The story is told of the umpire who called a strike on Babe Ruth. The Babe turned around and angrily shouted, "Hey, meathead! Me and 40,000 people here know that pitch was a ball!" The umpire replied, "Yeah, and mine is the only opinion that matters."
Review
Last week we talked about how in the last days people would get worse and worse.
2 Timothy 3:1 (HCSB)But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days.
In the last days, perilous times will come.
2 Timothy 3:2-5 (HCSB)2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good,4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people!
They will be selfish and only think about themselves. Their aim in life is to get as much money as they can for their own benefit. Paul says have nothing to do with these folk.
False teachers may seem to succeed. But that success will not last long. The truth will win in the end.
In light of this Paul still expects Timothy to obey what he has been taught .
2 Timothy 3:14-15 (HCSB)14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you,15 and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
The gospel is not popular. As he gears up for ministry, Timothy needs to know that only God's opinion matters. In this chapter, which are the last written words of Paul we have, Paul instructs Timothy to think of eternity.
Today's Study 2 Timothy Chapter 4
Before we read chapter 4 I have a question.1. How do you respond when you see friends turning away from the faith?
2. What is the significance of the way in which Paul describes God ?
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (HCSB) 1 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.
He describes God and Jesus Christ as witnesses to the charge or command he is giving Timothy. He also says that Jesus is the one who will judge those who are living as well as all those who have died before His second coming. This includes believers and nonbelievers.
Believers at the judgement seat of Christ
Romans 14:10 (HCSB) But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God.
This has nothing to do with salvation but for rewards because we are saved by grace through faith.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (HCSB) 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
Non-believers at the Great White Throne Judgment
Revelation 20:11-15 (HCSB) 11 Then I saw a great white throne and One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. 12 I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. 13 Then the sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead; all were judged according to their works. 14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
This judgment does not determine salvation, either. Everyone at the Great White Throne is an unbeliever who has rejected Christ in life and is therefore already doomed to the lake of fire.
For Paul to charge Timothy wasn't unique in Scriptu
Moses charged Joshua
Deuteronomy 31:7 (HCSB) Moses then summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land the LORD swore to give to their fathers. You will enable them to take possession of it.David charged Solomon
1 Kings 2:1-4 (HCSB)1 As the time approached for David to die, he instructed his son Solomon,2 “As for me, I am going the way of all of the earth. Be strong and be ⌊courageous⌋ like a man,
3 and keep your obligation to the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees. This is written in the law of Moses, so that you will have success in everything you do and wherever you turn,4 and so that the LORD will carry out His promise that He made to me: ‘If your sons are careful to walk faithfully before Me with their whole mind and heart, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
Jesus charged the apostles
John 13:34 (HCSB) “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.Paul charged Timothy to Preach the gospel.
What is the gospel he's to preach?1 Corinthians 15:1-4(HCSB) 1 Now brothers, I want to clarify for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it. 2 You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you—unless you believed for no purpose. 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day
Be instant (persistent) in preaching it .
Be ready, be at hand, both when it is convenient and when it is not.
Reprove (rebuke, correct)
Exhort (encourage)
The Greek word used is parakaleō (par-ak-al-eh'-o) it is often translated comfort or beseech. Sounds close to paraklētos which is the Greek word for Comforter doesn't it. That comforter we know as the Holy Spirit. Comforter, is a different form of the same word used to encourage.
John 14:16 (KJV) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
The preaching of the gospel is to be done with patience.
Remember what he told Timothy about dealing with those who argue about words and quibble over unimportant things.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (HCSB) 24 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading ⌊them⌋ to the knowledge of the truth.
3. What charge was Timothy to keep?
2 Timothy 4:3-5 (HCSB) 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, be serious about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
The people would rather hear what pleases them. They will find teachers that will tell them what r ears away from the truth so that they cannot hear it. They will prefer that which is new or strange. They will believe false ideas and refuse the word of God.
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| Don't want to hear the gospel |
want to hear. These teachers, much like the false teachers were doing in Ephesus would, amuse them, or interest them in something new, a new revelation. But the bottom line is that they will not change. They will turn thei
- Watch
occurrences the idea of watchfulness and alertness is stressed.
- Endure afflictions
- Do the work of an evangelist
Timothy's life had included a lot of evangelism, along with pastoral and teaching work. In our study of spiritual gifts we defined an evangelist as a person with the divine enablement to effectively communicate the message of Christ to unbelievers who respond in faith and discipleship. This term literally means "messenger of good news". They have a strong desire to communicate the message of salvation to a lost world. A person with this gift often looks and prays for opportunities to work Christ into the conversation.
- Make full proof of thy ministry
Complete, fulfill his ministry
Here's the way Paul says he wants to fulfill his ministry.
Acts 20:22-24 (HCSB) 22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, 23 except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. 24 But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
4. The gospel made a big impact in Ephesus, but Paul foresees a major drift of people out of the faith. How does he tell Timothy to handle it?
2 Timothy 4:5 (HCSB) But as for you, be serious about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
A lot happened in Ephesus most of it recorded in Acts 19. It ended with a riot.
Acts 19:23-29 (HCSB) 23 During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way.24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business.26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! 27 So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world adore.” 28 When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions.
5. Paul is seeing a big part of what he labored so hard to build under God's power dissolve. How can he still feel such satisfaction about his life?
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (HCSB) 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8 There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.
Paul had to watch a backlash against his apostleship, the incursion of false teaching and rival leaders into his key churches, and desertion by many former associates.
The Lord had called Paul to have faith in Him; this he has done. He had no control over the rest of the situation. Neither do we. He grieved, but did not blame himself. Many Christians go through similar things. If satisfaction in life is based on success, we're in trouble.
6. What life tasks do you need to finish in order to share Paul's satisfaction?
My ministry other than to support those in leadership is to cause the body of Christ to take responsibility for our own actions. To stop blaming Satan and demonic influences for things that we do ourselves or don't do ourselves. To blame and not work out our salvation. Faith is an action word not a sit down and do nothing word expecting God to do things that He Himself has told us to do. Having preached that I am satisfied that I have done what I have been called to do. It's frustrating when you don't see growth or change but like Paul I'm frustrated and grieved for them but I don't blame myself because I have done what I believe God has called me to do.
7. What does 2 Tim. 4:9-13 reveal about Paul's situation?
2 Timothy 4:9-13 (HCSB) 9 Make every effort to come to me soon, 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. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.
Paul's aloneness, Paul had just said in verses 6-8 essentially that he was going to die soon. So he
really wanted to see Timothy. So, he urges Timothy to come as quickly as he can.
His rejection by a former associate who Timothy would have known, Demas had been a friend whom Paul trusted. The first time Paul was in prison in Rome, Demas supported him well.
Philemon 1:23-24 (HCSB) 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, and so do24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.
But now Demas had gone. Perhaps he wanted an easier life. Perhaps a desire for money caused him to leave Paul. Whatever the reason, he did leave Paul and went to Thessalonica.
Still he continued to send others out in dispatching others like Titus and Tychicus to various jobs,Luke had stayed with Paul. Luke had travelled much with him. Luke was a doctor.
Colossians 4:14 (HCSB) Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas greet you.
Notice that Demas was there also when Paul wrote the letter to the Colossian church. Colossians, like Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, was written from prison and was delivered with the Epistle to Philemon and (possibly) Ephesians by Tychicus and Onesimus
Luke was also the writer of the Gospel of Luke and of the Acts.
Paul asks Timothy, when he comes, to bring Mark with him. There is some evidence that this is the same person who wrote the gospel of Mark and who was very close to Peter. He was Barnabas' cousin and Paul Barnabas took Mark to Antioch on their first journey missionary journey from Antioch. For some reason he left them and returned home Mark, who at first failed, later proved his worth. While Paul was in prison the first time, Mark was a great help to him.
Colossians 4:10 (HCSB) Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
Since that early failure, Mark had served the Lord and Paul in the spread of the gospel. Now Paul is eager for Mark to come and help him again.
Tychicus had been with Paul on his last visit to Jerusalem
Acts 20:4 (HCSB) He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia.
Paul calls him a brother whom he loved. And he calls him a man who served the Lord. Paul had sent him with his letters to Ephesus and to the Colossians. Paul has now sent him with this letter to Timothy in Ephesus. Perhaps Paul sent Tychicus to replace Timothy while he came to Rome.
8. Read Acts 15:37-40 to discover what breach in Paul's life that had been healed by this time. What effect do unhealed relationships have on you?
Acts 15:37-40 (HCSB) 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers.
9. What materials does Paul want, with his time running out? What does this request say about him?
2 Timothy 4:13 (HCSB) When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.
Paul wanted scrolls and parchments. The scrolls were likely the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul may have wanted them both for his own spiritual nourishment and for preparation for his trial.
10. What things would be most important to you if you only had a few months to live? Why?
Pictures, the word, keepsakes, friends and family.
11. Rome had a big Christian community, but they shunned Paul when he came to trial, see also. Paul could have chosen to burn with resentment. What clues in the passage show why he was not bitter?
2 Timothy 4:16-18 (HCSB)16 At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me and all the Gentiles might hear. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
2 Timothy 1:8 (HCSB) So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:12 (HCSB) and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.
2 Timothy 1:16-18 (HCSB) 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from Him on that day. And you know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.
These verses contain a reminiscence of the earlier trial at Rome alluded to in Philippians.
Philippians 1:12-14 (HCSB)12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel,13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in ⌊the cause of⌋ Christ.14 Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly.
Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion and resumed his work, so that the preaching might be fully known. Now, however, in the face of imminent death, Paul was confident of ultimate victory—not that he would escape death, but that God would keep him faithful unto his heavenly kingdom.
Here's the way Paul says he wants to fulfill his ministry.
Acts 20:22-24 (HCSB) 22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, 23 except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. 24 But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
4. The gospel made a big impact in Ephesus, but Paul foresees a major drift of people out of the faith. How does he tell Timothy to handle it?
2 Timothy 4:5 (HCSB) But as for you, be serious about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
A lot happened in Ephesus most of it recorded in Acts 19. It ended with a riot.
Acts 19:23-29 (HCSB) 23 During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way.24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business.26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! 27 So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world adore.” 28 When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions.
5. Paul is seeing a big part of what he labored so hard to build under God's power dissolve. How can he still feel such satisfaction about his life?
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (HCSB) 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8 There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.
Paul had to watch a backlash against his apostleship, the incursion of false teaching and rival leaders into his key churches, and desertion by many former associates.
The Lord had called Paul to have faith in Him; this he has done. He had no control over the rest of the situation. Neither do we. He grieved, but did not blame himself. Many Christians go through similar things. If satisfaction in life is based on success, we're in trouble.
6. What life tasks do you need to finish in order to share Paul's satisfaction?
My ministry other than to support those in leadership is to cause the body of Christ to take responsibility for our own actions. To stop blaming Satan and demonic influences for things that we do ourselves or don't do ourselves. To blame and not work out our salvation. Faith is an action word not a sit down and do nothing word expecting God to do things that He Himself has told us to do. Having preached that I am satisfied that I have done what I have been called to do. It's frustrating when you don't see growth or change but like Paul I'm frustrated and grieved for them but I don't blame myself because I have done what I believe God has called me to do.
7. What does 2 Tim. 4:9-13 reveal about Paul's situation?
2 Timothy 4:9-13 (HCSB) 9 Make every effort to come to me soon, 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. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.
Paul's aloneness, Paul had just said in verses 6-8 essentially that he was going to die soon. So he
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| Paul in Prison Oil Painting by Rembrandt - 1627 |
His rejection by a former associate who Timothy would have known, Demas had been a friend whom Paul trusted. The first time Paul was in prison in Rome, Demas supported him well.
Philemon 1:23-24 (HCSB) 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, and so do24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.
But now Demas had gone. Perhaps he wanted an easier life. Perhaps a desire for money caused him to leave Paul. Whatever the reason, he did leave Paul and went to Thessalonica.
Still he continued to send others out in dispatching others like Titus and Tychicus to various jobs,Luke had stayed with Paul. Luke had travelled much with him. Luke was a doctor.
Colossians 4:14 (HCSB) Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas greet you.
Notice that Demas was there also when Paul wrote the letter to the Colossian church. Colossians, like Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, was written from prison and was delivered with the Epistle to Philemon and (possibly) Ephesians by Tychicus and Onesimus
Luke was also the writer of the Gospel of Luke and of the Acts.
Paul asks Timothy, when he comes, to bring Mark with him. There is some evidence that this is the same person who wrote the gospel of Mark and who was very close to Peter. He was Barnabas' cousin and Paul Barnabas took Mark to Antioch on their first journey missionary journey from Antioch. For some reason he left them and returned home Mark, who at first failed, later proved his worth. While Paul was in prison the first time, Mark was a great help to him.
Colossians 4:10 (HCSB) Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
Since that early failure, Mark had served the Lord and Paul in the spread of the gospel. Now Paul is eager for Mark to come and help him again.
Tychicus had been with Paul on his last visit to Jerusalem
Acts 20:4 (HCSB) He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia.
Paul calls him a brother whom he loved. And he calls him a man who served the Lord. Paul had sent him with his letters to Ephesus and to the Colossians. Paul has now sent him with this letter to Timothy in Ephesus. Perhaps Paul sent Tychicus to replace Timothy while he came to Rome.
8. Read Acts 15:37-40 to discover what breach in Paul's life that had been healed by this time. What effect do unhealed relationships have on you?
Acts 15:37-40 (HCSB) 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers.
9. What materials does Paul want, with his time running out? What does this request say about him?
2 Timothy 4:13 (HCSB) When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.
Paul wanted scrolls and parchments. The scrolls were likely the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul may have wanted them both for his own spiritual nourishment and for preparation for his trial.
10. What things would be most important to you if you only had a few months to live? Why?
Pictures, the word, keepsakes, friends and family.
11. Rome had a big Christian community, but they shunned Paul when he came to trial, see also. Paul could have chosen to burn with resentment. What clues in the passage show why he was not bitter?
2 Timothy 4:16-18 (HCSB)16 At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me and all the Gentiles might hear. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
2 Timothy 1:8 (HCSB) So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:12 (HCSB) and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.
2 Timothy 1:16-18 (HCSB) 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from Him on that day. And you know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.
These verses contain a reminiscence of the earlier trial at Rome alluded to in Philippians.
Philippians 1:12-14 (HCSB)12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel,13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in ⌊the cause of⌋ Christ.14 Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly.
Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion and resumed his work, so that the preaching might be fully known. Now, however, in the face of imminent death, Paul was confident of ultimate victory—not that he would escape death, but that God would keep him faithful unto his heavenly kingdom.
Amen means so let it be. After ascribing glory to God, the seal of sincerity and fervency follows; it serves as a characteristic mark of Paul's whole life: the sincere and wholehearted devotion to the will of God. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Paul didn't hide his disappointment with the fact that everybody had deserted him but his focus was on God and the fact that that he strengthened him.. Paul says, "The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength." This provides comfort in the face of bitterness.
12. The names in 2 Tim. 4:19-20 denote men, women, Romans, Greeks, nobles and commoners. What comfort would that fact give both Paul and Timothy?
2 Timothy 4:19-20 (HCSB) 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.20 Erastus has remained at Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
Right up to the end Paul is carrying out his mission . If God could use the present circumstances to propel the gospel forward, there was no need to worry for the future if Timothy and others would be faithful.
13. What are Paul's last words?
2 Timothy 4:21-22 (HCSB) 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
Soon it will be winter and cold. He needs that coat which he had asked Timothy to bring. So, he urges him to try as hard as he can to come before winter. To wait for spring could be too late. By then, Paul may have been to the court for the final time. The result of that would probably be his death.
Paul sends greetings from four members of the church at Rome. The rest of the church there also sends greetings.
Paul gives a blessing to Timothy first and then to all the Christians in the church at Ephesus. He prays that the Lord will be with Timothy. Then he ends as he prays for the grace of the Lord to be with them all. all of Paul's readers, the Christians at Ephesus.
