2 Timothy 4

Timothy must remain focused during the difficult times ahead.

• judge the living and the dead: See Matthew 25:31–46; Acts 10:42; Romans 14:7–12; Revelation 20:11–15.

• His appearing: See study note on 1 Timothy 6:14; see also 2 Timothy 1:10; 4:8; Titus 2:11–13; 3:4.

Timothy's ministry truly existed in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus. Paul commanded him to work, expecting the return of Jesus to judge and establish his kingdom (see 1 Timothy 5:21; 6:13–14).

Christ’s appearing will bring:

• spiritual cleaning (2 Timothy 2:19),

• accountability (3:8–9),

• salvation,

• declaration of righteousness, and

• reward (4:8, 18).

See also 1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 4:4–5; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

This final statement summarizes the earlier points (1:6–14; 2:1–15, 24–26; 3:12).

Paul gives some final leadership instructions and a testament to Timothy (compare Deuteronomy 31:7–8; 34:9; 2 Kings 2:1–18).

being poured like a drink offering: Paul regards his death as a sacrifice to God (see Exodus 29:40–41; Leviticus 23:13; Numbers 28:7; Philippians 2:17). This offering participates in Christ’s own sacrifice (see Colossians 1:24; see also Romans 12:1).

Paul's faithfulness, right standing with God, and reward are a model and a challenge to others (particularly Timothy) to follow Paul’s example after he is gone.

Paul remained true to the trust (literally, "deposit") committed to him (see study notes on 1:12; 1 Timothy 6:20; compare Acts 20:24). He kept the integrity of the Christian faith and commanded Timothy to do the same (see 2 Timothy 2:3–7; 1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12; compare Romans 15:30–31; 1 Corinthians 9:25–27; Hebrews 12:1; Jude 1:3).

• crown of righteousness: being declared righteous at the time of judgment was the only thing that remained for Paul (see also James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; 3:11).

• If we live expecting that Christ will return, we will eagerly look forward to His appearing to establish his kingdom (see 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1). If we do not follow Christ’s commands, we will not welcome his appearing, because it will be as Judge.

Paul plainly commands Timothy to come to Rome (see 1:4).

• Demas: See Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24.

• deserted: Also see 2 Timothy 4:16–17; compare Psalm 22:1; Mark 15:34.

• love of this world: This contrasts with awaiting Christ’s glorious return (2 Timothy 4:8).

• Crescens is otherwise unknown. The absence of Crescens and Titus seems to have increased Paul’s isolation.

• Titus was Paul’s effective and reliable fellow worker. He might have gone to Dalmatia (northwest of modern-day Greece) on a mission for Paul.

• Luke: The author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts traveled with Paul at different times. Many believe Luke was Paul's physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke was the only one of Paul's fellow workers who stayed with him continually. Therefore, Paul wanted Timothy to come quickly.

• Mark: Paul's belief that Mark would be useful shows a Christian story of amending differences (see Acts 13:13; 15:36–40; see also Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24).

Tychicus was apparently a Greek from Asia Minor (implied in Colossians 4:7–8, 10–11); see also Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21–22; Colossians 4:7–8; Titus 3:12). He was possibly going to Ephesus to deliver the letter and replace Timothy, assuming Timothy was in Ephesus.

• Paul's arrest and transfer to Rome apparently prevented him from gathering his possessions.

• the cloak: Winter was approaching (4:21).

• Carpus might have hosted Paul in Troas. Mentioning Troas suggests Timothy was still in Ephesus and would travel through Troas, a port town.

• my scrolls, especially the parchments: These writings may have included Scriptures, personal notes, letters to Paul, copies of Paul's own letters, and other Christian and Jewish materials.

• Alexander was a common name (see Mark 15:21; Acts 4:6; 19:33). Alexander the coppersmith was probably the same person mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20.

• did great harm to me: He probably did more than just oppose Paul's teaching. He might have been part of Paul's arrest.

• At my first defense: A Roman trial had two parts, a preliminary investigation and the main trial. Paul was probably talking about the first part. It might also refer to his first time in prison at Rome (Acts 28; see 2 Timothy Book Introduction, “Date of Writing”).

• everyone deserted me: See study note on 2 Timothy 4:10.

• so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed: Paul used his defense in court to share the good news about Jesus, similar to his past experiences (Acts 22:1–24:27; 26:1–29; see also 2 Timothy 2:9–10; Philippians 1:12–14).

• all the Gentiles would hear it: Paul felt he had finished his mission (2 Timothy 4:7–8). The Old Testament prophesies the conversion of nations (for example, Psalm 22:27–29).

• from the mouth of a lion: The lion often symbolizes enemies (see Psalms 7:2; 35:17; compare Daniel 6; Hebrews 11:33). Here, it might mean:

  • literal lions in the Roman theaters,

  • the emperor,

  • false teachers, or

  • Satan (1 Peter 5:8; compare Psalm 22:21).

• God would continue to strengthen Paul and keep him strong in faith until the end of his life (4:7; see 1:12).

• The Lord’s heavenly kingdom is different from this kingdom of earth that was about to judge Paul (see also 4:1; 1 Corinthians 15:48–49; Hebrews 12:18–29).

• glory … Amen: Paul’s praise of God, even when facing death, shows his belief that God’s glory will remain (compare 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15–16).

• to Him: The Greek text implies this praise is for “the Lord” in the previous sentence, specifically referring to Jesus (compare Titus 2:13).

• Prisca and Aquila were probably in Ephesus at this time (Acts 18:26; 1 Corinthians 16:19). They also lived in Rome, where Paul currently was (Acts 18:2; Romans 16:3). This suggests that Timothy might still be in Ephesus (see 1 Timothy 1:3).

• Paul is grateful when mentioning Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 1:16 for helping him while he was in prison.

Like in many of Paul's letters, this one ends with greetings and final instructions (for example, Romans 16:1–23; 1 Corinthians 16:19–21; 2 Corinthians 13:12).

• Erastus lived in Corinth (Acts 19:22; Romans 16:23). Modern archaeological digs found an inscription (carved writing) in Corinth mentioning an Erastus who was the city treasurer. He was probably the same man.

• Trophimus was an Ephesian connected with Tychicus (Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Timothy 4:12).

• before winter: Paul probably worried about a long delay if Timothy missed the chance to travel in the fall (see 1:4; 4:9). Winter weather interrupted travel across the Adriatic Sea from November to March (see Acts 27:12). Paul might also have been eager to receive his cloak for the cold prison (2 Timothy 4:13). The New Testament does not mention Eubulus elsewhere. But he was obviously well-known to Timothy.

• Pudens was a name used by upper-class families.

• Linus: Both the bishop Eusebius and the bishop Irenaeus later identified Linus as the first bishop of Rome.

• The New Testament does not mention Claudia elsewhere.

• brothers: Greek adelphoi, a term for family members, both male and female.

• The unique phrasing here might emphasize what Paul already mentioned in 1:6–8 and 2:1 (compare Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23, and Philemon 1:25).

• with you all: Paul intended that Timothy would read this letter in public.