Frameworks:
2 Timothy 4
v.1-8
A Final Charge to Timothy
v.9-18
Personal Remarks
v.19-22
Final Greetings
[Chapter
4 Synopsis: A final encouragement to Timothy to keep
on with his ministry, countering all the false teaching that is
going on. A series of remarks, warnings, and greetings that show
what a tough time Paul had been through.]
v.1-8
A Final Charge to Timothy
[Passage
Synopsis: a call to Timothy to press on with his ministry
of preaching, teaching and evangelizing, especially in a day when
people are happy with false teaching. He, Paul, senses he's coming
to the end of his time but trusts he's faithfully fulfilled his
ministry]
v.1,2
(Keep preaching God's word) In
the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living
and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I
give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared
in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with
great patience and careful instruction .
v.3,4
(sound doctrine will
be replaced by dubious teaching) For
the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them
a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want
to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn
aside to myths.
v.5
(but make sure you hold
onto your ministry as a teacher and evangelist) But
you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do
the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
v.6
(my time is growing short)
For I am already being poured out
like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
v.7
(I have kept going faithfully)
I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith.
v.8
(and now my heavenly
reward awaits me) Now there
is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only
to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
v.9-18
Personal Remarks
[Passage
Synopsis: details of the tough time Paul has been through
and the help he wants from Timothy
v.9,10
(various of the others
have left him, so it would be good if Timothy could come)
Do your best to come to me quickly,
for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has
gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus
to Dalmatia.
v.11,12
(Luke is there but bring
Mark because Tychicus has had to go) Only
Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is
helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
v.13
(bring the various things
I need) When you come, bring
the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially
the parchments.
v.14 (Alexander
harmed me and will be punished) Alexander
the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay
him for what he has done.
v.15
(be careful of him, he's
against us) You too should be
on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
v.16
(most left me to my fate)
At my first defence, no one came
to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against
them.
v.17
(but the Lord blessed
me and enabled me to keep preaching) But
the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through
me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles
might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.
v.18
(He will deliver me safely
into heaven) The Lord will rescue
me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly
kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
v.19-22
Final Greetings
[Passage
Synopsis: further final instructions]
v.19
Greet
Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
v.20
Erastus
stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.
v.21
Do
your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so
do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.
v.22
The
Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.