Preach the word
2 Timothy 4:1–5FocusFaithfulness despite changing appetites
Connection to the wholeThe solemn charge calls Timothy to patient, complete ministry even when people seek teachers who satisfy their own desires.
interpretation 2 Timothy 4:12
KJVAnd Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
Read it in context
Paul's Final Instructions and Personal Notes
Start reading at 2 Timothy 4:1 (2 Timothy 4:1 to 2 Timothy 4:22).
The verse belongs to the final chapter of 2 Timothy, which contains Paul's last charges to Timothy, personal requests, updates on various companions, and his concluding benediction. Starting at 2 Timothy 4:1 captures the beginning of these final instructions and reflections.
- 4:1 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;
- 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
- 4:3 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;
- 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
- 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
- 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
- 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
- 4:8 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.
- 4:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
- 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
- 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
- 4:12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
- 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
- 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
- 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
- 4:16 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.
- 4:17 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.
- 4:18 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.
- 4:19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
- 4:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
- 4:21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
- 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, traditionally understood as writing to Timothy late in his ministry. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 4:6. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Timothy 1:1–4:22): Paul addresses Timothy personally, urging faithful teaching and endurance and asking him to come; coworkers and opponents are named in the circumstances he describes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, called Paul's dearly beloved son, with instructions he is to entrust to other faithful teachers. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Paul informs Timothy that he has sent Tychicus to Ephesus, likely to assist in ministry or deliver this letter, as part of his final instructions and personal updates to Timothy.
- What is God revealing? God reveals His continued work through His servants, even in difficult circumstances, and the importance of faithful co-laborers in spreading the gospel and caring for the churches. Paul's reliance on individuals like Tychicus demonstrates the communal nature of Christian ministry.
- What is the literary style? This is a pastoral epistle, specifically a personal letter from Paul to Timothy, containing final charges, personal requests, and greetings.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 66 to 67.
- When does the event take place? The events described in this letter occur shortly before Paul's death.
Where
- Where did it happen? Tychicus was sent to Ephesus. The letter itself was written from Rome.
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, in prison, when he wrote this letter.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Final Instructions and Personal Notes (2 Timothy 4:1 to 2 Timothy 4:22). Start reading at 2 Timothy 4:1. The verse belongs to the final chapter of 2 Timothy, which contains Paul's last charges to Timothy, personal requests, updates on various companions, and his concluding benediction. Starting at 2 Timothy 4:1 captures the beginning of these final instructions and reflections.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of Paul's final personal instructions and updates to Timothy. After charging Timothy to preach the word and endure afflictions (2 Timothy 4:1-5), and reflecting on his own impending death (2 Timothy 4:6-8), Paul gives specific instructions and mentions various individuals, including sending Tychicus to Ephesus, to help Timothy understand the current state of affairs and to prepare for his own visit. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Paul's continued dedication to the ministry, even while imprisoned and facing death, and his strategic sending of faithful workers like Tychicus, reflects Christ's own mission to send out laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:37-38). It demonstrates the self-sacrificing love and commitment to the church that Christ exemplified and calls His followers to. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage encourages believers to be faithful and available for service, like Tychicus, who was sent by Paul to a specific place for ministry. It also highlights the importance of supporting and utilizing fellow believers in the work of the gospel, recognizing that ministry is a collaborative effort. We should be ready to go where we are sent and to serve faithfully, just as Paul sent Tychicus. interpretation
Cited: 2 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Matthew 9:37-38
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedGrouped with the other Pastorals in the critical discussion above.
Related passages
- Tychicus Acts 20:4 Eph 6:21 Col 4:7 Titus 3:12
- to Acts 20:16-17,25 1 Tim 1:3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Timothy 4
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
2 Timothy 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:8 2 Timothy 4:6
Paul's approaching departure
2 Timothy 4:6–8FocusA course faithfully completed
Connection to the wholePaul's reflection on finishing his course provides a personal setting for the charge and directs hope toward the Lord's righteous reward.
interpretation FocusCompanions, opposition, and the Lord's help
Connection to the wholeThe closing names, needs, and recollections show the cost and fellowship of ministry alongside Paul's confidence in the Lord's deliverance.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Timothy
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
2 Timothy 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:8 2 Timothy 4:6
The entrusted testimony
2 Timothy 1:1–18FocusCourage and faithful keeping
Connection to the wholePaul recalls Timothy's faith and gift, urging him not to be ashamed and to guard the trust through the Holy Ghost.
interpretation The faithful worker
2 Timothy 2:1–26FocusTransmission, endurance, and gentle correction
Connection to the wholeImages of disciplined service lead into directions for teaching, personal holiness, and patient treatment of opponents.
interpretation Difficult times and the Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:1–17FocusDiscernment and continued learning
Connection to the wholePaul warns about corrupt conduct and deception, then directs Timothy to continue in what he has learned through the holy Scriptures.
interpretation FocusPreaching and finishing the course
Connection to the wholeThe command to preach is set beside Paul's approaching death and personal instructions concerning fellow workers and needs.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.