2 Timothy
Chapter 4
Overview
This chapter reads like a final charge and a very human farewell. Paul urges Timothy to keep teaching the true message even when people prefer voices that echo their own desires. He then views his approaching death through the images of an offering, a finished race, and a prize awaiting him. The grand themes soon make room for ordinary needs: a cloak, books, travel plans, absent friends, loyal companions, and warnings about an opponent. Courage and loneliness stand side by side here, as Paul trusts God while asking Timothy to come before winter.
1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and Jesus the Messiah, who will judge the living and the dead. I charge you in view of his appearing and his kingdom:
2Proclaim the message. Be ready whether the time seems convenient or inconvenient. Correct people, rebuke them, and encourage them, with complete patience and careful teaching.
3The time will come when people will not put up with sound teaching. Instead, driven by their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers who tell them whatever they are itching to hear.
4They will turn away from the truth and wander off after myths.
5But you must keep a clear head in every situation. Endure hardship, do the work of someone who announces the good news, and fully carry out the service entrusted to you.
6I am already being poured out like an offering, and the time for my departure from this life is near.
7I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have remained faithful.
8Now the victor’s crown for a life lived right before God is waiting for me. The Lord, the fair judge, will award it to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to everyone who has longed for him to appear.
9Do your best to come to me soon.
10Demas abandoned me because he loved life in this present world, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus went to Dalmatia.
11Only Luke is with me. Find Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in this work.
12I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas. Bring the books too, especially the parchment sheets.
14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.
15You should also watch out for him, because he strongly opposed what we said.
16At my first defense in court, no one came to support me. Everyone abandoned me. May God not hold it against them.
17But the Lord stood beside me and gave me strength, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and all nations could hear it. I was rescued from the lion’s mouth—from deadly danger.
18The Lord will rescue me from every evil act against me and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. May he be honored forever and ever. Amen.
19Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, and to everyone in Onesiphorus’s household.
20Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus in Miletus because he was sick.
21Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the other believers send you their greetings.
22May the Lord be with your spirit. May his generous favor be with all of you.