Frameworks:
2 Timothy 4
For
preliminaries see chapter 1
[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
v.9-18
Personal Remarks
v.19-22
Final Greetings
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.