Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Timothy 4

Timothy must remain focused during the difficult times ahead.

Timothy's ministry truly existed in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus. Paul commanded him to work, expecting the return of Jesus to judge and establish his kingdom (see 1 Timothy 5:21; 6:13–14).

Christ’s appearing will bring:

• spiritual cleaning (2 Timothy 2:19),

• accountability (3:8–9),

• salvation,

• declaration of righteousness, and

• reward (4:8, 18).

See also 1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 4:4–5; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

• judge the living and the dead: See Matthew 25:31–46; Acts 10:42; Romans 14:7–12; Revelation 20:11–15.

• His appearing: See study note on 1 Timothy 6:14; see also 2 Timothy 1:10; 4:8; Titus 2:11–13; 3:4.

Paul gives some final leadership instructions and a testament to Timothy (compare Deuteronomy 31:7–8; 34:9; 2 Kings 2:1–18).

This final statement summarizes the earlier points (1:6–14; 2:1–15, 24–26; 3:12).

Paul's faithfulness, right standing with God, and reward are a model and a challenge to others (particularly Timothy) to follow Paul’s example after he is gone.

being poured like a drink offering: Paul regards his death as a sacrifice to God (see Exodus 29:40–41; Leviticus 23:13; Numbers 28:7; Philippians 2:17). This offering participates in Christ’s own sacrifice (see Colossians 1:24; see also Romans 12:1).

Paul remained true to the trust (literally, "deposit") committed to him (see study notes on 1:12; 1 Timothy 6:20; compare Acts 20:24). He kept the integrity of the Christian faith and commanded Timothy to do the same (see 2 Timothy 2:3–7; 1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12; compare Romans 15:30–31; 1 Corinthians 9:25–27; Hebrews 12:1; Jude 1:3).

• crown of righteousness: being declared righteous at the time of judgment was the only thing that remained for Paul (see also James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; 3:11).

• If we live expecting that Christ will return, we will eagerly look forward to His appearing to establish his kingdom (see 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1). If we do not follow Christ’s commands, we will not welcome his appearing, because it will be as Judge.

Paul plainly commands Timothy to come to Rome (see 1:4).

• Demas: See Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24.

• deserted: Also see 2 Timothy 4:16–17; compare Psalm 22:1; Mark 15:34.

• love of this world: This contrasts with awaiting Christ’s glorious return (2 Timothy 4:8).

• Crescens is otherwise unknown. The absence of Crescens and Titus seems to have increased Paul’s isolation.

• Titus was Paul’s effective and reliable fellow worker. He might have gone to Dalmatia (northwest of modern-day Greece) on a mission for Paul.

• Luke: The author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts traveled with Paul at different times. Many believe Luke was Paul's physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke was the only one of Paul's fellow workers who stayed with him continually. Therefore, Paul wanted Timothy to come quickly.

• Mark: Paul's belief that Mark would be useful shows a Christian story of amending differences (see Acts 13:13; 15:36–40; see also Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24).

Tychicus was apparently a Greek from Asia Minor (implied in Colossians 4:7–8, 10–11); see also Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21–22; Colossians 4:7–8; Titus 3:12). He was possibly going to Ephesus to deliver the letter and replace Timothy, assuming Timothy was in Ephesus.

• Paul's arrest and transfer to Rome apparently prevented him from gathering his possessions.

• the cloak: Winter was approaching (4:21).

• Carpus might have hosted Paul in Troas. Mentioning Troas suggests Timothy was still in Ephesus and would travel through Troas, a port town.

• my scrolls, especially the parchments: These writings may have included Scriptures, personal notes, letters to Paul, copies of Paul's own letters, and other Christian and Jewish materials.

• Alexander was a common name (see Mark 15:21; Acts 4:6; 19:33). Alexander the coppersmith was probably the same person mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20.

• did great harm to me: He probably did more than just oppose Paul's teaching. He might have been part of Paul's arrest.

• At my first defense: A Roman trial had two parts, a preliminary investigation and the main trial. Paul was probably talking about the first part. It might also refer to his first time in prison at Rome (Acts 28; see 2 Timothy Book Introduction, “Date of Writing”).

• everyone deserted me: See study note on 2 Timothy 4:10.

• so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed: Paul used his defense in court to share the good news about Jesus, similar to his past experiences (Acts 22:1–24:27; 26:1–29; see also 2 Timothy 2:9–10; Philippians 1:12–14).

• all the Gentiles would hear it: Paul felt he had finished his mission (2 Timothy 4:7–8). The Old Testament prophesies the conversion of nations (for example, Psalm 22:27–29).

• from the mouth of a lion: The lion often symbolizes enemies (see Psalms 7:2; 35:17; compare Daniel 6; Hebrews 11:33). Here, it might mean:

  • literal lions in the Roman theaters,

  • the emperor,

  • false teachers, or

  • Satan (1 Peter 5:8; compare Psalm 22:21).

• God would continue to strengthen Paul and keep him strong in faith until the end of his life (4:7; see 1:12).

• The Lord’s heavenly kingdom is different from this kingdom of earth that was about to judge Paul (see also 4:1; 1 Corinthians 15:48–49; Hebrews 12:18–29).

• glory … Amen: Paul’s praise of God, even when facing death, shows his belief that God’s glory will remain (compare 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15–16).

• to Him: The Greek text implies this praise is for “the Lord” in the previous sentence, specifically referring to Jesus (compare Titus 2:13).

Like in many of Paul's letters, this one ends with greetings and final instructions (for example, Romans 16:1–23; 1 Corinthians 16:19–21; 2 Corinthians 13:12).

• Prisca and Aquila were probably in Ephesus at this time (Acts 18:26; 1 Corinthians 16:19). They also lived in Rome, where Paul currently was (Acts 18:2; Romans 16:3). This suggests that Timothy might still be in Ephesus (see 1 Timothy 1:3).

• Paul is grateful when mentioning Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 1:16 for helping him while he was in prison.

• Erastus lived in Corinth (Acts 19:22; Romans 16:23). Modern archaeological digs found an inscription (carved writing) in Corinth mentioning an Erastus who was the city treasurer. He was probably the same man.

• Trophimus was an Ephesian connected with Tychicus (Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Timothy 4:12).

• before winter: Paul probably worried about a long delay if Timothy missed the chance to travel in the fall (see 1:4; 4:9). Winter weather interrupted travel across the Adriatic Sea from November to March (see Acts 27:12). Paul might also have been eager to receive his cloak for the cold prison (2 Timothy 4:13). The New Testament does not mention Eubulus elsewhere. But he was obviously well-known to Timothy.

• Pudens was a name used by upper-class families.

• Linus: Both the bishop Eusebius and the bishop Irenaeus later identified Linus as the first bishop of Rome.

• The New Testament does not mention Claudia elsewhere.

• brothers: Greek adelphoi, a term for family members, both male and female.

• The unique phrasing here might emphasize what Paul already mentioned in 1:6–8 and 2:1 (compare Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23, and Philemon 1:25).

• with you all: Paul intended that Timothy would read this letter in public.