2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:1 Paul reminds Timothy that Christ is the one who will JUDGE him, and that Christ will certainly return (HIS APPEARING). Christ’s KINGDOM is the ultimate reality with which Timothy should be concerned. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:2 PREACH THE WORD refers back to “Scripture” (2 Timothy 3:16). The gospel is proclaimed by explaining the Scriptures. IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON. When it is convenient and when it is inconvenient. REPROVE, REBUKE, AND EXHORT means communicating all that Scripture inclu... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:3 THE TIME IS COMING. Paul is not referring to some time in the distant future. He means a situation he expects Timothy to face or to be already facing (see 2 Timothy 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:1). ITCHING EARS indicates a desire for unusual teaching. People with “itching ears” s... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:4 MYTHS. See note on 1 Tim. 1:4. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:5 The role of EVANGELIST is not clearly explained in Scripture. Paul instructs Timothy in terms of the “gospel” (see 2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:8). This certainly includes preaching to the unconverted. However, Paul does not typically distinguish between... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:6 A DRINK OFFERING. Paul describes his death in OT sacrificial language (compare Genesis 35:14; Exodus 29:40). This suggests he sees himself as laying down his life for the sake of the gospel. However, the use of the passive voice (I AM... BEING POURED OUT) stresses tha... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. Using athletic imagery (as is typical of Paul; see 1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:14), he states that he has dedicated himself to the one thing worth dying for, the gospel mission. There is no claim of personal glory here. Paul is grat... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:8 CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. One interpretation is that this means “the crown that consists of righteousness,” referring to the final righteous state of believers. Another interpretation is “the crown that is the reward for righteousness,” that is, a victory crown. This ag... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:9 Conclusion. Paul closes with some final comments concerning travel, and greetings. The key themes of the letter continue even here. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:10 Paul is persevering despite suffering (2 Timothy 1:11; 2 Timothy 2:8) because he has an eternal perspective (2 Timothy 4:6). DEMAS (see Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24) abandoned Paul because he loved THIS PRESENT WORLD.... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:11 Despite his earlier problem with Mark (Acts 15:36), Paul now desires Mark’s presence and considers him USEFUL... FOR MINISTRY. Clearly, Mark has become a faithful and effective pioneer missionary. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:13 CLOAK. A heavy coat that would be especially important in the winter (see v. 2 Timothy 4:21). BOOKS. Scrolls made of papyrus. The papyrus scrolls may have included writing materials, official documents, or Paul’s personal correspondence. PARCHMENTS. Vellum sheets mad... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:14 ALEXANDER. It is unclear whether this is the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20. If he is the same person, he may still have been in Ephesus causing trouble. However, Alexander is identified as a COPPERSMITH. There is evidence of coppersmiths in Troas, so thi... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:16 FIRST DEFENSE. Paul’s preliminary hearing before Caesar during his second imprisonment. MAY IT NOT BE CHARGED AGAINST THEM! Paul forgives those who abandoned him. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:17 Deliverance from the LION’S MOUTH was a common biblical metaphor for rescue from great danger (see Psalms 22:21; Daniel 6:22; Hebrews 11:33). For Paul it means that he was not put to death at that time (2 Timothy 4:16). ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:18 WILL RESCUE ME. An assurance of ultimate well-being, not an assurance of release from his present danger (compare Luke 21:16). Paul expects execution, but even through death God will bring him SAFELY INTO HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElements... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:19 PRISCA (a variant of Priscilla) and AQUILA are often mentioned in connection with Paul (Acts 18:2, Acts 18:18, Acts 18:26). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElem [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:21 Travel in the Mediterranean basically stopped during WINTER due to dangerous conditions by land and sea. If his trip to Rome was not completed BEFORE then, Timothy would not be able to come “soon” (v. 2 Timothy 4:9). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName... [ Continue Reading ]
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:22 BE WITH YOUR SPIRIT. Paul uses this language also in Galatians 6:18; Philippians 4:23; and Philemon 1:25. He uses “be with you” in Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 16:23; 2 Cor [ Continue Reading ]