Second Timothy Chapter 4:9-22/Commentary

Second Timothy Chapter 4:9-22 2 Timothy 4:9 “Make every effort to come to me soon; 10for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. 16At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. 21Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren. 22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

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Introduction “The epistle closes with several detached matters of a more personal nature. Following his grand testimony in the face of impending death, the thoughts of the apostle turn once more to the immediate present” (Hiebert p. 114).

4:9 “Make every effort to come to me soon”: Earlier in this letter Paul had expressed his longing to see Timothy again (1:4). The expression “make every effort” means to make haste, to exert oneself, to endeavor.

The word “soon” means at once and without delay. I am impressed that Paul wanted to see Timothy one last time before he died. God views such as a very important matter, so important that Timothy needs to leave the work in Ephesus. Parting words and exhortations are important.

4:10 “For”: “Paul now begins to list some of the reasons behind his request for Timothy to hurry to Rome” (Reese p. 530). “Demas”: Demas is only mentioned here and in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24.

“Having loved this present world”: “To take pleasure in the thing, prize it above other things, be unwilling to abandon it or do without it” (Thayer p. 4). Demas did not leave Paul to go preach somewhere else and do God’s work in another area, rather he loved the present culture (1 John 2:15; Romans 12:2). Hiebert notes that Demas had fallen in love with the present age, that is, the earthly, visible world, with its good things (p. 116). His love of the world is opposed to the previous section that spoke of Christians loving the appearing of Jesus (4:8).

“World”: Here the term does not mean the planet, but all the mass of thoughts, opinions, maxims, speculations, hopes, impulses, and aims, aspirations, which sum up secular culture. At this point some argue that this verse says only that Demas forsook Paul but it does not say that he forsook Christ. Yet John noted that the person who loves the world does not love the Father (1 John 2:15-17).

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4:10 “Has deserted me”: This means to leave in straits, to forsake and abandon (Hebrews 10:25; 13:5). “To forsake one who is in a set of adverse circumstances, to leave in the lurch, to abandon, to let down” (Hiebert p. 115). “And gone to Thessalonica”: In Philemon 24, Demas is mentioned along with Aristarchus who was from the city of Thessalonica (Acts 20:4; 27:2). Thus this may have been Demas’ hometown. “He loved safety and ease and the fleeting pleasures of this world, and had not the Christian fortitude to share the dangers, or the Christian love to minister to the sufferings, of the nearly desolate apostle. Unfortunately there are too many Christians today who seek to shirk the discomforts and dangers of an uncompromising stand for Christ and desire to enjoy the ease and pleasures of life instead” (Hiebert p. 116).

4:10 “Crescens”: (KRESS enz). He is only mentioned here in the New Testament. His name means “growing” and it is a Latin name. “Has gone to Galatia”: Apparently this is a reference to the Roman Province of Galatia in Asia Minor, yet a few manuscripts read “Gaul”, the European Gaul, that is modern France. Nothing is said about Crescens forsaking Paul or loving this present world, therefore he must have gone to Galatia to preach. “Titus”: Who was from a Gentile background (Galatians 2:4), and especially had helped Paul with the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:6,13; 8:6,16; 12:18). Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5) and was to come to Paul at the city of Nicopolis (3:12) on the western coast of Greece. “To Dalmatia”: (dal MAY she uh).

This was a district of the Roman Empire north of Greece on the shore of the Adriatic Sea. A mountainous region where Paul had preached (Romans 15:19). Illyricum is roughly the same area as Dalmatia. It modern times this area has been known as Yugoslavia.

4:11 “Only Luke is with me”: The beloved physician (Colossians 4:14) was by his side. Luke will join Paul on his second journey (Acts 16:10) 3

and will basically be with Paul, for the most part, the rest of Paul’s life.

He was with Paul in Jerusalem before his arrest (Acts 20:5); had sailed with Paul to Rome (28:16), and was with him in the first imprisonment (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24). Luke would end up writing more than one-fourth of the volume of the New Testament.

4:11 “Pick up Mark bring him with you”: This is John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10). Early on Paul did not have much confidence in Mark because he had turned back on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:5,13) (48 A.D.), as a result Paul refused to take him on the second trip (Acts 15:37-39) (51 A.D.). Yet Mark has redeemed himself and by 62 A.D. was with Paul in Rome (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24). He was also with Peter in Babylon (1 Peter 5:13) at one time. There Peter calls Mark, “my son”. “For he is useful”: “Easy to make use of” (Thayer p. 264). While the once faithful Demas had turned out to be unusable, Mark had become very useful. “This testimony to Mark’s usefulness, at a time when his faithfulness and courage would be put to a severe test, is very satisfactory” (P.P. Comm.)

Mark is living proof that no man need stay the way he is. “For Mark the man who failed and made good. Still to this day, Jesus Christ can make the coward spirit brave, and nerve the feeble arm for fight. He can release the sleeping hero in the soul of every man. He can turn the shame of failure into the joy of triumphant service” (Reese p. 533).

4:12 “Tychicus”: (TIKE ih kuhs), whose name means fortunate or chance, had traveled with Paul to Jerusalem with the contribution for the poor saints (Acts 20:4). He brought the Ephesian letter and the Colossian letter (Eph. 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-8). Paul’s estimate of him is found in Colossians 4:7. “I have sent to Ephesus”: To relieve Timothy, which probably means that Tychicus brought this letter to Timothy.

4:13 “When you come bring the cloak”: “The coming of Timothy is to be used to supply Paul’s personal needs as well. Shivering in his damp 4

dungeon, Paul longs for his cloak to ward off the cold, specially in view of the approaching winter (4:21). This cloak was a circular cape made of heavy material, apparently without sleeves, with only an opening for the head in the center. It was used as an outer garment for the protection against cold and rain. It has been asserted that the mention of such matters was beneath the dignity of an inspired letter. Rather it shows us that inspiration is not indifferent to the so-called trivial things of life. It is good for our souls to believe that God takes a personal interest in so small a matter” (Hiebert pp. 118-119). “Which I left at Troas”: Which was a port on the Aegean coast of western Asia Minor.

Paul had probably left this cloak in Troas on a journey after his first imprisonment (1 Timothy 1:3). “Carpus”: Whose name means “fruit” and is only mentioned here.

4:13 “And the books, especially the parchments”: The term “parchment” comes from a Latin word that denotes skin. Parchments were scrolls or books made from animal skins and thus a better quality material than papyrus. It was more durable and more expensive. We are not told what these “books” were, but it seems reasonable that they would be copies of various Old and New Testament books. “It should be remarked that even with approaching death, Paul never lost interest in studies. Even the inspired apostle did not discount reading” (Kent p. 301). “Even as an old man facing death, the apostle has not lost his interest for study and mental pursuits. It presents a standing challenge to the preacher to be an indefatigable student” (Hiebert p.

120).

4:14 “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm”: The term “coppersmith” means a coppersmith, then generally a blacksmith or metal worker. Originally this term only applied to someone who worked with copper, but it came to signify a metal worker in general, one who works with any kind of metal, gold, silver, copper, and even a blacksmith. Some feel that this is the same Alexander who gave Paul 5

trouble in Acts 19:33. Others seek to identify him with the Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20. “Did me much harm”: Yet we are not told what the specific harm was. “The Lord will repay him according to his deeds”: This is not a desire for personal vengeance, for Paul did not exact his own revenge. Rather, this is simply a statement of fact; the Lord will repay this man for his evil (Romans 2:7). It is not wrong to trust in God’s final victory over the forces of evil. “If we rejoice in a God of justice, then we should also rejoice in His putting down of injustice” (Kent p. 302). Compare with Romans 12:19.

4:15 “Be on guard against him yourself”: The inference seems to be that Alexander is in the same area as Timothy is, or will be. Some feel that Alexander has testified against Paul, made false accusations against him, and so on, and has returned to Ephesus. Others feel that Paul is warning Timothy that Alexander has not repented or changed and is still an enemy of the cross. “The present tense imperative indicates that Timothy must constantly be on his guard” (Reese p. 538). “For he vigorously opposed our teaching”: Note the term “our”. Paul knew that Timothy was a faithful preacher and that they preached the exact same truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres had opposed Moses, this man had opposed God’s messenger (Paul) and the gospel message (2 Timothy 3:8).

4:16 “At my first defense”: The term “defense,” means a verbal speech in defense. This probably does not refer back to his first imprisonment mentioned in Acts 28 for it seems that Paul had many friends during this imprisonment (the final closing words of Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon). Rather this is probably the “first phase of his trial now before the imperial court” (Hiebert p. 121). “Apparently a preliminary hearing at which the charge was read and Paul had opportunity to make an initial statement. No one came to be beside Paul to vouch for his statements” (Kent p. 302). “No one supported me, but all deserted me”: Literally, no one came by my side. “We know too few facts to 6

allow a full understanding here. The reference may mean that men of influence whose testimony would have strengthened his case could not be found” (pp. 302-303). “There were no willing advocates to plead his cause, no patrons with standing before the court willing to appear in his behalf” (Hiebert p. 121). “May it not be counted against them”: This does not necessarily mean that Paul wishes that God would simply unconditionally forgive them. Paul is not vindictive, yet God does condemn cowardice (Revelation 21:8) and timidity (2 Timothy 1:7). In order for God to not hold this against them, these people needed to repent (1 John 1:7-10).

4:17 “But the Lord stood with me”: This is In contrast to the weakness of some men. The Lord came to Paul’s aid. “And strengthened me”: To make strong, endue with strength. Such strengthening can come from our relationship with Christ and the promises in His word (Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 11:34).

In this verse this strengthening may have come from the Holy Spirit speaking through him at the trial. Compare with Matthew 10:16-20.

The very fact that Demas forsook Paul, and Timothy could give into to timidity, stands as proof that even with spiritual gifts a person can lack courage. Paul clearly cooperated with Jesus in this strengthening process. “So that”: The result or goal of this strengthening. “Through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished”: To fill completely, to cause a thing to be shown to the full. “And that all the Gentiles might hear”: Apparently this trial turned out to be an excellent opportunity to preach the gospel to the people in Rome, the very heart of the Roman Empire. The Roman court, all sorts of powerful people, including Nero himself, and various spectators, heard the gospel. Paul first imprisonment had resulted in the same kind of proclamation (Philippians 1:12-14). Paul’s defense before the court included a full presentation of the gospel, compare with Acts 22 and 26. “It afforded an opportunity for the vast crowd of Gentiles who were attracted to the trial to hear Paul’s presentation of his message. He clearly set forth the 7

content of his message, thus showing that it was no dangerous or subversive movement which he represented” (Hiebert p. 122).

4:17 “And I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth”: “The impression of Paul’s defense made immediate condemnation impossible, and the cause was recessed to allow time for further investigation. Various have been the conjectures as to the meaning of the ‘lion’—literal lions in the amphitheater, Nero, or Satan” (p. 122). Christians were fed to literal lions in the Circus Maximus. Taken figuratively, Paul may be saying that he was delivered out of the jaws of death at that time.

4:18 “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed”: This does not mean that the Lord will keep Paul from sinning. Paul still had a free will and must remain faithful. Neither does this mean that the Lord will keep Paul from facing death (4:6-8). The evil deeds in the context would be the vicious activities of his enemies. All the evil things that his enemies had planned against him would not prevent Paul from ending up saved. Remember the various evil deeds were often designed to cause Paul to despair, sin, give up hope, and renounce Christ. “And will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom”: Compare with 2 Peter 1:11.

The reason that the Lord will deliver Paul is that Paul has remained faithful. A man like Demas in his present condition could not accurately make such an assertion. Please note that this is a heavenly kingdom and not some sort of earthly kingdom. “To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen”: Jesus deserves our eternal praise. This statement applies to Jesus, compare with Romans 16:27; 1 Timothy 1:17. “How delighted Paul was with the way Jesus was doing things in his life, and how Jesus would continue to see him through all his troubles and perplexities, never leaving him friendless or desolate” (Reese p. 543).

4:18 “Amen”: “After the Holy Spirit has led Paul to write the doxology to Jesus, Paul here adds his own solemn word of agreement. ‘Amen’ 8

means ‘I concur’, or ‘those are my sentiments, too’, or “So be it!’” (p.

543).

Final Greetings 4:19 “Greet Prisca and Aquila”: Paul had met this couple at Corinth around 53 A.D. (Acts 18:2), and notes to the Romans that they had laid down their life for him on various occasions (Romans 16:4). The last we heard was that this couple was in Rome (Romans 16:3), but now we learn that they have returned to Ephesus. “Their long friendship has lastingly endeared them to Paul and he thinks first of them” (Hiebert p.

123).

4:19 “And the household of Onesiphorus”: See 2 Timothy 1:16-18.

4:20 “Erastus”: (ih RAS tus). The name means “beloved”. A man by this name is mentioned in Acts 19:22 as being involved with Timothy on a mission to Macedonia. There is also a man bearing the same name who was the treasurer of the city of Corinth (Romans 16:23). These may be different men or references to the same man. “Remained at Corinth”: Which seems to confirm that the man in Romans 16:23 and this man are one and the same. In 1929 archeologists uncovered in the city of Corinth a Latin inscription reading, “Erastus, commissioner for public works laid this pavement at his own expense” (Zond. Ency. p. 339).

4:20 “But Trophimus”: (TROF ih muss). The name means “nourishing”.

He was from Ephesus and had been a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 20:4; 21:29). “I left sick”: This shows that miracles of healing were not wrought at the mere will, even of an apostle. This statement may have also been intended to tell the brethren in Ephesus (30 miles north) that Trophimus might need some help. “At Miletus”: This harbor city was located south of Ephesus on the coast of Asia Minor near the mouth of the Maeander River.

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4:21 “Make every effort to come before winter”: “If the journey were delayed travel would be dangerous or even made impossible, since during the winter months all navigation on the Mediterranean closed down” (Hiebert p. 124).

4:21 “Eubulus greets you”: (you BYOU lus), the name means “well advised”. Apparently he was a Christian from the city of Rome who sent his greetings to Timothy and the brethren in Ephesus. “Also Pudens”: (POO denz), a name which means “modest”, only mentioned here in the New Testament, the same is true the following names as well.

“Linus”: (LIE nuhs). “Claudia”: (KLOW dih uh), the name means “lame”.

“And all the brethren”: That is the brethren in Rome. Apparently, at this time Paul is no longer completely alone.

4:22 “The Lord be with your spirit”: Timothy always needs to allow the Lord to dictate to him the attitude or disposition he is to have at all times and in all situations.

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