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2 Timothy

Chapter 4

Preach the Word and Finish the Race

Paul solemnly charges Timothy before God and Christ Jesus to preach the word with patience and firmness, because a time is coming when people will turn from sound teaching to whatever suits their desires. He then speaks of his own life as already being poured out, with the race nearly finished and the crown of righteousness laid up ahead. The chapter closes with personal requests, reports of desertion and loyalty, and Paul's calm testimony that though others failed him, the Lord stood by him and will bring him safely into His heavenly kingdom.

This final chapter gathers the whole letter into a last commission. Timothy is to keep preaching where others turn aside, while Paul's own nearing death gives the charge its fullest urgency and hope.

4 sections·420 words·~2 min read

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2 Timothy 4

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vv. 1-8

Preach the Word

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I1 charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: 2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

vv. 9-15

Personal Concerns

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M9ake every effort to come to me quickly, 10because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry. 12Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.

vv. 16-18

The Lord Remains Faithful

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A16t my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. 18And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

vv. 19-22

Final Greetings

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G19reet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus has remained at Corinth, and Trophimus I left sick in Miletus. 21Make every effort to come to me before winter. 22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

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  1. 01vv. 1-8Preach the WordPaul charges Timothy in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge all at His appearing, to preach the word persistently, correcting and encouraging with patient instruction. The reason is that people will turn away from sound teaching toward what they prefer to hear, while Timothy must remain sober, endure hardship, and fulfill his ministry. Paul then places his own life beside that charge, saying he is being poured out and that the righteous Judge has laid up the crown for him and for all who love Christ's appearing.
  2. 02vv. 9-15Personal ConcernsPaul asks Timothy to come quickly, since Demas has deserted him out of love for the present world and others have gone elsewhere, leaving only Luke with him. He wants Timothy to bring Mark, his cloak, and his books, and he warns him about Alexander the coppersmith, who did him great harm and fiercely opposed the message.
  3. 03vv. 16-18The Lord Remains FaithfulPaul says that at his first defense no one stood with him, though he prays that this failure not be charged against them. Yet the Lord stood by him, strengthened him, and made sure the message was fully proclaimed so that the Gentiles could hear. Because of that same faithfulness, Paul is sure the Lord will rescue him from every evil deed and bring him safely into His heavenly kingdom.
  4. 04vv. 19-22Final GreetingsPaul closes with greetings to Prisca, Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus, and gives a few final updates about Erastus and Trophimus. He again urges Timothy to come before winter, then ends simply: the Lord be with Timothy's spirit, and grace be with them all.
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