2 Timothy 4: Final Encouragements

[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 His primary call

v.1 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:

v.2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

[Note: Keep preaching God’s word….. ]

v.3,4 Warning of the days to come

v.3  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.

v.4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

v.5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

[Note: ….because sound doctrine will be replaced by dubious teaching. So make sure you hold onto your ministry as a teacher and evangelist.]

v.6-8 Paul’s time is limited

v.6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.

v.7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

v.8 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.

[Note: My time is growing short, I have kept going faithfully and now my heavenly reward awaits me.]

v.9-18 Personal Remarks

[Passage Synopsis: details of the tough time Paul has been through and the help he wants from Timothy

v.9-13 Comings & Goings

v.9 Do your best to come to me quickly,

v.10 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 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.  

v.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

v.13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

[Note: Various of the others have gone, so it would be good if Timothy could come. Luke is there but bring Mark because Tychicus has had to go. Bring the various things I need.]

v.14,15 Alexander proved an enemy

v.14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.

v.15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

[Note: Alexander harmed me and will be punished; be careful of him, he’s against us.]

v.16-18 I felt deserted but God was there for me

v.16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

v.17 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 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.

[Note: Most left me to my fate, but the Lord blessed me and enabled me to keep preaching and He will deliver me safely into heaven.]

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.

[Note: Final concerns & Greetings.]

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