2 Timothy

Paul places his charge to Timothy in solemn eschatological perspective by reminding him that he conducts himself under the gaze of God and Christ, that Christ (not those around him, whether opponents or faithful believers) is the one who will judge him, and that Christ will certainly return (his appearing). Christ’s kingdom is then the ultimate reality with which Timothy should be concerned.

The charge itself is spelled out in five imperative verbs (with four more in v. 5). Preach the word refers back to “Scripture” (see 3:16) and thus includes proclaiming the “good news” of the gospel in a broad, biblically anchored sense. “Gospel” for Paul is not only an evangelistic presentation; the gospel is the core message (found in the whole of Scripture; cf. 3:16) which can be applied to unbelievers (a call to faith) or to believers (a call to continue to believe in and live out the implications of this message). Thus, the way to preach the gospel is by expounding the Scriptures. be ready in season and out of season. When it is convenient and when it is inconvenient. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort means the communicating of all that Scripture includes—doctrine, instruction, correction, and encouragement. Patience in such teaching is again encouraged (see 2:24–26).

the time is coming. Since Paul exhorts Timothy on how to respond when these things occur, it is apparent that he is not referring merely to some time in the distant future but to a situation he expects Timothy to face (or to be already facing; see 3:1; 1 Tim. 4:1–3). Itching ears indicates a yearning for novelty that results in a pursuit of teachers who will tell people what they want to hear (to suit their own passions) instead of orthodox teachers like Timothy.

Driven by their own desires, people will readily accept fanciful myths (see note on 1 Tim. 1:4) rather than the truth.

the work of an evangelist. The full scope of “evangelist” is not made explicit here or elsewhere in Scripture. Paul instructs Timothy in terms of the “gospel” (cf. 1 Tim. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:8, 10; 2:8), which certainly includes proclamation to the unconverted, i.e., the continuation of Paul’s mission to the Gentiles. However, Paul does not typically distinguish between “evangelism” and “discipleship” (see note on 2 Tim. 4:2).

a drink offering. Paul describes his impending death in OT sacrificial language (cf. Gen. 35:14; Ex. 29:40–41; Lev. 23:13; Num. 15:5–10; 28:7–8), suggesting he sees himself as laying down his life for the sake of the gospel. However, the use of the passive voice (I am … being poured out) stresses that it is God who is acting here. The fact that Paul’s death is close at hand underlies the urgency of the entire letter.

I have fought the good fight. Using athletic imagery (as is typical of Paul; cf. 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Phil. 3:14), he affirms at the close of his life that he has engaged himself in the one event truly worth one’s life (i.e., the gospel mission). Some have objected that Paul’s statement sounds prideful. But there is no claim of personal glory here. Paul is simply saying that he has finally completed the course God ordained for him (see Acts 20:24). He has done, clearly by God’s grace (1 Cor. 15:10), what he is exhorting Timothy to do (2 Tim. 4:5). See note on 1 Cor. 4:16.

crown of righteousness. One interpretation holds that this means “the crown that consists of righteousness,” referring to the final righteous state of believers. Another interpretation is “the crown that is the reward for righteousness,” that is, a victory crown (this is the meaning of Gk. stephanos, “crown,” and fits with v. 7). If this crown is understood as a reward for Paul’s perseverance, this would be in accord with a common theme in Paul’s epistles (e.g., 1 Cor. 3:14; Col. 3:24) and in the NT more generally (e.g., Matt. 5:12, 46; 6:1–6, 16–18; 10:41–42; Heb. 10:35; 11:26; 2 John 8). It is clear, though, that the rewarded behavior is possible only because of grace (Phil. 2:13). On either interpretation, Christ will give a crown not only to Paul but to all who have loved his appearing, meaning all true believers who set their heart on the return of Christ. Hoping for Christ’s return is an essential element of perseverance (contrast Demas, 2 Tim. 4:10; cf. Titus 2:13).

Conclusion. Paul, in typical fashion for first-century letters, closes with some final particular notes concerning travel and greetings. The key themes of the letter continue to resonate even here.

In contrast to Paul, who is persevering in spite of suffering (1:11–12; 2:8–13) because he has an eternal perspective (4:6–8), Demas (cf. Col. 4:14; Philem. 24) abandoned Paul because he loved this present world.

Despite his earlier disapproval of Mark (Acts 15:36–40), Paul now desires Mark’s presence and considers him useful … for ministry. Clearly, Mark has by now demonstrated his effectiveness and commitment as a missionary pioneer.

cloak. A heavy coat that would be especially important in the winter (see v. 21). Books refers to scrolls made of papyrus, while parchments would be vellum sheets made of animal skins. The papyrus scrolls may have included writing materials, official documents, or Paul’s personal correspondence. It seems most likely that the parchments would have been books of some kind. In any case, although Paul is expecting to die soon, he is still concerned about getting his “books [and] parchments,” so that he can continue to work for the sake of the gospel.

The Alexander mentioned here cannot be identified with certainty. He may or may not be the same Alexander that Paul mentions in 1 Tim. 1:20 as one who has been excommunicated. If he is the same person, he may still have been in Ephesus causing trouble. However, since he is identified as a coppersmith and there is evidence of a guild of coppersmiths in Troas, this may be a different man living in Troas. This would explain his mention here after Paul has asked Timothy to collect his cloak in Troas (2 Tim. 4:13).

first defense. Paul’s preliminary hearing before Caesar during his second imprisonment. May it not be charged against them! In his extension of forgiveness to those who abandoned him, Paul is following the teaching and model of Jesus (Luke 23:34); the practice of Stephen, whom Paul saw die (Acts 7:60); and his own teaching (1 Cor. 13:5).

But the Lord stood by me recalls the Lord’s promise that he will never “leave or forsake” his children (Deut. 31:6, 8; Josh. 1:5; 1 Chron. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). And strengthened me recalls Paul’s confidence in the sufficiency of God’s power and strength, which is “made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:8, 9). The result of God strengthening Paul is that the message of the gospel would be fully proclaimed through Paul, so that all the Gentiles might hear it, signifying that Paul has “finished the race” (2 Tim. 4:7) and completed the mission and calling that God had entrusted to him. Deliverance from the lion’s mouth was a common biblical metaphor for rescue from great danger (cf. Ps. 22:21; Dan. 6:22; Heb. 11:33), and here it probably means Paul was not put to death immediately after his trial (2 Tim. 4:16).

will rescue me. An assurance of ultimate well-being, not an assurance of release from his present danger. Paul entirely expects execution, but even through death God will bring him safely into his heavenly kingdom (cf. Luke 21:16–19).

Prisca (a variant of Priscilla) and Aquila are often mentioned in connection with Paul (e.g., Acts 18:2, 18, 26).

Trophimus, who was ill. Even Paul, with his apostolic gifts (cf. Acts 19:11–12; 2 Cor. 12:12), was not always empowered to heal. Christians today should pray earnestly for physical healing, but God is still sovereign in whether he grants healing in each specific case.

Travel in the Mediterranean was basically suspended during winter due to dangerous conditions by both land and sea. If his trip to Rome was not completed before then, Timothy would not be able to come “soon” (v. 9).

be with your spirit. Paul uses this language also in his closing in Gal. 6:18; Phil. 4:23; and Philem. 25. Cf. “be with you” in other letters (e.g., Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 16:23; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Thess. 5:28).