Verse by Verse

¹⁹ Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

²⁰ Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.

²¹ Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.

²² The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Prisca and Aquila (v.19) — Paul’s long-standing helpers and friends (Acts 18:2; Acts 18:18; Acts 18:26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Priscilla (the name by which she is usually called in Scripture) is a diminutive of Prisca

Onesiphorus (v.19) — 2 Timothy 1:16-18

Erastus (v.20) — the chamberlain (treasurer) of the city of Corinth (Romans 16:23). He may also have been with Timothy in Macedonia (Acts 19:22)

Trophimus (v.20) — the innocent cause of Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:29)

Verse 20 also emphasizes the fact that the sign gifts had indeed vanished. He had had to leave Trophimus at Miletum sick. If the gift of healing had still been in order what could possibly have been the reason for Paul’s writing to Timothy that he had left Trophimus, a faithful companion, sick along the way to Rome? — Stam, page 228

you (v.22) — plural — Timothy and those with him in Ephesus

¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.

¹⁵ You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

¹⁶ At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

¹⁷ But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

¹⁸ And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

Alexander the coppersmith (v.14) — a coppersmith was any worker in metal — Alexander was probably made statues of Diana. Paul’s gospel was hurting his trade. He’s likely the same man mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 and/or Acts 19:33-34

did (v14) = showed — not just evil words but evil acts

reward (v.14) — Greek indicates a statement of future fact, not a wish or desire

withstood (v.15) = set oneself against

first defense (v.16) — by his first defense is probably to be understood his first appearance before the imperial tribunal in connection with his last trial. It may be, however, that a twofold charge was made against him, the one, of taking part in the conflagration at Rome (A.D. 64), the other, of treason, shown by hostility to the established customs of society and by weakening the Imperial authority. — Vine, page 228

Other commentaries believe the first defense is a reference to Paul’s trail at his first imprisonment, the one that resulted in his freedom for a time.

defense (v.16) = lit. “to talk oneself off from” — a Greek legal term for a verbal defense in a trial — talking “oneself off from” a charge

stood (v.16) — a technical word used for one who appeared in court on behalf of the accused, an advocate

stood (v.17) = stood alongside — translated “assist” in Romans 16:2

that the message might be preached fully through me (v.17) — Paul, in his defense at his trial, probably preached the gospel (see Acts 9:15-16)

preached (v.17) = a public proclamation by an official heralds

out of the mouth of the lion (v.17) — The expression “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion,” is an echo of our Lord’s words in Psalm 22:21 where He, while hanging on the Cross, prays to be delivered from the lion’s mouth, namely from death, His humiliation. Hebrews 5:7 (Greek text) makes it clear that our Lord was not praying to be saved from death, that is, saved from dying, but, out of death, that is, saved from the grip of death, namely, to be raised out from among the dead. Paul’s humiliation in these circumstances would be his defeat at the hands of Satan when all his friends had let him down, and he would fail to proclaim the gospel from the pulpit of the then known world. — Wuest, page 170

deliver me from every evil work (v.18) — in the Greek, the evil is only possible here, while in verse 17, the danger is immediate

deliver (v.18) = to draw oneself out of harm’s way

evil work (v.18) — evil, here, is active opposition to the good — the tense of “work” indicates the subjective, an act committed by Paul himself — so, an evil deed of Paul’s own doing — failing to preach the gospel

heavenly kingdom (v.18) — The word “heavenly,” here, is the Greek epouraneous and refers to the “heavenly places” where, by grace, we are seated in Christ (Ephesians 2:6) and are blessed with “all spiritual blessings” (Ephesians 1:3). Thus the “kingdom” is that in which believers today already enjoy a place positionally. The apostle refers to this in Colossians 1:13.

The kingdom of God’s dear Son will one day encompass the earth, where He will reign over Israel and the nations for a thousand years, but we, His heavenly people, will not reign on earth at that time. Rather we will reign over it, much as “the principalities and powers in heavenly places” do now.

Thus the believing member of the Body of Christ, even in the face of death, may triumphantly look forward to deliverance from the adversities, sorrows and temptations of this life, and preservation “unto His heavenly kingdom.” — Stam, pages 227-228

⁹ Be diligent to come to me quickly;

¹⁰ for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica — Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

¹² And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

¹³ Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come — and the books, especially the parchments.

be diligent (v.9) = make haste, exert every effort, do your best — the same word translated “study” in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV).

forsaken (v.10) = abandoned, deserted, left helpless, let down

loved this present world (v.10) — not necessarily drawn away by worldly attractions, but more likely desiring the temporal life over the eternal — he may have feared for his life.

Dalmatia (v.10) — Part of the province of Illyricum on the east side of the Adriatic Sea.

Luke (v.11) — who was also with Paul in his first imprisonment (Colossians 4:14)

take Mark (v.11) = lit. “pick up” — he was probably at some point along Timothy’s route from Ephesus to Rome

Demas and Mark here stand in contrast. The latter, once cowardly (Acts 13:13 [where John Mark is called John]), now bravely faces death; the former, once courageous (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24) now abandons the apostle. — Williams, page 965

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Mark, Barnabas’ nephew, had been chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first apostolic journey, but as soon as the going had gotten hard Mark had deserted the two men and had returned to his mother at Jerusalem (Acts 12:12; Acts 13:13). His irresponsibility was the cause of a division between Paul and Barnabas later, when Barnabas wanted to take his nephew with them on another journey and Paul had flatly refused (Acts 15:36-41).

Yet is is touching, later, to find Paul writing to the Colossians: “If he [Mark] come unto you, receive him” (Colossians 4:10), and now to find Paul asking for him. This speaks both of the apostle’s generous and forgiving nature and of a change in Mark’s life. And is it not significant that God chose Mark, the failing servant (He was an attendant, waiting on Paul and Barnabas, Acts 13:5) to write about the perfect Servant in his Gospel According to Mark. — Stam, pages 223-224

and (v.12) = but — Tychicus was sent by Paul, but Crescens and Titus evidently left on their own initiative, perhaps to do ministry, but in opposition to Paul’s desire

Tychicus (v.12) — Timothy was at Ephesus. Tychicus may have been sent there to carry this letter and/or to take over for Timothy while he traveled to Rome. — see Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:12

cloak (v.13) — They are felt cloaks called kepenikler, and are impervious to wind and water. They are so stiff that the wearer can step out of them and leave them in an upright position. They are made of the tough Cilician goat’s hair with which Paul was familiar in the making of tents. Such a coat must have been a great comfort to Paul on his long journeys. Now he needed it to keep out the cold and damp of his Roman cell [winter was coming (v.21)]. — Wuest, page 166

books (v.13) — scrolls made from papyrus

parchments (v.13) — scrolls made from animal skins — these may have been Scripture, which was usually written on better, longer-lasting scrolls

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

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

⁸ Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

for (v.6) — Paul’s exhortations to Timothy throughout the letter were in light of the fact that his own ministry was over.

I (v.6) = emphatic “as for myself” — as distinct from Timothy

as a drink offering (v.6) — Upon the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire they went to pour out a drink offering of a certain measure of strong wine, an indication of the divine satisfaction in the completed sacrifice (Exodus 29:40). Paul’s whole life since his conversion had been devoted as a sacrifice to the service of God, and now, conscious of the acceptance of his sacrifice, he views his death in this way. — Vine, page 226.

drink offering (v.6) — See Philippians 2:17

departure (v.6) = unloosing, undoing again, breaking up — the word for untying a ship from its mooring or the military striking tents and breaking up an encampment

is at hand (v.6) = to stand by — as though death was waiting in the room

have fought (v.7) — perfect tense, past action with continuing results — the word from which we get “agonize”

good (v.7) = kalos = external goodness seen by the eye, an outward expression of internal, intrinsic goodness, beauty in action — referring to the fight, not Paul’s fighting

the good fight (v.7) — Philippians 1:27-28 — the word is used of a contest in the Greek games

have finished (v.7) — perfect tense — the race is over and the runner rests at the finish line

race (v.7) = race course — Acts 20:24

kept (v.7) = kept by guarding like a soldier

faith (v.7) — the body of truth given to Paul

finally (v.8) = what remains

laid up (v.8) — used in Luke 19:20 of money in a napkin and in Colossians 1:5 of hope

the crown (v.8) — a particular crown — the word is that used for the laurel crown awarded in the Greek games

judge (v.8) = an umpire or referee at the games

give (v.8) = award

that day (v.8) — the Judgment Seat of Christ

loved (v.8) = agape

His appearing (v.8) = to become visible — the Rapture of the Church

³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

⁵ But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

endure (v.3) = to hold one’s self upright or firm against a person or thing

sound doctrine (v.3) = healthful teaching — “sound” is the Greek word from which we get “hygiene” — free from error — it describes the character of the doctrine and also its effect upon the believer — doctrine, here, is preceded by the definite article, so, specifically, Paul’s doctrine — see 1 Timothy 1:10

according to (v.3) — the root meaning is “down,” indicating domination

desires (v.3) = cravings — the desire for personal gratification

itching ears (v.3) = to tickle or scratch — an eagerness to hear. In the Greek, it is obvious this refers to the people, not the teachers as the KJV seems to indicate.

[Itching ears] describes that person who desires to hear for mere gratification, like the Greeks at Athens who spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear, not some new thing, but some newer thing (Acts 17:21). — Wuest, page 157

heap (v.3) = accumulate in piles — an indiscriminate multitude of teachers giving people what they want to hear, not what they need.

turn (v.4) — the words “turn away” carry the idea of “averting.” That is, those who follow these heretics, not only turn away their ears from the truth, but see to it that their ears area always in such a position that they will never come in contact with the truth, like a country windmill whose owner has turned its vanes so that they will not catch the wind.  Notice the active voice of the verb “turn away,” and the passive voice of the verb “shall be turned” [later in verse 4]. The first named action is performed by the people themselves, while in the case of the second one, they are acted upon by an outside force. The second occurrence of the word “turn” is from a verb (ektrepo) which means “to turn or twist out.” In a medical sense it means, “to wrench out of its proper place,” as of the limbs. It is used of a dislocated arm, for instance. When people avert their ears from the truth, they lay themselves open to every Satanic influence, and are easily turned aside to error. Instead of being in correct adjustment to the truth, namely, that of seeking it for the purpose of appropriating it, these people have put themselves out of adjustment and have been consequently wrenched out of place. They have become dislocated, put out of joint. Like a dislocated arm which has no freedom of action, they have given themselves over to a delusion which incapacitates them for any independent thinking along religious lines which they might do for themselves. — Wuest, page 157-158.

fables (v.4) = fiction — see 1 Timothy 1:4; 1 Timothy 4:7

be watchful (v.5) = be stable, be free from credulity, be temperate, be circumspect, be alert

endure afflictions (v.5) = suffer evils, hardships, troubles — given as a sharp, military command

evangelist (v.5) — one who brings good news

fulfill (v.5) = to cause a thing to be show to the full, to carry through to the end, to fully perform

The people in these verses who turn away from the truth remind me of a group of people who play a game each January to see how long they can go without finding out who won the Super Bowl or what the score was. One participant explained how difficult it is to avoid “The Knowledge.” He has to be aware in advance of where he might see newspapers and avert his eyes. He also shuts himself in his office and avoids talking to people for a day or two after the game.

There are even rules:

Rule 1. The object of the game is to avoid, for as long as possible, learning a) the winner and b) the final score of the Super Bowl.  This data is called The Knowledge.

Rule 2. Don’t flee the country.  Leaving America means immediate disqualification.

Rule 3. Always play honestly.

Rule 4. If you receive information that might constitute The Knowledge, but you aren’t certain (e.g., if someone might be “messing with you” by telling you a false winner or score), you can opt not to believe the uncertain information and keep playing.  However, if it turns out that the uncertain information was correct, the game’s end point is retroactive to when The Knowledge was, in fact, known.

Rule 5. Nobody ever wins.  It’s a game you play against yourself, so it always ends in a loss, eventually.

Those who work so hard to avoid spiritual truth never win either.

1. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

charge (v.1) — use by the Greeks to call the gods and men to witness

therefore (v.1) — in light of what Scripture can accomplish as set forth in 2 Timothy 3:16-17

before (v.1) — The word translated “before,” is enopion, and is a compound of a number of Greek words which together mean, “one who is in sight.” It was used in such expressions as, “the case will be drawn up against you in the court at Heracleopolis in the presence of,” “deliver personally,” “I gave notice in person.” It is used of one who does or says something in the presence of someone else, and does it with the consciousness that that one has him in sight and mind. Paul delivered this solemn charge to Timothy, conscious of the fact that he was doing so in the sight of God, and he wished Timothy to ever so regard the charge. — Wuest, page 152

God and the Lord Jesus Christ (v.1) —  the Greek construction here means this is referring to the same person — so, “our God, even Christ Jesus” — “Lord” isn’t in the original

will (v.1) = to be about to do something, on the point of doing something

The Authorized Version translates the Greek kata (“at,” in v.1) by no less than 64 words and expressions! In several cases it is rendered “according to,” “as concerning,” “in view of” and “by.” Any of these would be appropriate to the context and in any case the connective and is implied. This writer holds the view that the apostle here continues with his charge, the sense being: “I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead, and by [or “in view of”] His appearing and His kingdom.”

Not only will the Lord Jesus Christ judge the unsaved living and dead at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15), but believers of this dispensation will be called upon to stand before Him at His appearing to catch away His own (1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 2 Timothy 4:8, “at that day”) when the Body is complete, and it is at this bema, or “judgement seat,” (Romans 14:10) that our Lord will “reward” some and appoint them to “reign with Him,” while others will “suffer loss” and be “denied” this honor (See 1 Corinthians 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 2:12).

All this is involved in the solemn charge to Timothy. Paul would surely receive a crown “at that day” (v.8) and would reign with Christ in glory. Would Timothy, in the long run, be as faithful? Thus this most solemn of all Paul’s charges to him. — Stam, page 209

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preach (v.2) — The Greek word here (kerusso) … called to mind the Imperial Herald, spokesman of the Emperor, proclaiming in a formal, grave, and authoritative manner which must be listened to, the message which the Emperor gave him to announce. It brought before him the picture of the town official who would make a proclamation in a public gathering. The word is in a construction which makes it a summary command to be obeyed at once. It is a sharp command as in military language. This should be the pattern for the preacher today. His preaching should be characterized by that dignity which comes from the consciousness of the fact that he is an official herald of the King of kings. It should be accompanied by that note of authority which will command the respect, careful attention, and proper reaction of the listeners. — Wuest, page 154.

word (v.2) — revealed truth — 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Galatians 6:6

be ready (v.2) = be diligent, stand by, be at hand

in season (v.2) = opportune

out of season (v.2) = inopportune

convince (v.2) = a rebuke which results in confession, or at least, conviction, of guilt

rebuke (v.2) = a sharp, severe rebuke with a suggestion of impending penalty

exhort (v.2) = please, I beg you, I urge you

doctrine (v.2) = teaching, instruction

Wuest’s translation — Make a public proclamation of the Word with such formality, gravity, and authority as must be heeded. Hold yourself in readiness for this proclamation when opportunity presents itself and when it does not; reprove so as to bring forth conviction and confession of guilt; rebuke sharply, severely, and with a suggestion of impending penalty. Pleadingly exhort, doing all this with that utmost self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate a wrong, and accompany this exhortation with the most painstaking instruction. — Wuest, page 156.

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

from whom (v.14) = lit. “of what persons (plural)” — Timothy was to remember who had taught him the Scriptures — especially Paul, but also his grandmother and mother (2 Timothy 1:5)

childhood (v.15) = infant — Timothy’s training, and that of every Jewish child, in the Old Testament, began when he was very young.

Christ Jesus (v.15) — the order of the names emphasizes His exaltation after His resurrection

all (v.16) = every — so, not referring to Scripture as a whole, but of each separate passage considered as a unit

Some commentaries make a case that Paul was only referring to the Old Testament here because that’s what Timothy would have been taught as a boy. It is true that the Old Testament was the only part of Scripture in existence when Timothy was a boy. But since 2 Timothy was the last of Paul’s letters and all the earlier ones would certainly have been known and read by Timothy by this time, and since Paul reminds Timothy to remember who — Paul — he heard the Scriptures from, there can be no doubt that Paul is referring also to his own writings and other New Testament writings. Especially since the entire book is encouraging Timothy to hold fast to the doctrine taught him by Paul — 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:2. The idea that Paul backs off here and only tells Timothy that the Old Testament is inspired is ridiculous.

by inspiration of God (v.16) = lit. “God-breathed

doctrine (v.16) = teaching

reproof (v.16) = conviction

correction (v.16) = restoration to an upright or right state

instruction (v.16) = training by instruction — everything that is included in the education of a child

thoroughly equipped (v.17) — a maritime term used for the fitting out of a ship for a long voyage so that all the needed supplies are included. The word translated “thoroughly equipped” shares a root with the word “complete” used earlier in the verse.