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 4:16
KJVAt 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.
Read it in context
Paul's Final Charge and Personal Remarks
Start reading at 2 Timothy 4:1 (2 Timothy 4:1 to 2 Timothy 4:22).
This passage encompasses Paul's solemn charge to Timothy, his reflections on his impending death, and various personal instructions and greetings, concluding the epistle.
- 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 recounts that during his initial legal defense ('my first answer'), no one stood with him, and everyone abandoned him. Despite this desertion, he expresses a prayer to God that this failure may not be held against them.
- What is God revealing? Through Paul's prayer for those who forsook him, God reveals His character of mercy and forgiveness, which believers are called to emulate.
- What is the literary style? Epistolary, specifically a personal reflection within a pastoral epistle.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 66 to 67.
- When does the event take place? The event of Paul's 'first answer' occurred shortly before the writing of this letter, during his final imprisonment, as he was facing his impending death.
Where
- Where did it happen? The 'first answer' likely took place in Rome, where Paul was imprisoned.
- Where was the author located? Rome (in prison).
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Final Charge and Personal Remarks (2 Timothy 4:1 to 2 Timothy 4:22). Start reading at 2 Timothy 4:1. This passage encompasses Paul's solemn charge to Timothy, his reflections on his impending death, and various personal instructions and greetings, concluding the epistle.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse underscores Paul's personal suffering and isolation as he faces martyrdom, yet it also highlights his unwavering faith and Christ-like forgiveness. It serves as a powerful example for Timothy to remain steadfast in ministry despite hardship and desertion, knowing that the Lord will stand with him even if men do not. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Paul's experience of being forsaken by men during his trial, yet praying for their forgiveness, mirrors Christ's own abandonment by His disciples and His prayer for those who persecuted Him, saying, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers are called to stand by fellow Christians in times of adversity and to extend forgiveness to those who fail them, trusting in God's ultimate justice and mercy. Even when abandoned by others, we can find strength and faithfulness in the Lord, who never forsakes His own. interpretation
Cited: 2 Timothy 4:16, 2 Timothy 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:17, Luke 23:34
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
- answer Acts 22:1 Acts 25:16 1 Cor 9:3 2 Cor 7:11 Phil 1:7,17 1 Pet 3:15
- no 2 Tim 4:10 2 Tim 1:15 Ps 31:11-13 Mark 14:50 John 16:32
- I pray Acts 7:60
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.