Home

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY

CHAPTER FOUR:
“FULLY ACCOMPLISH YOUR MINISTRY”

[“My Charge”]
Key word: Urgency
Theme verse: 5

2 Timothy 4:1-5 – Preach Urgently

2TM4:1 I charge you, 148 [Timothy], in the sight of The God and of Christ Jesus – the One who is to judge the living and the dead 149 – and by his visible appearing and his Kingdom 150 –

148	I charge you: Or, TCN: solemnly charge; WEY: I adjure. This is a serious introduction to what follows.

149

Judge the living and the dead: God has appointed His Son as the judge of humanity. [John 5:22] Two primary periods of judgment take place and at the time there will be both the living and the dead. [1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-14] On the subject of Judgment Day see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Matthew 12:36, 37; Romans 2:16; 14:10-12; and the Biblical Article God and Judgment. Timothy will be among those who stand before the judgment throne of Christ for his own judgment. [See notes on Matthew 24:45-25:46.]

150

By his visible appearing and his Kingdom: That is, at his parousia, presence, arrival, manifestation, revelation. Or, BEC: coming. The Greek EPI-PHANEIAN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2015 = visibility by shining light] is associated with the Parousia of the King. See notes on 1 John 2:28. [1 Corinthians 15:23] Timothy will rise at the parousia to his judgment regarding what he has done with the Master’s “talents.”

2TM4:2 preach the Word 151 urgently in season or out of season, 152 convince, reprove, 153 and encourage with all tolerance and art of teaching. 154

151	Preach the Word: Or, BER: herald the message; CON: proclaim glad tidings. Here is Paul’s central exhortation: to preach. Evidently Timothy has slacked off in his former zeal and now Paul writes to stir him to activity.

152

Urgently in season or out of season: That is, “whether the time is favorable or unfavorable.” Or, KJV: be instant; LAM: stand by it zealously; BER: be at it when it is and when it is not convenient; NEB: press home on all occasions, convenient and inconvenient; KNX: dwelling upon it continually, welcome and unwelcome; KNX: never lose your sense of urgency. A season of peace may be when there is no persecution. [Acts 9:31; 28:31] Unfavorable season may include a period of intense persecution. [Acts 8:4]

153

Convince, reprove: Or, KJV: reprove, rebuke, exhort; RHM: encourage; BAS: make protests, say sharp words, give comfort; KNX: bring home wrongdoing, comfort the waverer, rebuke the sinner. Not only is Timothy to preach he is also to make convincing argument, rebuke when called for, and give encouragement. This calls for a wide range of character and personality. Some are able to encourage, but unable to rebuke. Compare notes on Titus 1:9, 13; 2:15.

154

All tolerance and art of teaching: Or, KJV: with all longsuffering and doctrine; WEY: with utmost patience; BER: unqualified patience and willingness to teach; NEB: with all the patience that the work of teaching requires; AMP: unflagging and inexhaustible. Preaching and teaching has been encouraged on Timothy by Paul. Both take great patience, as all people do not respond in the same way and in the same length of time. Compare notes on 2 Timothy 2:25.

2TM4:3 For a certainty the time is coming when they will no longer tolerate healthy teaching, 155 but instead they will appoint their own teachers to suit their fancy and to tickle their ears. 156

155

No longer tolerate healthy teaching: Or, KJV: not endure sound doctrine; RHM: healthful teaching; WEY: wholesome instruction. Paul refers to the foretold apostasy predicted by the Nazarene in his parable of the wheat and weeds. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 13:24ff and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12. [Acts 20:29, 30; see notes on 2 Peter 2:1ff] Compare 1 Timothy 1:3, 10; 4:1. This prediction manifested itself in two ways: a) doctrines which deviated from the original truths taught by Jesus and his inspired disciples; and, b) those who felt doctrine was important altogether. The modern Church is filled to the brim with examples of both.

156

Appoint their own teachers to suit their fancy and to tickle their ears: Or, RSV: but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings; KJV: aft their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; WEY: to satisfy their own fancies; GDS: to suit their own whims; BAS: a great number of teachers; KNX: provide themselves a continuous succession of new teachers; TCN: itching for novelty; LAM: lured by enticing words; NWT: to tickle their ears. This is one reason to be attracted to new teachers and their doctrine: it is what one wants to hear. This may be doctrinally or in matters that liberalize conduct. Today the Church is splintered into tens of thousands of sects and denominations that cater to what the congregation wants to hear. Seldom is there rebuke or correction in matters doctrine or conduct.

2TM4:4 They will turn away for sure from listening to the Truth, 157 and instead they will turn aside to myths. 158

157

They will turn away for sure from listening to the Truth: Or, BAR: shut their ears; AMP: turn aside from hearing; MOF: give up listening; TCN: turn a deaf hear; BAS: refuse to listen. A historical study confirms the Church drifted far from the primitive teachings of Jesus and his disciples. It is this Truth they do not wish to hear. See notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. Few are those remaining who wish to return to the first truths of the Gospel and the true Christian life-style. The Church is now called Sodom [for its morals], Egypt [for its doctrines], and Jerusalem [for its apostasy]. [Revelation 11:8]

158

Turn aside to myths: Or, KJV: fables; BAS: foolish stories; TCN: legends; PME: man-made fictions. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 calls these “teachings of demons.” These include homosexual clergy like Sodom, false myths of the after-life in the immortal soul of the Egyptians, triune godheads like those of Babylon. A clergy-priesthood hierarchy like Egypt and Babylon. A hell of eternal fire torment of pagan Greek philosophy. Distortions and twistings of every kind can be found throughout Christendom [Christ’s Kingdom] so that one can find any doctrine or lifestyle to please any taste. See notes on Titus 1:14.

2TM4:5 As for you, [Timothy], always be sober-minded in everything – be willing to suffer difficulties, 159 do the work of an evangelist, 160 completely fulfill your ministry. 161

159

Always be sober-minded in everything – be willing to suffer difficulties: Or, KJV: endure afflictions; RHM: suffer hardship; BER: but amid it all, you keep your head; MOF: whatever happens, be self-possessed, flinch from no suffering. Note Paul’s earlier admonition to Timothy. [2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:3] Paul is winding down and coming to a conclusion in his exhortation to Timothy.

160	Do the work of an evangelist: Or, TCN: missionary; WMS: herald; NEB: work to spread the Gospel. The Greek is EU-ANGELISTOU [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2099 = well + messenger (angel)] See notes on Romans 10:15 and Ephesians 4:11. Timothy is to “work.”

161	Fulfill your ministry: Or, KJV: make full proof of thy ministry; ABU: fully accomplish; WMS: fill your ministry to the brim; TAY: leave nothing undone that you ought to do. Timothy got off to a good start under Paul’s leadership, now he needed to follow through no matter what may come.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 – I Have Fought the Good Fight

2TM4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink-offering, 162 and the appointed time of my releasing is near. 163

162

Poured out like a drink-offering: Or, KJV: for I am now ready to be offered; BER: poured out as a drink offering; MON: a libation; NEB: my life is being poured out on the altar. Paul now stresses the urgency of his situation in order to move Timothy to come and see him. Compare similar language in Philippians 2:17.

163

Time of my releasing is near: Or, RHM: the season of my release; MON: my unmooring; WMS: the time has come for me to sail away. Paul means “departing” this life to await in death’s sleep the parousia resurrection. [1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 50-52; see notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17] See also Philippians 1:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-5.

2TM4:7 I have agonized the most excellent agony. 164 I have finished the race to the end. 165 I have observed the Faith. 166

164

I have agonized the most excellent agony: Or, KJV: a good fight; RHM: the noble contest have I contested; MON: I have fought in the glorious contest; BER: grand fight; TCN: run the great Race. The Greek is AGONA EGONISMAI, which is literally, “agonized the agony.” Paul knows the race is coming down to the wire. He is in prison in chains. Nothing can deter him now in his race of endurance for the Faith. Such words must have stirred Timothy deeply. He has fulfilled what he stated in 1 Corinthians 9:26. [1 Timothy 6:12]

165	I have finished the race to the end: Or, KJV: I have finished my course. [Philippians 3:14]

166	I have observed the Faith: Or, GDS: I have preserved the faith.

2TM4:8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness 167 that the Master, the just and fair Judge, will award me in that Day. 168 And not just me, but also all those who continue to love [the promise of] his visible appearing. 169

167

Reserved for me the crown of righteousness: Or, NAS: in the future there is laid up for me the crown; WEY: reserved; NEB: now the prize awaits me, the garland of righteousness. [1 Corinthians 9:25; see notes on James 1:12] Paul has experienced the final “seal” confirming his place in the celestial Kingdom. Though he must yet stand before Christ’s judgment throne [2 Corinthians 5:10] he is confident. [See notes on 1 John 2:28.]

168

Will award me in that Day: Or, KNX: whose award never goes amiss; TAY: on that great day of his return. This “Master” is Jesus Christ. [John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10] Paul taught the Christian dead would sleep awaiting the resurrection at the Return of Christ. [1 Corinthians 15:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10]

169	Love [the promise of] his visible appearing: Or, RHM: forthshining; NEB: coming appearance; NW: manifestation. The Greek is the same as in 2 Timothy 4:1 and means made visible by a shining light. [Hebrews 9:28]

2 Timothy 4:9-13 – Do Utmost to Come Quickly

2TM4:9 Please do everything you can to come to me as soon as possible. 170

170

Come to me as soon as possible: Or, KJV: do thy diligence to come shortly unto me; ABU: earnestly endeavor; NAS: make every effort. Here is perhaps one of the most important verses in the whole letter for this is the point toward which Paul has been working. Remember 2 Timothy 1:4. Will his most beloved friend Timothy work up the courage to risk the dangers to travel to Rome and visit Paul before his execution? The year is 66 and Peter may already be dead. Nero has gone mad and blames Rome’s woes on the Christians. The Great Oppression has burst forth upon the Church.

2TM4:10 For Demas, who fell in love with this present world, 171 has deserted me and depart to Thessalonica. Crescens has left for Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 172

171	Demas, who fell in love with this present world: Or, NEB: his heart was set on this world. Demas is mentioned elsewhere. [Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24] Is this something Timothy was in danger of doing? Being around Paul at this time was a dangerous proposition.

172

Crescens has left for Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia: This is the only occurrence of Crescens’ name. Titus is mentioned several times in Paul’s letters. He is the Titus to whom Paul wrote an epistle. Paul says nothing negative about these two brothers. It is possible Paul reassigned them to new places of service.

2TM4:11 Only Luke remains with me. 173 Get hold of Mark 174 and bring him with you, for he is a true minister to my needs.

173	Luke remains with me: Ah, the faithful old doctor is still with his long time traveling companion. [Colossians 4:14]

174

Mark: Mark was also something of a timid soul having deserted the work according to Acts 15:38. Paul speaks positively to Timothy, not asking IF he wants to come, but giving him apostolic orders. Mark is understood by some to have been Peter’s secretary in writing the Gospel of Mark. [Colossians 4:10; Philemon 23, 24; 1 Peter 5:13]

2TM4:12 I have sent Tychicus 175 of to Ephesus.

175	Tychicus: He is mentioned elsewhere. [Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:12] Some believe he delivered the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians. [Ephesians 6:21, 22; Colossians 4:7-9]

2TM4:13 When you come bring my [heavy] cloak 176 that I left with Carpus at Troas. Also, [bring] the booklets but especially the parchments. 177

176	Cloak: Obviously Paul feels there is time or he would not request this and other items.

177	Booklets… parchments: Or, RHM: scrolls; PME: manuscripts; MOF: particularly my papers; NEB: my notebooks. What we would give to know and read these! Though Paul is imprisoned he is permitted to write and have visitors. It appears he still wants to continue composing epistles to the congregations.

2 Timothy 4:14-15 – WYB

2TM4:14 Alexander the coppersmith 178 did many bad things to me. The Master will repay him for his works. 179

178	Alexander the coppersmith: “WYB” means “watch your back” for there were deceivers and opposers. He is possibly the same of 1 Timothy 1:19, 20.

179	The Master will repay him for his works: Or, KJV: reward him according to his works. Such a man may rise in the resurrection to his own condemnation. [John 5:29; see notes on 1 John 2:28]

2TM4:15 Be very careful with him, 180 for he resisted our message to a great degree.

180	Be very careful with him: Or, RSV: beware of him yourself. Watch your back.

2 Timothy 4:16-18 – Saved for Heavenly Kingdom

2TM4:16 During my first court appearance no one came to my side, but all abandoned me. 181 May it not be held against them! 182

181

All abandoned me: Or, KJV: my first answer; GDS: first appearance in court; AMP: no one acted in my defense. It is understandable that anyone would be hesitant to enter a Roman court in these times. We are not told the charges here against Paul. Nor what his defense would be. Remember 2 Timothy 1:15.

182	May it not be held against them: Or, WMS: charged to their account. Paul is more forgiving to these than he was to Alexander. We see Paul’s own words at work. [1 Corinthians 13:5]

2TM4:17 However, the Master stood right by my side and gave me the strength 183 to so that through me the proclamation might be fully heard by al the non-Jews. As a result I was rescued from the mouth of the lion. 184

183	The Master stood right by my side and gave me the strength: The strength Paul needs is to proclaim the Gospel, not necessarily be found innocent by the Roman judges. Consider the examples at Acts 23:11; 27:23. Compare Mark 13:11.

184	Rescued from the mouth of the lion: Tradition has Paul beheaded but this shows there were other possibilities. The lion could also be a metaphor. [Psalm 22:21; 1 Peter 5:8]

2TM4:18 Indeed, the Master will continue to rescue me from every harmful thing 185 and preserve me for his celestial Kingdom. 186 To him be the glory throughout all future periods of time. Amen.

185	Rescue me from every harmful thing: Or, evil, harm. By this Paul does not mean deliverance from Roman punishment as the next phrase shows.

186	Preserve me for his celestial Kingdom: Or, KJV: preserve; MOF: his own realm in heaven; NEB: keep me safe until his heavenly reign begins. Paul’s hope is life in heaven. [1 Corinthians 15:50; 2 Corinthians 5:1]

2 Timothy 4:19 – Greetings

2TM4:19 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, 187 as well as to the household of Onesiphorus. 188

187	Prisca and Aquila: A missionary couple noted elsewhere. [Acts 18:2, 3; Romans 16:3]

188	Household of Onesiphorus: Compare notes on 2 Timothy 1:15-18.

2TM4:20 Erastus has stayed in Corinth. 189 I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 190

189	Erastus has stayed in Corinth: See the notes on Romans 16:23. [Acts 19:22]

190	I left Trophimus sick at Miletus: See Acts 20:3-5, 17, 22; 21:29; 24:6.

2TM4:21 Really try to come before winter. 191 Eubulius sends you his greetings, as do Pudens and Linus, 192 Claudia, and all the brothers.

191	Try to come before winter: This is now the third time Paul has asked Timothy to visit him. [2 Timothy 4:9, 11]

192	Linus: This Christian is identified by tradition as an elder in Rome ca. 130 CE. [Irenaeus]

2TM4:22 The Master be with the spirit of all of you. 193 The unmerited charity be with all of you.

193	The Master be with the spirit of all of you: Compare similar phrases at Galatians 6:18 and Philemon 25. The Greek is the plural “you” [HUMON] suggesting Paul expected others to read this letter.

Review Questions On Chapter Four

Summary of Chapter Four

Paul makes his concluding appeal to Timothy to fully accomplish his ministry though conditions may be fair or foul. He warns of future abandonment of the Truth by new teachers. Paul expresses his confidence that he has run the race to the finish and his departure from this world is near. He three times ask Timothy to come to him asking him to bring the disciple Mark as well as certain needful items. He briefly relates the circumstances of his first appearance before the Roman judges. He concludes with greetings.