This chapter begins with, "This know also..." "The gospel is not a message of supposition, but of truth. God said what He meant and meant what He said. When the preacher behind the sacred desk, opens the Bible and reads. 'Thus saith the Lord,' hear him, support him, and pray for him." (Greene, p. 328).
1. The Time of the Apostasy, 1
The New English Bible translates this portion of Scripture, "You must face the fact; the final age of this world is to be a time of troubles..." (verse 1). When the latter (last) days are referred to in the Bible it means that period of time from the First Coming of our Lord to His Second Coming. So Paul and Timothy were living in the latter days of the earth's existence. John wrote, "Little children, it is the LAST TIME; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists, by which we know that it is the LAST TIME" (I John 2:18). The writer of Hebrews (1:2) indicated that Jesus was born in the latter days, "(God)...hath in these last days spoken unto a by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;..."
This will be a time which will be difficult to endure. Although the term "latter days," is found as early as Genesis 49:1, the term is used in reference to the church and the kingdom age as early as Isaiah's time. "And it shall come to pass in the LAST DAYS, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flown into it" (Isaiah 2:2). See also Micah 4:1.
There can be no question that the last times refer to a time yet future for the first century Christians. The times or seasons will be perilous (chalepoi), fierce or grievous times; they will be hard and painful times. There will be seasons of ever-increasing wickedness (Matthew 24:12; Luke 18:8), which will culminate in the climax of wickedness, the revelation of "the man of lawlessness" II Thessalonians 2:1 - 12). "These seasons, then, are areas of duress for the true church, difficult time-periods of the new dispensation, definitely marked out in God's eternal decree" (Hendriksen, p. 283). Timothy must realize this fact. Were not the peddlers of sinister falsehoods beginning to make their appearance even in Timothy's days? In verses 2ff these purveyers of evil are characterized.
2. The Nature of the Apostasy, 2 - 5
In these last days, people (men and women) will cause much grief. In other words, the people will bring circumstances upon themselves. "Because, when they knew God they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened...Wherefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves" (Romans 1:21, 24). In fact, the characteristics mentioned in II Timothy 3:2 - 5 can be logically compared with Romans 1:29 - 31.
Now in verse 2 Paul begins a catalog of people's sins in these latter days. Mankind will be a lover of self instead of a lover of God. Trench borrows the illustration of the hedgehog
which rolls itself up in a ball, keeping the soft, warm wool for itself and presents the sharp spines to those without. Thus it loves self and pleases self while manifesting an arrogance to other animals. Men will be money lovers; that is, lovers of silver and gold and what they will buy. They will be covetous or greedy and avaricious.
They will also be boasters (hupephanoi), proud or braggers and empty pretenders (alazones). These are illustrated by the medicine (snake oil) peddler who goes about boasting about the healing virtues of his medicine; he is a "quack." They will be lovers of themselves (philautoi); covetous (philarguroi). These are haughty, egotistical and overbearing; seeking to put down others; they are uppish. They are contemptuous of their inferiors. Blasphemous (blasphemoi) are they, speakers of evil, especially of God. They use scornful language, insulting God and man. Those who stoned Stephen accused him of blasphemy. "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God" (Acts 6:11). Yet the so-called pious Pharisees were guilty of Stephen's death; they were the blasphemers.
Another sin is disobedience to parents (apeitheis goneusin); here is a breakdown of the social system. There is a lack of submissiveness, thankfulness (acharistoi), affection for their own families, and an unforgiving attitude. Their feuds never end; they are implacable and irreconcilable. Others owe them respect and obedience rather than them owing others this respect. There will be a disrespect for that which is sacred and holy (anosioi). They will be slanderers and false accusers. They are uncontrolled, untamed, savage and fierce. They act like wild beasts. They are betrayers and traitors like Judas who sold out our Lord for thirty pieces of silver. They are an unthankful and ungracious and unholy group.
In verse 3 Paul continues his list. These evil and wicked people are "without natural affection (astorgoi)." They are without the natural feelings of affection normally for one's family. They have little respect for human life; they are heartless, inhuman and cruelly indifferent. They refuse to honor vows of any kind. They live rampant; they are out of control or incontinent akrateis and fierce anemeroi. Furthermore, they despise those who are good and that which is good. Is not this portrayed in our days with all of its abortion, childless marriages, infanticide and euthanasia?
These sinners are traitors or trucebreakers (aspondoi); they betray their closest friends and associates. They are headstrong; irrationally they plunge ahead in their wickedness; they are reckless, and they participate in deeds of violence (mob behavior). They are puffed up (inflated with their own knowledge and importance). They love the pleasures (philedonoi) of this world more than they love God (philotheoi) and the things of God
Are they religious? They definitely are; they possess a form (morphosin), a semblance or appearance without reality of godliness and piety, but they deny its power. They rebel against God who is good and holy. Paul admonishes Timothy to "turn away from these people." Avoid them like the plague! They will "leaven" the whole lump (I Corinthians 5:6). "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (of Christ), receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed; for he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds" (II John 10, 11).
3. The Further Extent of the Apostasy, 6 - 8
This apostasy will invade the church. From within the church these men will come; false prophets who specialize in the art of deceiving women, those woman who are neurotic and oppressed with sin. These are fickle, weak-minded or immoral women (gunaikaria) who may also be of inferior intelligence; they are found both inside and outside the church. These false teachers will invade homes seeking out these women to lead them astray. The very novelty of their doctrines will entice and take these women captive. The false prophets will "creep into (endunontes) houses," as serpents, or as wolves seeking their prey, in an insidious, stealthy manner.
Hendriksen says "first of all, these women are 'heaped up with sin,' very wicked; second, they are weak-minded and ever rapt attention they sit down to listen to their licentious nefarious doctrines, going from home to home in order to enlist women-disciples and women-helpers. These false teachers become manifest to all true believers as adversaries of God and of His truth" (p. 287). They are continually learning but attaining no real knowledge. They lend their ear to every new exposition of error and gain positive reinforcement for what they already believe. Their sinful lives may not even be challenged by these false prophets.
People resist the truth as did Jannes and Jambres who withstood Moses by the power of Satan (Exodus 7:11, 12, 22). Although these two characters are not mentioned any other place in the Bible, it is supposed that these were Pharaoh's magicians who confronted Moses as he was about to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian slavery. "Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed God's representative, Moses, so do also these licentious leaders oppose the truth of God as revealed in his word and as proclaimed by Paul, Timothy, and others. These so-called "religious leaders," were imitators of the true religion. Evidently they sought by the power of Satan to mimic the miracles which Moses performed by the power of God.
Incidentally, in the last days, Satan and his antichrist will be permitted to have power to do miracles. "False Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect" (Mark 13:13, 14).
4. The Exposure of Apostasy, 9
There is, however, room for encouragement. The ultimate defeat of Satan and his workers is certain, their works will be unmasked and their progress will be restricted. These false teachers will seek to lead astray even the very elect of God. Thank God there is a limit to Satan's power and deceit!
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This false doctrine and its perpetrators are pointed out to Timothy and to us that we might be aware of them. To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed. In the verses that follow this text, Paul urges Timothy to retain the sound doctrine of which he was familiar and the teachings that he had received from the Apostle Paul.
Paul uses an interesting word in verse 10 which is a combination of para (of or along side of) and akoloutheo (to follow), so Timothy followed alongside of Paul in his ministry. As Paul's ministry developed, Timothy was receiving his on-the-job training from Paul. So Timothy in a sense "accompanied and was present" with Paul when his persecutions and sufferings took place; furthermore, Timothy "understood" and "made his own" (experienced) some of the trials as well (Knight, p. 438). Figuratively the word "followed" could mean watched, observed, investigated or took as a model, adhered to, or copied."
1. The Example of the Apostle Paul, 10 - 13
The apostle gives nine examples for Timothy to follow - (1) Paul's teaching (doctrine, precepts) was according to the Bible. The apostle was a student of the Old Testament having sat at the feet of Gamaliel in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3). (2) Paul's conduct (manner or way of life) was above reproach. "As touching the law a Pharisee;...touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless" Philippians 3:5, 6. (3) The apostle's purpose was to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20). (4) His faith (fidelity) was triumphant in every circumstance. Consider what the apostle had been through in his journeys as a missionary (II Corinthians 11:24 - 27). (5) Paul's longsuffering (endurance, steadfastness) was without complaint. In spite of physical handicaps and unfortunate circumstances he did not complain. (6) His first love was to win men to Christ. Ananias speaking God's message testified, "For (Paul) is a chosen vessel unto (God), to bear (God's) name before the Gentiles, and king, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:25).
(7) Paul's patience (ability to remain under a burden) was proven over and over again. He was seldom discouraged, never pessimistic. He was never guilty of self-pity or despair. (8) The apostle's persecution was endured by trusting in Christ. He may have fled for his life on occasions, but wherever he went he preached the gospel. (9) His sufferings (afflictions) did not shake his confidence. At Lystra Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city, his persecutors supposing that he was dead (Acts 14:19) (Kent, p. 287). No doubt Paul implied that the same Lord (Jesus Christ) that delivered him from all these circumstances could also deliver Timothy. In fact, "ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (verse 12).
In the face of opposition and persecution Paul admonished Timothy and every God-called minister to endure affliction and tribulation for Jesus sake. Our Lord said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" John 16:33. The apostle Paul exhorted the elders in every church, "continue in the faith...we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" Acts 14:22. John, the beloved apostle, had the same outlook on life when he wrote, "Marvel not my brethren, if the world hate you" I John 3:13.
Times will not get any better as the Christian approaches the time of the Lord's return. Evil man (deceivers, shrewd and crafty individuals) and evil influences will "increase" and gain more and more power. "This passage makes clear Paul's view that there is a chasm between Christianity and the philosophy of the world that cannot be bridged by compromise" (Yeager, Vol. XV, p. 553). The word translated "seducer" comes from goao meaning "howler, bewailer," one who accompanied his act with howling incantations. They were religious hucksters. Anyone who is a friend of Christ is an enemy to the world.
2. The Training of Timothy, 14, 15
Timothy's first instructors were his mother, Lois, and his grandmother, Eunice. At the knees of these godly saints, Timothy must have heard many Bible stories from the Old Testament. Of course, Paul was his "seminary professor." Paul took up where Timothy's mother and grandmother left off. His training of Timothy was on-the-job training as well as instruction from the Scriptures. "Timothy must carry on his ministry in an ungodly world infested with evil men and impostors who will intensify in their deceptions...He must continue to preach and teach in the sphere of those things which he had learned and of which he was not well aware...Timothy was convinced because Paul's teaching had been so effective that what he taught had been thoroughly established" (Op cit., p. 556).
The Bible was Timothy's chief Textbook. His education was God-centered and Messiah-oriented. The Bible led Timothy to salvation, sanctification and service.
3. God's Word is a Safeguard Against Apostasy, 16, 17
The Bible is inspired, literally "God-breathed." God breathed (theopneustos) on His writers and motivated them so as to convey to the reader the entire thought that God wished to convey. As a result, what the human writers wrote is not only without error but of supreme value to man. It is all God wanted it to be. It constitutes the infallible rule of faith and practice for mankind. "No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not at any (in old) time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (Ghost)" II Peter 1:20, 21. Just as a sailboat is moved in the water by the wind, so God's word was written as holy men were moved to write God's message.
God's Word is like a compass; it determines direction. Like a compass that is used for charting an ocean, God's word can chart our course in Christian living. At sea the compass is a safeguard against shipwreck on reefs and rocks, so the Bible is the safeguard against shipwrecking the Christian's life. God's Word gives direction. By It the Christian's course may be charted and direction can be given as one's life is used and blessed of God.
The Bible gives direction in doctrine or teaching. Therein are truths needful for salvation. "The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul..." Psalm 19:7. Also truths needful for spiritual growth are contained in It. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word" I Peter 2:2. Furthermore, therein are truths needful for spiritual strengthening. "My soul melteth for heaviness; strengthen thou me according unto thy word" Psalm 119:28. In the wilderness, our Lord used the word effectively in His confrontation with Satan.
The Bible gives direction for reproof (elegmon), conviction or censure. It reproves those who are ignorant. "Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth" II Timothy 2:15. It reproves those who are in error (false teachers). "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" Matthew 15:9. The Bible reproves those who are gainsayers (those who would contradict). "(A minister must hold) fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers" Titus 1:9.
The Bible gives direction for correction (epanorthowin) or setting forth and restoring that which is right, improvement. It corrects the sinner. "Let the wicked forsake his way...let him return to the Lord, and he will abundantly pardon" Isaiah 55:7. God's Word corrects the saint as well. The Bible causes the saint to rectify that which is wrong and restores him to right living. The Scriptures are used to counteract religious falsehoods and in rebuking sinners.
The Bible gives direction for instruction (paideian) or nurture in righteousness. Reading and heeding the Word of God can make a man righteous in every respect. It affects his thoughts, his feelings and his character. It can make him right in his own soul's condition, in his relationship with himself, right with his fellowman and with God. The Scripture can train and educate by guiding. It inspires the soul to holiness and right living. The Word shows God's grace to the benighted sinner. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present age (world)" Titus 2:11, 12.
God's Word can equip the believer for life, making him complete (artios), perfect or lacking nothing that is needed to do God's work. Every child of God, whether gospel minister or layman, should be a student of God's Word. Most of all a minister (preacher) can be fully equipped by a thorough study of God's Word. With a complete and thorough knowledge of God's Word the Christian is ready for anything; anything with which the Devil may approach him, anything that the worldly philosophers may try to palm off on him. Yeager says, "If one wishes to hear a book review, he should visit the Literary Club at the public library. If he wishes to hear an exposition of the Word of God he ought to go to a church with a pastor/teacher who can read Greek and who believes that his Greek New Testament is the only pure source from which he can get all of the truth which God wishes us to have at this time" (Vol. XV, p 562).
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The Bible cannot be compared with any other so-called holy book. It far exceeds in wisdom and ability to direct a person to God more man any other publication - the Koran of Muhammadanism, the Vedas of Hinduism, the Book of Mormon of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day saints, or Mary Baker Eddy's Key to the Scripture and even the Talmud of Judaism. All other books fade into oblivion (insignificance) when considered beside God's word. The Bible truly is the BOOK!
Whether one star is brighter than another may be questionable on a dark night, but the brightness of the stars cease to be a question when the bright sun arises. Just as the brightness of one star above that of any other is insignificant when the sun arises, so is God's Word greater than any other holy book. Holy books may be compared with one another, but they cannot be compared with the HOLY BIBLE.
(Everything is Go, I am Ready)
1. Ready to Preach, 1, 2
Note the word "charge" (diamarturomai) which means "to testify," or "to witness;" Paul witnessed to Timothy with a intense conviction. Paul solemnly admonished Timothy; he adjured him. No minister has the authority to issue directives to a young brother in the ministry. This is contrary to Scripture. Rather, every good minister should be eager to share his knowledge with his younger counterpart as well as encouraging him. There is always a solemn obligation to "preach the word." The minister should always preach God's word without timidity or reserve. Paul calls God and Christ to witness the charge to the young minister.
Furthermore, there is a judgment coming in which we will stand before the "judgment seat of Christ," and give an account of our faithfulness as ministers. In fact, everyone - regenerate and unregenerate, living or dead, ministers or laymen will face a judgment. Faithfulness will be vindicated and rewarded; unfaithfulness will be condemned and reprimanded. God is the great Judge (Genesis 18:25; Hebrews 12:23), however, He will judge not directly but through Christ Jesus (John 5:22, 23, 27; II Corinthians 5:10). "(He) shall judge (both) the living (those still living on the earth) and the dead (those who will have died by that time) at his appearing and his kingdom..."
To "preach" means to "herald, or proclaim before the public." According to Scripture, the "heralding" or "preaching" is generally the divinely authorized proclamation of the message of God to men. It is the exercise of ambassadorship, an earnest proclamation of views initiated by God. It is the abstract speculation of views excogitated by man. (Hendriksen, pp. 309, 310).
"Preach the word; be diligent (instant) in season, out of season..." Whether Timothy was welcome or not and whether it was propitious or not; he was to be ready "on the spot" with the message from God. In the preaching of the word, Timothy was to do three things: (1) reprove (elegxon) or convince, (2) rebuke (eiptimeson) or charge and (3) exhort (parakaleson) or beseech with all long-suffering (makrouthumia) or patience and doctrine (didache) or teaching." In the reproving sinners must be brought to the fact of sin. In Christian love, he is to rebuke or sharply reprimand the sinner. Sin must never be toned down. His exhortation was to be in the form of tender fatherly admonition. What is meant by long-suffering and doctrine (teaching)? Anyone who has taught others knows that teaching is a painstaking task. Isaiah speaks of it as, "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little;" (Isaiah 28:10). The teacher who is not patient and painstaking is a failure in the classroom.
Of the three types of sermons according to structure - textual, topical and expository - the expository is the best. "Expository preaching which translates and expounds the text, not to allow the total weight of the divine argument to fall upon the audience, is the only kind of preaching worthy of the name...No thorough expositor offers to say what any verse, by itself says until he has allowed the light of every other verse that is in any way germane to the point to shine upon it" (Yeager, Vol. XV, pp. 564, 565).
2. Ready To Rebuke, 3, 4
Why reprove, rebuke and exhort? These are strong words. So many times men refuse to listen; even those who are present (in a church service) may not listen. "For this people's heart is become (waxed) gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes closed..." (Matthew 13:15). If men failed to listen to the Master Teacher and turned a deaf ear, how will they hear one of His followers? Sound doctrine is sometimes bitter medicine to swallow. "The prophets prophesy falsely...and my people love to have it so"... (Jeremiah 5:31). Some people would rather have their ears tickled by fables, fanciful stories, myths and entertaining tales. They have a craving for something according to their fancies or perverted tastes, some novelty - the conversion of a bassoonist, football player, or movie star. In fact, many will go from teacher to teacher until they find what fulfills, what fulfills their desires. "Church tramps" go from church to church in search of some new thing.
3. Ready To Endure, 5
Paul's first admonition here is to "watch (nephe) thou in all things." Timothy was to be sober in all matters; he was to be calm, steady and sane. Timothy or any minister of the gospel must be prepared to "endure (kakopatheson) or suffer afflictions." Not that the minister is to court suffering, nor is he to complain when sufferings come. Sufferings, or anything else, should not stop the minister from preaching God's Word. Timothy was admonished to do the work of an evangelist. In his pastoral duties, he was not to forget the unsaved, but he must be concerned with announcing the good news of man's redemption through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Timothy was to make full proof of his ministry; conscientiously performing every task of ministry. No half-hearted, professional performance will satisfy the spiritual needs of God's people.
As soon as the minister understands that God is sovereign in His universe and that His ministers are sometimes unpopular, then he can get on with the task of sharing God's word even though he may suffer persecution.
4. Ready To Die, 6
Someone has said that no one is ever ready to live for the Lord until he is ready to die for Him. "I have been fighting a good fight (a continuous action in past time)." Hendriksen says of verses 5 - 8, "In one of the most sublime and moving passages, which with respect to grandeur of thought and stateliness of rhythm is probably unsurpassed anywhere in Paul's epistles, the apostle lifts this letter - and his apostolic career - to its wonderful finale" (p.313). He writes in verse 6, "For I am ready to be offered (spendomai) or poured out like a libation, and the time (season) of my departure (analuseos) is at hand." Could Paul hear the guard coming down the corridor to lead him to execution! "Ready to be offered..." is comparable to a libation of wine which was poured at beside the altar. Paul writes of the same idea in Philippians 2:17, "Yea, and if I be offered (poured out as a drink offering) upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all." In Numbers 15:1 - 10 the commandment to Israel upon entering Canaan was to offer a burnt offering, freewill offering and drink offering. Just as the wine of the drink offering was gradually poured out in the final act of the entire sacrificial ceremony, so Paul pictures it as the gradual ebbing away of his life.
Some have seen in this reference to Paul's readiness to depart the symbol of the unmooring of a ship which in its comings and goings are bound to the seasons. His departure is, furthermore, symbolized by the loosing of the ropes or cables of a ship when weighing anchor. The sails of the ship were soon to be filled with the wind and almost immediately the haven of everlasting bliss will have been reached (Hendriksen, p. 313, 314).
5. Ready For Rewards, 7, 8
Using the figure of a boxing-bout or a wrestling-match, Paul had fought a good fight (kakon agona); he had agonized. Whom had he fought; with whom had he wrestled? He wrote in Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Paul's main bout was against Satan and his emissaries. Of course he fought against Jewish and pagan vice and corruption, against Gnosticism and against all forms of sin.
Furthermore, he likens his life to a race run on a race-course. "I have finished a course (teleleka dromon) or ended the race...(I have been running the course)," he wrote. Every obstacle had been hurdled, every step had been taken lawfully with his eye riveted upon the finish line. In his farewell message to the Ephesian brethren (Acts 20:24) Paul said, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish a course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Paul's goal in ministry was to glorify the heavenly Father and His Son.
Another achievement was, "I have kept the faith...(I have been keeping tetereka or remaining constant in the faith)." His defense of the faith had been above reproach. Possibly he also meant that he had retained his personal trust in God, and a confidence in all his Christ-centered promises. Paul's fighting (wrestling), his running and his keeping the faith had gone on for thirty years. Now he has finished and the current result was the record.
In verse 8 Paul looked forward to his rewards. Is it permissible to fondly anticipate rewards? I think so, Paul did. A crown awaited him and all those who love the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. His noble fight, his satisfactory race, his steadfast faith called for a reward. The ONE who WON the foot race in the arena was rewarded with a victor's wreath. In the Christian's race of life, however, all who faithfully run the race and finish it receive a reward. These rewards are "laid up," stored away safely; no enemy, not even Satan, can deprive us of the victors crown.
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"Paul names the greatest incentive for living righteously; (it is) the coming of Christ. One who loves Christ's coming is one who is living righteously, but he whose life is sinful will dread that day," so says Kent (p. 298). "Beloved, now are we the children (sons) of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him PURIFIETH himself even as he is pure" (I John 3:2, 3). What an incentive to righteous living!
Is everything "go" for you? Can you say, "I am ready"? Life is so uncertain, but death and the judgment are sure. So also is His Second Coming sure. He may come today. Will you be ready?
1. Expressions of Loneliness, 9 - 13
The apostle Paul was writing from a cold, dark and damp dungeon in Rome; he was close to death, and he longed for the presence of a friend, "his beloved son in the ministry, Timothy." His company was desired mostly, but he also wanted Timothy to bring his cloak, his books and parchments. He desired Timothy to come before winter. "Do thy diligence (spadason) or endeavor," implies "Exert every effort to hurry, make haste."
Paul had been deserted by Demas; he had gone to Thessalonica because he loved materialism more than he loved Paul. He could not stand the pressure and danger of being incarcerated along with Paul. He was afraid for his own life and unprepared to be a good soldier. Desertion is serious; anyone who has deserted his post in time of war is liable to death, and a blood-chilling, horrible death it is. Desertion destroys the army, so the army must destroy the deserter. How close were Paul and Demas? He is considered one of Paul's assistants along with Mark, Aristarchus and Luke (Philemon 24).
Crescens had gone to Galatia (modern Yugoslavia), possibly at the request of Paul. Titus had gone to Dalmatia on a mission. In contrast to Demas, Crescens and Titus seemed to have left Paul to carry out some work for the Lord. Only Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14), was with Paul. He was always loyal to Paul and to the Lord. Without a doubt Luke ministered to Paul's physical needs as well as his spiritual and emotional needs. "Luke and Paul had much in common. Both were educated men, they were men of culture. Both were big-hearted, broad-spirited and sympathetic. Above all, both were believers and missionaries. (Hendriksen. p. 320).
"Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is profitable to me for the ministry" (verse 11). This is the same (John) Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark; he is the same one who seventeen years earlier deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:5, 13). In the hour of hardship, Mark had returned home to Jerusalem. Although he was rebellious and departed from duty, he had not departed from the Lord. Anyone who turns back from God's work does injury to himself and the Lord's work, but the Lord's work goes on. Although he had deserted Paul and Barnabas earlier, evidently he had repented and become a faithful worker. Mark did recover; the only road back for the backslider is a return to the Master and to duty. He was re-instated and had been in the company of Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24).
Tychicus, who had been sent by Paul to Ephesus, is also mentioned. In fact, he probably was the courier of the letter to Timothy. It is possible that Tychicus would substitute for Timothy in Ephesus while he journeyed to Rome to see Paul. If this is true, Timothy would not hesitate to leave Tychicus in charge while he is gone from that field of service.
In verse 13 Paul makes a personal request, "The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." The cloak was a kind of blanket of coarse wool used as an outer garment to protect one from the cold and the rain. Although it was early or mid-summer the cell was damp, and with this outer wrap Paul would be more comfortable in the dampness and also when cold weather did come. He requested of Timothy, the books and the parchments. "The 'books' were in all probability papyrus-rolls; the 'parchments' were skins of sheep, lambs, goats or calves, especially prepared for writing" (Hendriksen, p. 323). These rolls were probably scrolls of the Scriptures (the Old Testament), Paul's joy and delight. In prison Paul would have time to read and meditate upon the Word.
2. Warnings Against Alexander, 14, 15
Paul now warned Timothy of Alexander, the copper-smith (metal-worker). Apparently with his deeds (verse 14) and his words (verse 15), Alexander had caused Paul a great deal of grief. Had his testimony helped to condemn Paul to death? We do not know. Regardless, Paul left his judgment up to God. He will judge Alexander, and all of us, for the good or evil done. Timothy was to watch out for Alexander; he was to take necessary precautions for this traitor to the cause. He had vigorously stood over against (resisted, opposed) Paul. To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed.
3. Strength From the Lord, 16 - 18
These verses seem to refer to Paul's first imprisonment. At his first trial earlier, no one but God the Lord Jesus (the unseen Christ) stood by the apostle in his defense. It was the strength of God Who prompted Paul to endure. Behold Paul's Christ-like spirit (Luke 23:34)! A prayerful request is made for God not to charge those that had deserted Paul. In spite of the unfaithfulness of Paul's friends, the Lord stood by him and the word of God was preached. One can visualize Paul witnessing to every guard, every prisoner and every official of the Roman government. In the midst of trial and imprisonment, Paul was delivered from the enemy (out of the mouth of the lion). If by the lion Paul meant Nero, at least Paul was delivered from him by death. When Nero had condemned him and had him executed, he could do nothing further. Earlier Paul had been rescued FROM death, now he will be rescued BY MEANS of death. "For to me to live is Christ; and to die is gain," Paul had written earlier (Philippians 1:21). Whether in life or in death, Paul desired that God get the glory out of his life (verse 18).
4. Greetings, 19 - 21
Paul concluded his letter by mentioning various workers, asking Timothy to greet them; the apostle did not forget his old friends. Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquilla made up that wonderful team who assisted Paul helping him in the making of tents to put food on the table (Acts 18:3). Furthermore, this couple had hazarded their lives for Paul and the gospel's sake (Romans 16:3, 4). Greetings were also sent to the "household of Onesiphorus." It was Onesiphorus whom Paul said "(he) refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain, but when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me," (II Timothy 1:16).
Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus had been left in Miletus sick. Erastus and Trophimus seem to have accompanied Paul and Silas on their third missionary journey (Acts 19:22; 21:29). Since Trophimus was sick, it must have been regretful to Paul that he did not receive from the Lord power to heal him.
Then the earnest plea, "Do thy diligence to come before winter,," (verse 21). Paul knew that navigation by sea would be dangerous and cease soon, and travel overland would be most dangerous and difficult. If Timothy did not hurry, the two never would see each other again on earth.
Paul, furthermore, sent to Timothy greetings from Eubolus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brethren. With Luke as a go-between, these believers who had resisted the urge to flee away from Rome and its bloody persecution asked to be remembered.
Very little is known about them other than this reference in the Scriptures.
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History seems to indicate that the apostle earned his martyr's crown before winter as he was executed in May or June A. D. 68, only a short time after he wrote this epistle. Paul concluded his letter with, "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen." This conclusion does not differ drastically from those in Paul's other epistle (Philemon). Thus the beloved Apostle Paul ends his writing career. When the pen is laid down, he does not pick it up again; his work on earth was done. Paul was safe on earth, and after that he was more safe in heaven. No wonder his testimony glided into worship!
"The privileges of Roman citizenship exempted (Saint) Paul from the ignominious death of lingering torture, which had been lately inflicted on so many of his brethren. He was to die by decapitation, and he was led to execution beyond the city wails, upon the road to Ostia, the port of Rome...(The) prisoner, now at last and for ever delivered from his captivity, rejoiced to follow his Lord 'without the gate.' The place of execution was not far distant; and there the sword of the headsman ended his long course of sufferings, and released that heroic soul from that feeble body. Weeping friends took up his corpse and carried it for burial to those subterranean labyrinths, where, through many ages of oppression, the persecuted Church found refuge for the living, and sepulchers for the dead.
"Thus died the Apostle, the Prophet, and the Martyr; bequeathing to the Church, in her government and her discipline, the legacy of his Apostolic labors; leaving his prophetic words to be her living oracles; pouring forth his blood to be the seed of a thousand Martyrdoms. Thenceforth, among the glorious company of the Apostles, along the godly fellowship of the Prophets, among the noble army of Martyrs, his name has stood pre-eminent. And wheresoever the Holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge God, there Paul of Tarsus is revered, as the great teacher of a universal redemption and a catholic (universal) religion - the herald of Glad-tidings to all mankind" (Conybeare and Howson, pp. 782, 783).