II Timothy 4 Commentary
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.
II Timothy 4, the concluding chapter of Paul's final letter, serves as a powerful and deeply personal message to Timothy, and by extension, to all believers who are called to carry on the work of the Gospel. It encapsulates Paul's final instructions, his reflections on a life poured out for Christ, and his unwavering hope in the face of impending death. This chapter is a testament to faithfulness, perseverance, and the enduring power of God's grace.
A Solemn Charge to Preach the Word (II Timothy 4:1-5)
Paul begins with a solemn charge to Timothy, emphasizing the critical importance of preaching the Word of God. "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word" (II Timothy 4:1-2). This isn't merely a suggestion, but a sacred command delivered before the ultimate Judge, Jesus Christ, and witnessed by God Himself. This command applies to all who take on the role of pastor in a local church.
The core of Timothy's responsibility is to "preach the word" (II Timothy 4:2). This means more than just reciting Scripture; it involves declaring God's message to His people and urging them to respond in faith and obedience. Preaching should include reading, explaining, and applying the Word, confronting us with God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and tailored to our understanding and response. The Bible—and only the Bible—is the final authority for Christian individuals, families, churches, and even the broader culture.
Paul instructs Timothy to "be ready in season and out of season" (II Timothy 4:2). This means preaching the Word whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is well-received or rejected. A pastor should preach when he knows he’ll hear an “amen!” and when he knows he’ll be reviled. He must preach the parts of Scripture that people like, and preach the parts they don’t. He must use Scripture to rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. In other words, a preacher must use the Bible to do what Paul said it’s “profitable” for (II Timothy 3:16).
Paul anticipates a time when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, instead seeking teachers who will tell them what they want to hear (II Timothy 4:3-4). Sinful people don’t naturally run toward what is holy and righteous. They prefer what makes them feel good. That’s why they need to hear the Word faithfully preached. In such times, Timothy, and all who follow in his footsteps, must remain steadfast, exercising self-control, enduring hardship, and fulfilling the ministry entrusted to them (II Timothy 4:5).
Paul's Reflection on a Life Well-Lived (II Timothy 4:6-8)
Having delivered his charge, Paul now pens his own obituary. Paul transitions to a poignant reflection on his own life, knowing that his time is near. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come" (II Timothy 4:6). Paul uses Old Testament imagery to describe his impending death. Just as drink offerings were poured out to God on the altar, the apostle recognized that his life was being poured out, and the time for [his] departure was close. He was sitting in a Roman prison, awaiting his execution.
He declares, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (II Timothy 4:7). Everyone gets into fights, and most of the fights in which we engage are not good ones. There are battles you shouldn’t wage, motivated by pride and selfishness. And then there are things worth fighting for, things that truly matter. Paul fought the noblest battle of all: the battle for people’s souls. He held nothing back. What about you? Have you given Christ your all? Do you have the scars to show for it?
It’s not enough to start the Christian race. It’s not enough to run the race. You must finish the race. Your goal in life must be to finish well. Paul didn’t reach the end of his days to contemplate the things he hadn’t done. In fact, he had no sense of incompleteness. Christ can get you to the finish line, but you must focus your attention on him. Even if you have fallen, get up, and keep running. “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Paul had been faithful with the faith. Just as he had exhorted Timothy (II Timothy 1:14), Paul had also guarded “the good deposit,” the good news of salvation. He recognized its great value, and he protected it as a treasure. To him, the gospel was worth any hardship. Indeed, the blessings of the faith outweigh any sufferings related to it.
He looks forward with confidence to 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 loved his appearing" (II Timothy 4:8). Not only would the Lord restore his head to his body, but he would also place a crown on it. And not only on his head, but on the heads of all those who have loved Christ’s appearing through faithful living.
Personal Requests and Final Greetings (II Timothy 4:9-22)
The remainder of the chapter is filled with personal requests and updates. Paul asks Timothy to come to him quickly (II Timothy 4:9), indicating his desire for companionship and support in his final days. He notes that Demas has deserted him, "having loved this present world" (II Timothy 4:10), while others have gone on missions elsewhere. Only Luke remains with him (II Timothy 4:11).
It’s interesting to see that Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark with him. Mark (also called “John” or “John Mark”) had traveled with Paul before (see Acts 13:5). But after Mark left Paul in the middle of his first missionary journey (Acts 13:13), Paul was unwilling to take him the next time around. Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement over Mark that they parted ways (Acts 15:36-40). But once the relationship was mended, Paul found Mark useful to his ministry (II Timothy 4:11).
Paul asks Timothy to bring his cloak and the scrolls, especially the parchments (II Timothy 4:13). The first request would address a practical, physical need: Paul was living in a cold Roman dungeon. The second request would address a ministry need. Most likely, the scrolls were copies of Scripture. Even to the very end, Paul was a diligent student of the Word.
He warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith, who "did me great harm" (II Timothy 4:14), and expresses his trust that the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Though Demas had merely deserted Paul, Alexander the coppersmith did him great harm (II Timothy 4:14). It’s likely that this is the same Alexander in Ephesus who was a false teacher and whom Paul “delivered to Satan” (I Timothy 1:19-20) because Paul warns Timothy, who was ministering in Ephesus, to watch out for him and his opposition to sound teaching (II Timothy 4:15). Regardless, Paul knew that ultimately the Lord would repay Alexander for his deeds (II Timothy 4:14). “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Paul reflects on his first defense, when no one stood by him, but he asks that it not be held against them (II Timothy 4:16). Paul didn’t put his hope in people. After all, men and women fail. During his trial, at his first defense, he was deserted by everyone. Yet, he followed in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus and the first Christian martyr (Stephen) by asking the Lord to forgive them (II Timothy 4:16; see Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59-60). He testifies that the Lord stood by him and strengthened him, enabling him to fully proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles (II Timothy 4:17). God had kept Paul from disaster time and again, and he knew that God would bring him safely into his heavenly kingdom (II Timothy 4:18).
The lion’s mouth (II Timothy 4:17) may either refer metaphorically to evil people like Emperor Nero (see Psalms 22:13, 19-21) or literally to the wild animals that killed Christians in the Roman coliseum (see Daniel 6:22).
Paul concludes with greetings to various individuals and a final benediction: "The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you" (II Timothy 4:22). This spotlight on grace is a fitting conclusion to both Paul's writings and his earthly life. Paul closes his letter with greetings and additional news (II Timothy 4:19-21). Then he offers a benediction for Timothy and the church he served: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all (II Timothy 4:22).
II Timothy 4 is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness, perseverance, and the enduring power of God's grace. It challenges us to examine our own lives and to consider whether we are truly fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith. It is a call to preach the Word, to remain steadfast in the face of opposition, and to trust in the Lord, who will ultimately reward all who love His appearing.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.
II Timothy 4, the concluding chapter of Paul's final letter, serves as a powerful and deeply personal message to Timothy, and by extension, to all believers who are called to carry on the work of the Gospel. It encapsulates Paul's final instructions, his reflections on a life poured out for Christ, and his unwavering hope in the face of impending death. This chapter is a testament to faithfulness, perseverance, and the enduring power of God's grace.
A Solemn Charge to Preach the Word (II Timothy 4:1-5)
Paul begins with a solemn charge to Timothy, emphasizing the critical importance of preaching the Word of God. "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word" (II Timothy 4:1-2). This isn't merely a suggestion, but a sacred command delivered before the ultimate Judge, Jesus Christ, and witnessed by God Himself. This command applies to all who take on the role of pastor in a local church.
The core of Timothy's responsibility is to "preach the word" (II Timothy 4:2). This means more than just reciting Scripture; it involves declaring God's message to His people and urging them to respond in faith and obedience. Preaching should include reading, explaining, and applying the Word, confronting us with God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and tailored to our understanding and response. The Bible—and only the Bible—is the final authority for Christian individuals, families, churches, and even the broader culture.
Paul instructs Timothy to "be ready in season and out of season" (II Timothy 4:2). This means preaching the Word whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is well-received or rejected. A pastor should preach when he knows he’ll hear an “amen!” and when he knows he’ll be reviled. He must preach the parts of Scripture that people like, and preach the parts they don’t. He must use Scripture to rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. In other words, a preacher must use the Bible to do what Paul said it’s “profitable” for (II Timothy 3:16).
Paul anticipates a time when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, instead seeking teachers who will tell them what they want to hear (II Timothy 4:3-4). Sinful people don’t naturally run toward what is holy and righteous. They prefer what makes them feel good. That’s why they need to hear the Word faithfully preached. In such times, Timothy, and all who follow in his footsteps, must remain steadfast, exercising self-control, enduring hardship, and fulfilling the ministry entrusted to them (II Timothy 4:5).
Paul's Reflection on a Life Well-Lived (II Timothy 4:6-8)
Having delivered his charge, Paul now pens his own obituary. Paul transitions to a poignant reflection on his own life, knowing that his time is near. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come" (II Timothy 4:6). Paul uses Old Testament imagery to describe his impending death. Just as drink offerings were poured out to God on the altar, the apostle recognized that his life was being poured out, and the time for [his] departure was close. He was sitting in a Roman prison, awaiting his execution.
He declares, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (II Timothy 4:7). Everyone gets into fights, and most of the fights in which we engage are not good ones. There are battles you shouldn’t wage, motivated by pride and selfishness. And then there are things worth fighting for, things that truly matter. Paul fought the noblest battle of all: the battle for people’s souls. He held nothing back. What about you? Have you given Christ your all? Do you have the scars to show for it?
It’s not enough to start the Christian race. It’s not enough to run the race. You must finish the race. Your goal in life must be to finish well. Paul didn’t reach the end of his days to contemplate the things he hadn’t done. In fact, he had no sense of incompleteness. Christ can get you to the finish line, but you must focus your attention on him. Even if you have fallen, get up, and keep running. “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Paul had been faithful with the faith. Just as he had exhorted Timothy (II Timothy 1:14), Paul had also guarded “the good deposit,” the good news of salvation. He recognized its great value, and he protected it as a treasure. To him, the gospel was worth any hardship. Indeed, the blessings of the faith outweigh any sufferings related to it.
He looks forward with confidence to 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 loved his appearing" (II Timothy 4:8). Not only would the Lord restore his head to his body, but he would also place a crown on it. And not only on his head, but on the heads of all those who have loved Christ’s appearing through faithful living.
Personal Requests and Final Greetings (II Timothy 4:9-22)
The remainder of the chapter is filled with personal requests and updates. Paul asks Timothy to come to him quickly (II Timothy 4:9), indicating his desire for companionship and support in his final days. He notes that Demas has deserted him, "having loved this present world" (II Timothy 4:10), while others have gone on missions elsewhere. Only Luke remains with him (II Timothy 4:11).
It’s interesting to see that Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark with him. Mark (also called “John” or “John Mark”) had traveled with Paul before (see Acts 13:5). But after Mark left Paul in the middle of his first missionary journey (Acts 13:13), Paul was unwilling to take him the next time around. Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement over Mark that they parted ways (Acts 15:36-40). But once the relationship was mended, Paul found Mark useful to his ministry (II Timothy 4:11).
Paul asks Timothy to bring his cloak and the scrolls, especially the parchments (II Timothy 4:13). The first request would address a practical, physical need: Paul was living in a cold Roman dungeon. The second request would address a ministry need. Most likely, the scrolls were copies of Scripture. Even to the very end, Paul was a diligent student of the Word.
He warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith, who "did me great harm" (II Timothy 4:14), and expresses his trust that the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Though Demas had merely deserted Paul, Alexander the coppersmith did him great harm (II Timothy 4:14). It’s likely that this is the same Alexander in Ephesus who was a false teacher and whom Paul “delivered to Satan” (I Timothy 1:19-20) because Paul warns Timothy, who was ministering in Ephesus, to watch out for him and his opposition to sound teaching (II Timothy 4:15). Regardless, Paul knew that ultimately the Lord would repay Alexander for his deeds (II Timothy 4:14). “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Paul reflects on his first defense, when no one stood by him, but he asks that it not be held against them (II Timothy 4:16). Paul didn’t put his hope in people. After all, men and women fail. During his trial, at his first defense, he was deserted by everyone. Yet, he followed in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus and the first Christian martyr (Stephen) by asking the Lord to forgive them (II Timothy 4:16; see Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59-60). He testifies that the Lord stood by him and strengthened him, enabling him to fully proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles (II Timothy 4:17). God had kept Paul from disaster time and again, and he knew that God would bring him safely into his heavenly kingdom (II Timothy 4:18).
The lion’s mouth (II Timothy 4:17) may either refer metaphorically to evil people like Emperor Nero (see Psalms 22:13, 19-21) or literally to the wild animals that killed Christians in the Roman coliseum (see Daniel 6:22).
Paul concludes with greetings to various individuals and a final benediction: "The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you" (II Timothy 4:22). This spotlight on grace is a fitting conclusion to both Paul's writings and his earthly life. Paul closes his letter with greetings and additional news (II Timothy 4:19-21). Then he offers a benediction for Timothy and the church he served: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all (II Timothy 4:22).
II Timothy 4 is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness, perseverance, and the enduring power of God's grace. It challenges us to examine our own lives and to consider whether we are truly fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith. It is a call to preach the Word, to remain steadfast in the face of opposition, and to trust in the Lord, who will ultimately reward all who love His appearing.