1.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Verse 3
Heap to themselves teachers; by listening to every teacher that offers instruction, however false his pretensions.
4.
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5.
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Verse 6
Is at hand. This passage (2 Timothy 4:6-8) has been by some considered as indicating that Paul wrote this Epistle when very near the close of his life, during a second imprisonment, which tradition teaches that he suffered at Rome, and which terminated in his martyrdom The directions, however, which follow, (2 Timothy 4:11-13,2 Timothy 4:21,) seem to imply that he did not consider his work as yet absolutely ended. If the latter supposition is correct, this passage must mean only that he felt that he was gradually drawing towards the close of his labors. In either case, it is interesting to observe that the faith and hope which had given him activity and guidance during his long life of suffering and danger, now became his solace and support when he found himself near its end.
7.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8.
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Verse 8
That love his appearing; that desire it looking forward to it with joyful anticipations.
9.
Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
10.
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Verse 10
Demas is mentioned as with the apostle when he wrote his Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon. (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24.)
11.
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Verse 11
Luke had accompanied Paul to Rome, and remained there with him, as he is repeatedly alluded to in Epistles written by Paul from that city.
12.
And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
Verse 12
Tychicus. He is mentioned, Acts 20:4, as belonging in Asia. He was sent once to Asia from Rome as the bearer of Epistles from Paul. (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7.)
13.
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Verse 13
At Troas. Paul had stopped at Troas on his last journey to Jerusalem. (Acts 20:6.)
14.
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
Verse 14
Alexander. An Alexander of Ephesus is mentioned, Acts 19:33, as taking a part in the disturbances created by Demetrius. One of this name is also referred to in 1 Timothy 1:20.
15.
Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
16.
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Verse 16
At my first answer; before the tribunal at Rome.
17.
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18.
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
19.
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Verse 19
Prisca; Priscilla. (Acts 18:1-3,Acts 18:18,Acts 18:19.)
20.
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Verse 20
Erastus; mentioned, Romans 16:23, as the chamberlain of the city. He was afterwards sent by Paul into Macedonia. (Acts 19:22.) Trophimus is also mentioned elsewhere as an Ephesian. (Acts 20:4,Acts 21:29.)
21.
Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
Verse 21
Before winter; when the navigation would be no longer safe.
22.
The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.