2 Timothy 4:9-22 Concluding Comments & Personal Matters

Vs. 9: Be diligent to come to me quickly; Diligent: Make Haste, exert yourself, endeavor, do your best. Likely because Paul knows he doesn’t have much time. Paul has written two letters to Timothy concerning things he wants him to be aware of and remember, but he also wants to see him in person.

Vs. 10: Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world Demas had been Paul’s companion and fellow laborer: Col 4:14; Philemon 24 . Forsaken: to abandon, desert, leave in straits, leave helpless. Having loved this present world. As with many others before and since him, Demas went after worldly things whose value is only temporary. 1 John 2:15-17. Departed to Thessalonica. Not given the reason. Some speculate it was to escape persecution, since under Nero, it would have been limited to Rome for the time being.

Vs. 10: Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia For Galatia, some translations have “Gaul”. Galatia was in Asia Minor, Gaul in France. Galatia (Asia Minor) had been settled by Gauls from France. Dalmatia is on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. No way to know whether they went on their own or were sent. But in contrast to Demas, they are not mentioned as having abandoned Paul.

Vs. 11: Only Luke is With Me Same Luke who wrote Gospel of Luke and book of Acts. Referred to by Paul as the “beloved physician” in Col. 4:14. Book of Acts shows that Luke had accompanied Paul on much of his travels. Luke had been with Paul on his return from his 3rd journey, and was present with him in Jerusalem, Caesarea, and voyage to Rome. (Col. 4:14; Philemon 24)

Vs. 11: Get Mark and Bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry The use of Mark had earlier been as source of dispute between Paul and Barnabas. Acts 15:37-40. Paul speaks favorably of Mark in Col 4:10. Serves as a good example even when someone disappoints us to a point that leads to disagreements, we can overcome and love and live amicably.

Vs. 12: Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus Tychicus mentioned in Col. 4:7-8, Titus 3:12, Acts 20:4, Ephesians 6:21-22. Vs. 13: Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come…… Meaning of “Cloak” somewhat uncertain. Some say it was a portfolio for holding books, others say it was more like what we traditionally think of, a heavy, circular shaped garment with a hole in the middle for the head. It is supposed that Paul left his cloak with Carpus sometime between his first and second imprisonments.

Vs. 14: Alexander the Coppersmith did me much harm Though the name Alexander is mentioned in five different places in the NT, there is no way to know for sure that any refer to the same individual. Word for harm is from the Greek verb endeiknumi, which was used to refer to the laying of information against a man. Scholars speculate that he may have been an informer to the Romans, who provided information to them concerning Paul for financial gain. But we see from vs. 15, he resisted Paul’s word, so it surely involved that aspect as well. Coppersmith refers to a metal worker in general.

Vs. 14: May the Lord repay him…. God is a just God who will render to each of us according to our deeds. Romans 2:6-11. Paul did not personally seek to avenge himself for this wrong, but left that to God. Romans 12:17-19. Vs. 15: You must also be aware of him…. This is a biblical example of publically naming a person who resisted the truth. This is authority for us to do the same today. Alexander “greatly” resisted the words of Paul and his fellow teachers. This was another reason for Paul to be concerned about Timothy.

The defense to which Paul refers is uncertain. Vs. 16: At my first defense, no one stood with me, but all forsook me. The defense to which Paul refers is uncertain. Roman trials began with a preliminary examination during which the exact charge was determined. Paul may have been referring to this. The degree of persecution by this time was so great, it would have been dangerous for any of Paul’s companions to appear with him or accompany him. Vs. 16: May it not be charged against them…. Even though the failure to stand by this was deemed sufficient considered a charge, Paul was willing to forgive this. These words are reminiscent of those of Jesus (Luke 23:34) and Stephen (Acts 7:60).

Vs. 17: But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me... God has promised to never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:6, 8; Heb 13:5). Jesus said do not fear those who can only harm us physically, but fear God who is able to destroy soul and body (Matt. 10:28). Despite his former life, God had strengthened Paul and made him useful for His service. 1 Tim. 1:12-14. Paul was able to deal with any situation because of Christ’s strength (Phil. 4:13).

Vs. 17: But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, and that all the Gentiles might here. God has promised to never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:6, 8; Heb 13:5). Jesus said do not fear those who can only harm us physically, but fear God who is able to destroy soul and body (Matt. 10:28). Despite his former life, God had strengthened Paul and made him useful for His service. 1 Tim. 1:12-14. Paul was able to deal with any situation because of Christ’s strength (Phil. 4:13). Paul was chosen especially to work among Gentiles. Acts 9:15; 22:21. It’s possible that Nero himself may have heard Paul.

Vs. 17: Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Based on this verse, Paul faced the possibility of capital punishment. He may have escaped being thrown in the arena with lions (literally). It may have also been used figuratively to refer to Nero, or the devil. He might also have using the language of Psalm 22:21 to apply to his own situation.

Vs. 18: And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work….. Deliver is from a Greek word that means rescue from, preserve. 1 Peter 1:5 speaks of God protecting us through our faith. And preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. 1 Peter 1:11. The doxology in vs. 18, is similar to those in his other writings. As Paul faced death, and thought about the eternal heavenly kingdom, it surely provoked him to burst forth in praise and adoration for God.

Vs. 19: Greet Prisca and Aquila, household of Onesiphorus….. Priscilla and Aquila were co- workers of Paul mentioned in Acts 18, Romans 16 and 1 Cor. 16. Onesiphorus has already been mentioned as a great help to Paul (2 Timothy 1:16-18).. Vs. 20: Erastus stayed at Corinth, Trophimus I left sick at Miletus

Vs. 21: Do your utmost to come before winter….. Travel during winter months became very difficult and dangerous.