2 Timothy 4
4
Paul’s Farewell Message
1Timothy, in the presence # 4:1 Or “before the eyes of God.” The Greek word is enopion, which could be translated “within eyesight of.” Imagine looking into heaven and seeing the eyes of God gazing at you. This is the strength of Paul’s charge to Timothy. of our great God and our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who is destined to judge both the living and the dead by the revelation of his kingdom—I solemnly instruct you to 2proclaim the Word of God and stand upon it no matter what! Rise to the occasion and preach when it is convenient and when it is not. Preach in the full expression of the Holy Spirit # 4:2 As translated from the Aramaic. —with wisdom and patience as you instruct and teach the people.
3For the time is coming when they will no longer listen and respond to the healing words of truth because they will become selfish and proud. They will seek out teachers with soothing words that line up with their desires, saying just what they want to hear. 4They will close their ears to the truth and believe nothing but fables and myths. # 4:4 The Aramaic can be translated “ritualistic ceremonies.” 5So be alert to all these things and overcome every form of evil. Carry in your heart the passion of your calling as a church planter # 4:5 Implied in the concept of being a New Testament evangelist. Apostolic missionaries sent out to evangelize were to plant churches wherever they ministered. Our contemporary concept of an evangelist is quite different than in Paul’s day. and evangelist, and fulfill your ministry calling. # 4:5 Or “being confident in your ministry.”
6And now the time is fast approaching for my release from this life and I am ready to be offered as a sacrifice. # 4:6 Or “poured out as a drink offering.” 7I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith. 8There’s a crown of righteousness waiting in heaven for me, and I know that my Lord will reward me on his day of righteous judgment. And this crown is not only waiting for me, but for all who love and long for his unveiling. # 4:8 Or “sudden appearance.”
9Please come as soon as you can 10since Demas deserted me and has left to go to Thessalonica, for he loves his own life. # 4:10 Or “he loves the world.” Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11That leaves only Luke with me, so find Mark and bring him with you, for he is a tremendous help for me in my ministry.
12I have also dispatched Tychicus to Ephesus to minister there. 13When you come, please bring the leather book bag # 4:13 The Aramaic can be translated “carrying case.” This would have been a bag made of leather or woolen cloth. The Greek text reads “bring the cloak.” The Aramaic words for “book” and “cloak” are nearly identical, which would explain the Greek mistranslation using “cloak.” It is fascinating that the aged Paul, nearing death, found his heart attached to the manuscripts and books that undoubtedly expounded on the Old Testament writings. He knew Jesus intimately, yet longed for more revelation of the written Word until his death. along with the books I left in Troas with Carpus—especially the parchment scrolls.
14You need to know that Alexander, # 4:14 Alexander means “protector of men” or “man-pleaser.” the jeweler, # 4:14 The word used here can also be “silversmith,” “blacksmith” or “coppersmith.” has done me great harm. May our Lord give him what he deserves for all he has done. 15Be careful of him, for he arrogantly opposes our ministry.
16At first there was no one I could count on to faithfully stand with me—they all ran off and abandoned me—but don’t hold this against them. 17For in spite of this, my Lord himself stood with me, empowering me to complete my ministry of preaching to all the non-Jewish nations so they all could hear the message and be delivered from the mouth of the lion! # 4:17 Or “that they will hear that I have been delivered from the mouth of the lion.” By implication, the lion is a metaphor for the devil. 18And my Lord will continue to deliver me from every form of evil and give me life in his heavenly kingdom. May all the glory go to him alone for all the ages of eternity!
19Please give my warm regards # 4:19 The Aramaic can be translated “give peace.” to Prisca and to Aquila # 4:19 Prisca is a diminutive form of Priscilla (“long life”). She and her husband, Aquila (“eagle”), were tentmakers like Paul. They were not only business partners with Paul, but also partners with him in ministry. See Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 16:19. and to Onesiphorus and his family.
20Erastus has remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I had to leave in Miletus due to his illness. # 4:20 The Greek word used here can refer to physical or spiritual ailments.
21Do your best to come before winter.
Eubulus sends his greetings, along with Pudens, Linus, # 4:21 In church history it was widely accepted and stated by Irenaeus that Linus was a disciple of Peter and became the bishop of Rome. and Claudia, and all those in prison with me.
22The Lord is within your spirit and his grace overflows to you!
Love in Christ,
Paul
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2 Timothy 4: TPT
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