3:17 man of God. A technical term for an official preacher of divine truth. See note on 1 Tim. 6:11. complete. Capable of doing everything one is called to do (cf. Col. 2:10). thoroughly equipped. Enabled to meet all the demands of godly ministry and righteous living. The Word not only accomplishes this in the life of the man of God but in all who follow him (Eph. 4:11–13).
2 Timothy 4
4:1 I charge you. Or better “command.” The Gr. has the idea of issuing a forceful order or directive (cf. 2:14; 1 Tim. 1:18; 5:21). before God and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Gr. construction also allows the translation “in the presence of God, even Christ Jesus,” which is probably the best rendering since He is about to be introduced as the judge (cf. John 5:22). Everyone who ministers the Word of God is under the omniscient scrutiny of Christ (see notes on 2 Cor. 2:17; Heb. 13:17). Christ, who will judge. The grammatical construction suggests imminency—that Christ is about to judge. Paul is emphasizing the unique accountability that all believers, and especially ministers of the Word of God, have to Christ as Judge. Service to Christ is rendered both under His watchful eye and with the knowledge that as Judge He will one day appraise the works of every believer (see notes on 1 Cor. 3:12–15; 4:1–5; 2 Cor. 5:10). That is not a judgment of condemnation, but one of evaluation. With regard to salvation, believers have been judged already and declared righteous—they are no longer subject to the condemnation of sin (Rom. 8:1–4). the living and the dead. Christ will ultimately judge all men in 3 distinct settings: 1) the judgment of believers after the Rapture (1 Cor. 3:12–15; 2 Cor. 5:10); 2) the sheep and goats judgment of the nations, in which believers will be separated from unbelievers (Matt. 25:31–33, for entrance into the millennial kingdom); and 3) the Great White Throne judgment of unbelievers only (Rev. 20:11–15). Here, the apostle is referring to judgment in a general sense, encompassing all those elements. His appearing. The Gr. word translated “appearing” lit. means “a shining forth” and was used by the ancient Greeks of the supposed appearance to men of a pagan god. Here, Paul is referring generally to Christ’s second coming, when He will judge “the living and the dead” (see previous note) and establish His millennial and eternal kingdom (see note on 1 Tim. 6:14).
4:2 the word. The entire written Word of God, His complete revealed truth as contained in the Bible (cf. 3:15, 16; Acts 20:27). Be ready. The Gr. word has a broad range of meanings, including suddenness (Luke 2:9; Acts 12:7) or forcefulness (Luke 20:1; Acts 4:1; 6:12; 23:27). Here the form of the verb suggests the complementary ideas of urgency, preparedness, and readiness. It was used of a soldier prepared to go into battle or a guard who was continually alert for any surprise attack—attitudes which are imperative for a faithful preacher (Jer. 20:9; Acts 21:11–13; Eph. 5:15, 16; 1 Pet. 3:15). in season and out of season. The faithful preacher must proclaim the Word when it is popular and/or convenient, and when it is not; when it seems suitable to do so, and when it seems not. The dictates of popular culture, tradition, reputation, acceptance, or esteem in the community (or in the church) must never alter the true preacher’s commitment to proclaim God’s Word. Convince, rebuke. The negative side of preaching the Word (the “reproof” and “correction”; cf. 3:16). The Gr. word for “convince” refers to correcting behavior or false doctrine by using careful biblical argument to help a person understand the error of his actions. The Gr. word for “rebuke” deals more with correcting the person’s motives by convicting him of his sin and leading him to repentance. exhort…teaching. The positive side of preaching (the “doctrine” and “instruction”; cf. 3:16).
4:3 not endure. This refers to holding up under adversity, and can be translated “tolerate.” Paul here warns Timothy that, in the dangerous seasons of this age, many people would become intolerant of the confrontive, demanding preaching of God’s Word (1:13, 14; 1 Tim. 1:9, 10; 6:3–5). sound doctrine. See notes on 1:13; 1 Tim. 4:6; Titus 2:1. their own desires…itching ears. Professing Christians, nominal believers in the church follow their own desires and flock to preachers who offer them God’s blessings apart from His forgiveness, and His salvation apart from their repentance. They have an itch to be entertained by teachings that will produce pleasant sensations and leave them with good feelings about themselves. Their goal is that men preach “according to their own desires.” Under those conditions, people will dictate what men preach, rather than God dictating it by His Word.
4:4 fables. This refers to false idealogies, viewpoints, and philosophies in various forms that oppose sound doctrine (see notes on 2 Cor. 10:3–5; 1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; cf. Titus 1:14; 2 Pet. 1:16).
4:5 an evangelist. Used only two other times in the NT (see notes on Acts 21:8; Eph. 4:11), this word always refers to a specific office of ministry for the purpose of preaching the gospel to non-Christians. Based on Eph. 4:11, it is very basic to assume that all churches would have both pastor-teachers and evangelists. But the related verb “to preach the gospel” and the related noun “gospel” are used throughout the NT not only in relation to evangelists, but also to the call for every Christian, especially preachers and teachers, to proclaim the gospel. Paul did not call Timothy to the office of an evangelist, but to “do the work” of one.
4:6–8 As Paul neared the end of his life, he was able to look back without regret or remorse. In these verses, he examines his life from 3 perspectives: the present reality of the end of his life, for which he was ready (v. 6); the past, when he had been faithful (v. 7); and the future, as he anticipated his heavenly reward (v. 8).
4:6 already. Meaning his death was imminent. a drink offering. In the OT sacrificial system, this was the final offering that followed the burnt and grain offerings prescribed for the people of Israel (Num. 15:1–16). Paul saw his coming death as his final offering to God in a life that had already been full of sacrifices to Him (see note on Phil. 2:17). my departure. Paul’s death. The Gr. word essentially refers to the loosening of something, such as the mooring ropes of a ship or the ropes of a tent; thus it eventually acquired the secondary meaning of “departure.”
4:7 The form of the 3 Gr. verbs “have fought, have finished, have kept,” indicates completed action with continuing results. Paul saw his life as complete—he had been able to accomplish through the Lord’s power all that God called him to do. He was a soldier (2:3, 4; 2 Cor. 10:3; 1 Tim. 6:12; Philem. 2), an athlete (1 Cor. 9:24–27; Eph. 6:12), and a guardian (1:13, 14; 1 Tim. 6:20, 21). the faith. The truths and standards of the revealed Word of God.
4:8 the crown of righteousness. The Gr. word for “crown” lit. means “surrounding,” and it was used of the plaited wreaths or garlands placed on the heads of dignitaries and victorious military officers or athletes. Linguistically, “of righteousness” can mean either that righteousness is the source of the crown, or that righteousness is the nature of the crown. Like the “crown of life” (James 1:12), the “crown of rejoicing” (1 Thess. 2:19), the “imperishable crown” (1 Cor. 9:25), and the “crown of glory” (1 Pet. 5:4), in which life, rejoicing, imperishability, and glory describe the nature of the crown, the context here seems to indicate, the crown represents eternal righteousness. Believers receive the imputed righteousness of Christ (justification) at salvation (Rom. 4:6, 11). The Holy Spirit works practical righteousness (sanctification) in the believer throughout his lifetime of struggle with sin (Rom. 6:13, 19; 8:4; Eph. 5:9; 1 Pet. 2:24). But only when the struggle is complete will the Christian receive Christ’s righteousness perfected in him (glorification) when he enters heaven (see note on Gal. 5:5). the righteous Judge. See note on v. 1. that Day. See note on 1:12. His appearing. See notes on v. 1; 1 Tim. 6:14.
4:9–22 In these closing verses, Paul brings Timothy up to date on the spiritual condition, activities, and whereabouts of certain men and women who either helped or harmed his ministry.
4:9 Be diligent to come to me quickly. Paul longed to see his beloved co-worker, but it was imperative that Timothy make haste because Paul knew his days were numbered (v. 6).
4:10 Demas. H
e had been one of Paul’s closest associates along with Luke and Epaphras (see notes on Col. 4:14; Philem. 24). forsaken. This Gr. word means “to utterly abandon,” with the idea of leaving someone in a dire situation. Demas was a fair-weather disciple who had never counted the cost of genuine commitment to Christ. His kind are described by our Lord in Matt. 13:20, 21; cf. John 8:31; 1 John 2:1. loved this present world. See notes on James 4:4; 1 John 2:15–17. Thessalonica. Demas may have considered this city a safe haven (see Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: Background and Setting). Crescens. In contrast to Demas, Crescens must have been faithful and dependable, since Paul sent him to Galatia, a Roman province in central Asia Minor, where Paul ministered on each of his 3 missionary journeys. Titus. Paul’s closest friend and co-worker next to Timothy (Titus 1:5; see Introduction to Titus: Title). Dalmatia. Also known as Illyricum (Rom. 15:19), a Roman province on the E coast of the Adriatic Sea, just N of Macedonia.
4:11 Luke. The author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, and Paul’s devoted friend and personal physician, who could not carry the burden of ministry in Rome by himself (see Introductions to Luke and Acts: Author and Date). Get Mark and bring him with you. Evidently Mark lived somewhere along the route Timothy would take from Ephesus to Rome. The one who was the author of the Gospel of Mark (sometimes called John), cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10), and devoted fellow worker (Philem. 24), had once left Paul and Barnabas in shame (see notes on Acts 13:13; 15:36–39), but had become by this time a valued servant (see Introduction to Mark: Author and Date).
4:12 Tychicus. Paul had either sent him to Ephesus earlier, or he was sending him there to deliver this second letter to Timothy, just as Tychicus had previously delivered Paul’s letters to the churches at Ephesus (Eph. 6:21), Colosse (Col. 4:7), and possibly to Titus (Titus 3:12; see note on Col. 4:7). Ephesus. See Introduction to Ephesians: Background and Setting; see note on Rev. 2:1.
4:13 cloak. A large, heavy wool garment that doubled as a coat and blanket in cold weather, which Paul would soon face (v. 21). Carpus. An otherwise unknown acquaintance of Paul whose name means “fruit.” Troas. A seaport of Phyrgia, in Asia Minor. the books, especially the parchments. “Books” refers to papyrus scrolls, possibly OT books. “Parchments” were vellum sheets made of treated animal hides, thus they were extremely expensive. They may have been copies of letters he had written or blank sheets for writing other letters. That Paul did not have these already in his possession leads to the possible conclusion that he was arrested in Troas and had no opportunity to retrieve them.
4:14 Alexander the coppersmith. Probably not the same man whom Paul delivered to Satan along with Hymenaeus (1 Tim. 1:20), since Paul singles him out as the one who was a “coppersmith.” This Alexander, however, may have been an idol maker (cf. Acts 19:24). did me much harm. Alexander opposed Paul’s teaching and likely spread his own false doctrine. He may have been instrumental in Paul’s arrest and may even have borne false witness against him. Cf. Acts 19:23ff. May the Lord repay him. Paul left vengeance in God’s hands (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19).
4:16 first defense. The Gr. word for “defense” gives us the Eng. words “apology” and “apologetics.” It referred to a verbal defense used in a court of law. In the Roman legal system, an accused person received two hearings: the prima actio, much like a contemporary arraignment, established the charge and determined if there was a need for a trial. The secunda actio then established the accused’s guilt or innocence. The defense Paul referred to was the prima actio. May it not be charged against them. Like Stephen (Acts 7:60) and the Lord Himself (Luke 23:34).
4:17 But the Lord stood with me. The Lord fulfills His promise never to “leave or forsake” His children (Deut. 31:6, 8; Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5). the message might be preached fully through me. As he had done in the past (Acts 26:2–29), Paul was able to proclaim the gospel before a Roman tribunal. all the Gentiles might hear. By proclaiming the gospel to such a cosmopolitan, pagan audience, Paul could say that he had reached all the Gentiles with the gospel. This was a fulfillment of his commission (Acts 9:15, 16; 26:15–18). the mouth of the lion. Cf. Dan. 6:26, 27. A common figure for mortal danger (Pss. 22:21; 35:17) and a common occurrence for Paul (cf. Acts 14:19; 2 Cor. 4:8–12; 6:4–10; 11:23–27). Peter pictured Satan as a lion in 1 Pet. 5:8.
4:18 will deliver me from every evil work. On the basis of the Lord’s present work—strengthening Paul and standing with him (v. 17)—Paul had hope for the Lord’s future work. He knew God would deliver him from all temptations and plots against him (2 Cor. 1:8–10). preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. Paul knew the completion of his own salvation was nearer than when he first believed (cf. Rom. 13:11; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21).
4:19 Prisca and Aquila. Paul first met these two faithful friends in Corinth after they fled Italy (see note on Acts 18:2). They ministered for some time in Ephesus (Acts 18:18, 19), later returned to Rome for a period of time (Rom. 16:3), and had returned to Ephesus. the household of Onesiphorus. See note on 1:16.
4:20 Erastus. Probably the city treasurer of Corinth, who sent greetings through Paul to the church at Rome (see note on Rom. 16:23). Corinth. The leading city in Greece (see note on Acts 18:1; see Introduction to 1 Corinthians: Title). Trophimus. A native of Asia, specifically Ephesus, who had accompanied Paul from Greece to Troas (see note on Acts 20:4). Miletus. A city and seaport in the province of Lycia, located 30 mi. S of Ephesus.
4:21 before winter. In view of the coming season and the cold Roman jail cell, Paul needed the cloak for warmth. He would also have less opportunity to use the books and parchments as the duration of light grew shorter in winter. Eubulus…Pudens, Linus, Claudia. The first 3 names are Latin, which could indicate they were from Italy and had been members in the church at Rome. “Claudia” was a believer and close friend of whom nothing else is known.
4:22 Grace be with you. This is the same benediction as in Paul’s previous letter to Timothy (see note on 1 Tim. 6:21). The “you” is plural, which means it extended to the entire Ephesian congregation.
2 Timothy 1
1:1 a Titus 1:2
1:1 1 NU, M Christ Jesus
1:2 b 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:1; Titus 1:4
1:3 c Acts 24:14
1:5 d 1 Tim. 1:5; 4:6
1:5 e Acts 16:1
1:5 2 Lit. unhypocritical
1:6 f 1 Tim. 4:14
1:7 g John 14:27; Rom. 8:15; 1 John 4:18
1:7 h (Acts 1:8)
1:8 i (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; Rom. 1:16); 2 Tim. 1:12, 16
1:8 j 1 Tim. 2:6
1:8 k Eph. 3:1; 2 Tim. 1:16
1:9 l (Rom. 3:20); Eph. 2:8, 9
1:9 m Rom. 8:28
1:9 n Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:2
1:10 o Eph. 1:9
1:11 p Acts 9:15
1:11 3 NU omits of the Gentiles
1:12 q 1 Pet. 4:19
1:13 r 2 Tim. 3:14; Titus 1:9
1:13 s Rom. 2:20; 6:17
1:13 t 1 Tim. 6:3
1:16 u 2 Tim. 4:19
1:18 v Matt. 6:4; Mark 9:41
1:18 w 2 Thess. 1:10
1:18 x Heb. 6:10
1:18 4 to me from Vg., a few Gr. mss.
2 Timothy 2
2:1 a 1 Tim. 1:2
2:1 b Eph. 6:10
2:3 c 2 Tim. 4:5
2:3 d 1 Cor. 9:7; 1 Tim. 1:18
2:3 1 NU You must share
2:4 e (2 Pet. 2:20)
2:5 f (1 Cor. 9:25)
2:7 g Prov. 2:6
2:7 2 NU the Lord will give you
2:8 h Rom. 1:3, 4
2:8 i 1 Cor. 15:4
2:8 j Rom. 2:16
2:9 k Acts 9:16
2:9 l Eph. 3:1
2:9 m Acts 28:31; (2 Tim. 4:17)
2:10 n Eph. 3:13
2:10 o 2 Cor. 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:9
2:10 3 chosen ones
2:11 p Rom. 6:5, 8; 1 Thess. 5:10
2:12 q (Matt. 19:28); Luke 22:29; (Rom. 5:17; 8:17)
2:12 r Matt. 10:33; Luke 12:9; 1 Tim. 5:8
2:13
s Num. 23:19; Titus 1:2
2:14 t 1 Tim. 5:21; 6:4; 2 Tim. 2:23; Titus 3:9
2:14 4 battle
2:15 u 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Pet. 1:10
2:16 5 empty chatter
2:16 6 lead
2:17 v 1 Tim. 1:20
2:18 w 1 Cor. 15:12
2:19 x Matt. 24:24; (1 Cor. 3:11)
2:19 y Num. 16:5; (Nah. 1:7); John 10:14, 27
2:19 7 NU, M the Lord
2:20 z Rom. 9:21
2:21 a 2 Cor. 9:8; (Eph. 2:10);2 Tim. 3:17
2:21 8 set apart
2:22 b 1 Tim. 6:11
2:24 c Titus 3:2
2:24 d Titus 1:9
2:24 e 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7
2:25 f Gal. 6:1; Titus 3:2; 1 Pet. 3:15
2:25 g Acts 8:22
2:25 h 1 Tim. 2:4
2:26 i 1 Tim. 3:7
2 Timothy 3
3:1 a 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 17, 18
3:1 1 times of stress
3:3 2 irreconcilable
3:4 b 2 Pet. 2:10
3:5 c Titus 1:16
3:5 d 1 Tim. 5:8
3:5 e Matt. 23:3; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Tim. 6:5
3:6 f Matt. 23:14; Titus 1:11
3:7 g 1 Tim. 2:4
3:8 h Ex. 7:11, 12, 22; 8:7; 9:11
3:8 i 1 Tim. 6:5
3:8 j Rom. 1:28
3:9 k Ex. 7:11, 12; 8:18; 9:11
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