2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4 provides the final counsel of Paul to his young disciple, Timothy, emphasizing perseverance in preaching the Word of God, readiness in all seasons, and a sober outlook on the tough times ahead. Paul also reflects on his own life, viewing it as a completed offering to God, and shares personal remarks and instructions with Timothy, highlighting the relationships and concerns that persist even as Paul's life draws to a close.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NKJV)
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Paul charges Timothy with a solemn command in the presence of God and Christ, who is the ultimate judge. He emphasizes the urgency and persistence required in preaching, regardless of the season or convenience. Timothy is instructed to correct, warn, and encourage with patience and careful instruction. Paul warns that people will increasingly reject sound teaching, preferring teachers who indulge their desires. Despite these challenges, Timothy must remain vigilant, endure hardships, do evangelistic work, and completely fulfill his ministry duties.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV)
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul uses the metaphor of a drink offering to describe his life, indicating that his martyrdom is imminent ("departure is at hand"). He reflects on his life as a battle and a race that he has completed faithfully. Looking forward, Paul is confident of receiving a crown of righteousness from the Lord— a reward not just for him but for all who eagerly await Christ's return. This passage is both a personal reflection and an encouragement to Timothy to persevere in faith.

2 Timothy 4:9-18 (NKJV)
9 Be diligent to come to me quickly;
10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.
15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear. Also, I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul writes with urgency, reflecting on his personal circumstances, relationships, and unwavering faith in God’s faithfulness. He asks Timothy to come quickly, mentions his loneliness, and highlights both faithful companions like Luke and those who deserted him, such as Demas. Paul requests practical items like his cloak and parchments, showing his dedication to ministry even in hardship. He warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith, who opposed their message. Despite being abandoned during his first defense, Paul forgives those who failed to support him, saying, "May it not be charged against them," demonstrating Christlike mercy. He testifies that the Lord stood with him, strengthened him to proclaim the gospel fully, and delivered him "out of the mouth of the lion." Confident in God’s deliverance from every evil work, Paul trusts he will be preserved for God’s heavenly kingdom, giving glory to the Lord forever.

2 Timothy 4:19-22 (NKJV)
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul closes with personal greetings and updates, reflecting the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. He asks Timothy to greet other believers, provides updates on mutual acquaintances, and emphasizes the urgency of coming before winter, possibly due to travel conditions. His final blessing underscores the grace and presence of Jesus Christ with Timothy, encapsulating Paul's hopes for spiritual strength and fellowship for his young protégé.