lonely and wanted Timothy to come and see him. He sent Tychicus to Ephesus with this letter, with the probable understanding that Tychicus would relieve Timothy of his duties there.

In describing for Timothy the various missions of their associates, Paul also revealed his passion for ministry. He was directing the efforts of many who were spreading the gospel even while he himself was on death row.

4:9 Do your best to come to me soon.NRSV Both here and in verse 21, Paul urged Timothy to come soon, preferably "before winter." We don't know what season of the year this was written, but this letter would have to be carried from Rome to Ephesus, and Timothy would then have to make the return trip. The whole process would take a few months. Paul knew his execution was imminent, but he had no idea how quickly it would be carried out. The Roman judicial system often had long delays in its processes; more likely, it was Paul's feeling of loneliness and isolation that prompted him to say "come soon." He longed to see Timothy one last time.

4:10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.NRSV Demas is also mentioned in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24. Instead of loving the Lord's appearing (4:8), Demas loved the world and so had deserted Paul. Unlike Onesiphorus (see 4:19 and 1:16-18), he probably was ashamed of Paul's chains and not willing to face the same fate for the Christian faith. Demas may not have deserted the faith, but he deserted the apostle in his time of need. Some scholars believe Demas had chosen to take an easier assignment.

Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.NRSV Mentioning Demas reminded Paul of more faithful coworkers. Paul did not criticize Crescens and Titus for leaving; apparently they had been sent to do the Lord's work in Galatia and Dalmatia (on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea). That Titus was dispatched from Rome to Dalmatia suggests that he no longer ministered in Crete (which was the focus of Paul's letter to Titus).

4:11 Only Luke is with me. Demas had deserted; Crescens, Titus, and Tychicus (4:12) had been sent on various missions; only Luke the doctor (Colossians 4:14) remained with Paul, possibly to help minister to his physical needs. Luke had accompanied Paul on the second and third missionary journeys, as well as the voyage to Rome (as noted by the "we" sections in Acts 16–28). This traveling companion and historian (author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts) probably had to frequently use his medical expertise as Paul and his companions were injured with whips and stones in their travels. He may have even been Paul's secretary for this epistle, putting 2 Timothy into writing as the aging apostle dictated. In addition, Luke probably cared for Paul's illness, described as a "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7-8. Luke had shared Paul's first Roman imprisonment. He is also mentioned in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24.

Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.NIV Paul missed his young helpers, Timothy and Mark. Timothy was to pick up Mark (apparently Mark was located somewhere along Timothy's route) and bring him along. This statement reveals an incredible change in Mark and in Paul's opinion of him. Mark had left Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey, and this had greatly upset Paul (Acts 13:13; 15:36-41). Barnabas had wanted to give Mark another chance, but Paul had flatly refused. This had led to the separation of Paul and Barnabas; Paul took Silas on the second missionary journey; but Barnabas took Mark on to Cyprus, to preach there. Barnabas (known for being an encourager) had apparently had a significant impact on the young Mark, for he later proved to be a worthy minister. At some point, Paul recognized Mark as a good friend and trusted Christian leader (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24). Mark had also been Peter's assistant (1 Peter 5:13) and composed the Gospel named after him, based on Peter's words.

We cannot be sure if Paul felt that Mark would be helpful to him personally, or if helpful to me refers to directing and facilitating the ministry outreach to the world. It's likely that both kinds of help were needed from Mark.

The extent of Paul's activity raises some questions about the actual nature of his imprisonment. Was he in a prison and limited to brief visits by those who kept contact with him from the outside? Was he under some form of house arrest that allowed him equal immobility but gave him far more access to others? In spite of Paul's reference to "my chain" in 1:16, the evidence available will not allow us to be exact on Paul's conditions. He was detained; he was involved in the process of the legal system (see 4:16); he anticipated his own death, though we cannot be sure that he expected to be executed. Whether released or executed, Paul was confident of his eventual "rescue" by Christ (see 4:18).

4:12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.NKJV Tychicus, a trusted companion (Acts 20:4) and messenger (he delivered the letters of Ephesians and Colossians—see Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7), had already left for Ephesus. The phrase here could mean that Tychicus would be delivering this letter to Timothy, being sent also to assume Timothy's role while Timothy traveled to Rome to see Paul. Tychicus was apparently useful for such ministries (see Titus 3:12).

4:13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, and especially the parchments.NIV Because he was a prisoner in a damp and chilly dungeon, Paul asked Timothy to bring him his cloak, a heavy outer garment, circular in shape with a hole in the middle for the head. Paul had left it at the home of a man named Carpus, apparently where Paul stayed on one of his visits to Troas (but probably not the visit mentioned in Acts 20:6, for that was several years earlier). Troas would also have been right on Timothy's way from Ephesus to Rome, so Timothy could stop and pick up the cloak.

Even more than the cloak, Paul wanted his scrolls and the parchments. Paul's arrest may have occurred so suddenly that he was not allowed to return home to gather his personal belongings. The scrolls would have included parts of the Old Testament. The parchments (Greek membranas) were very likely parchment or codices, frequently used in the first century for notebooks, memoranda, or first drafts of literary works. Perhaps these parchments were draft copies of some of Paul's epistles.

In our age of disposables we find it difficult to visualize that a person in Paul's day would have just one excellent, durable, and probably valuable cloak to use for a lifetime, often passing it on to children or heirs. Items like cloaks were too important, too difficult to make, to make poorly. Almost anything written was of great value as well. Paul was a scholar and would have gathered for his use a small but effective personal library. When Paul asked for scrolls and parchments, he wasn't asking for his whole library, but for a few treasured documents.

4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.NKJV Alexander may have been a witness against Paul at his trial, thus doing Paul much harm. This may be the Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20, although Alexander was a common name. Probably it was not the silversmith who had led the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:33). In any case, Timothy apparently knew the man and the situation. Paul had no personal desire for revenge against Alexander, as indicated by his paraphrase of Psalm 62:12: "Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done" (niv). (See also Romans 12:17-20.) However, Paul did not want Timothy to get into a confrontation and be harmed by this man, so Paul warned Timothy to stay away.

4:15 You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message.NRSV Timothy should beware of, be on his guard against, and stay away from Alexander. If Timothy were to arrive in Rome after Paul's death, he would be Alexander's next likely target. The message Alexander opposed could mean the gospel message, or Paul's words at his trial, where Alexander may have been a witness against Paul (4:14). As in other instances, especially those regarding the false teachers, Paul exhorted Timothy to have nothing to do with this man (see, for example, 2:23).

4:16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!NRSV This first defense was most likely a preliminary hearing at which advocates for the accused were usually heard. The Roman legal system allowed for several steps in the prosecution of an accused criminal. Clearly, the mention of a "first" indicates an expectation of a second defense. Perhaps the inconclusiveness of the first hearing was causing a lengthy delay.

In any case, no one had come to speak in Paul's defense or to stand by in his support; everyone had deserted him (compare 1:15). Although sorely disappointed, Paul seemed to understand, for he hoped that this would not be held against them (compare this to Jesus' words from the cross, Luke 23:34). Paul realized the fear the Christians were feeling; it had become extremely dangerous to be identified as a Christian in Rome. Emperor Nero had blamed the Christians for starting a great fire in Rome (a.d. 64). He had decreed that the Christians should be persecuted through torture and death as punishment. Three or four years later, when this letter was written, fear was still very present, causing Paul's fellow believers to be unwilling to defend him before the Roman authorities.

4:17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.NRSV Although no human being had come to support Paul at his hearing, the Lord had been with him. (See Mark 13:9-11 and Matthew 10:17-19, where Jesus promised help to those arrested for preaching the gospel.) Paul had sensed both the presence and the power of Christ. Paul used the word endunamai, meaning that God "infused" Paul with strength. Christ had helped Paul not just for Paul's benefit alone. He had supplied Paul with spiritual power, wisdom, and preaching skills in order to carry the message of the gospel to the listening Gentiles in the far corners of the earth (compare Philippians 1:12-14). Whatever would happen to Paul at his trial, Paul was confident that God's purposes would once again be fulfilled through him.

Even at the trial before the Roman authorities who were ready to execute this Christian leader, Paul had proclaimed the gospel! Paul regarded his ministry as complete and the gospel message as fully proclaimed after giving the message in Rome, because from Rome, the capital of the empire, all the world would eventually hear it. Whether Paul was thinking of the gospel fully proclaimed within the immediate context of his trial or the extended context of his ministry, both would have been his clear intention. In other instances (see the trial before Agrippa, Acts 26:1-28), Paul had been much more eager to proclaim the gospel than to defend himself.

On this occasion in Rome, no one else had appeared brave enough to be identified with Christ, but Paul's courage remained unhindered. He continued to live out his faith to the very end: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 nkjv).

So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.NRSV Some have seen this as a reference to Nero throwing Christians to the lions in the Coliseum, or perhaps to Satan (for a parallel, see 1 Peter 5:8). More likely, Paul used a common biblical metaphor describing deliverance from extreme danger (see, for example, Psalm 22:21; Daniel 6:22). Paul knew he wouldn't get out of prison alive, though he was experiencing a temporary reprieve due to a delay in the Roman judicial system.

4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.NIV Although rescued from certain death at the first hearing (and certainly at many times over the years of his ministry), Paul realized that the end was near. He was prepared to die, confident in God's power and sovereignty. The Lord's rescue mentioned here would not be physical this time, but spiritual. Here Paul was affirming his belief in eternal life after death. Anyone facing a life and death struggle can be comforted and encouraged knowing that God will bring each believer safely through death to heaven.

To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!NKJV Just as Paul praised God in life (see, for example, Galatians 1:5; Ephesians 3:21), he also praised God in the face of death.

4:19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.NIV Priscilla and Aquila were fellow Christian leaders with whom Paul had lived and worked (see Acts 18:2-3, 18, 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19). While in Corinth, Priscilla, Aquila, and Paul had made tents together. Priscilla and Aquila were an itinerant couple who used the freedom and the money provided by their tentmaking skills to carry out a ministry of hospitality and teaching in various places. They had lived in Rome and Corinth. This time they were in Ephesus, undoubtedly helping Timothy with his work.

Onesiphorus had visited and encouraged Paul in jail during this final imprisonment (see discussion 1:16-18). Paul ended the final chapter in his book and in his life by greeting those who were closest to him.

4:20 Erastus stayed in Corinth.NIV Erastus was one of Paul's trusted companions and Timothy's close friend (Acts 19:22). Timothy would be interested in his whereabouts.

And I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.NIV The same would be true of Trophimus, another companion and friend of both men (Acts 20:4; 21:29). Perhaps Trophimus was to have accompanied Paul from Asia to Rome on this last visit, but had to be left in Miletus because of illness. Commitment to ministry does not mean immunity to diseases, discouragement, or death. Paul experienced in himself and in his closest associates the realities of serving God in frail human frames under difficult circumstances. Hope, health, and security in this life are always temporary.

Timothy might not have been aware of Trophimus's illness and would have been glad to know the location of this friend from Ephesus.

4:21 Do your best to come before winter.NRSV Paul certainly wanted to see his friend as soon as possible (4:9). The request that Timothy try to arrive before winter probably included that desire—Paul knew that sailing on the Adriatic Sea was shut down for several weeks during winter because of extreme danger. This also gives insight into Paul's desire to have his cloak (4:13) before cold weather set in.

Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.NRSV Nothing further is known of the four men listed by name. Paul sent greetings from all the brothers and sisters, even though most had deserted him at his trial (4:16). Paul's spirit of forgiveness in including greetings from them must not be missed.

4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.NRSV The first sentence was directed personally to Timothy. The second includes the plural you and gives a final good-bye to all the believers.