2 Timothy - Chapter 4

2 Timothy 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; 2 Timothy 4.2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 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; 2 Timothy 4.4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4.5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4.6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 2 Timothy 4.7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 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. 2 Timothy 4.9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 2 Timothy 4.10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 2 Timothy 4.11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 2 Timothy 4.12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 2 Timothy 4.13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4.14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 2 Timothy 4.15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. 2 Timothy 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. 2 Timothy 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. 2 Timothy 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. 2 Timothy 4.19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 2 Timothy 4.20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 2 Timothy 4.21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 2 Timothy 4.22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

2 Timothy : Chapter 4

Paul's Ministerial Testament in 2 Timothy Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of the Second Epistle to Timothy concludes the ministerial testament of the apostle Paul. What is this apostle's final calling? This powerful text exhorts Timothy to preach the Word with perseverance, even in difficult times.

Chapter Themes

This chapter addresses crucial topics such as faithfulness in ministry, the coming judgment, and eternal reward. Paul reflects on his life, affirming that he has finished his course and kept the faith. He also mentions his collaborators and his adversaries.

Meditation on Bible Passages

Meditate with us on five Bible passages that amplify the final teachings of this powerful chapter:

1. Acts 20:29-30

"I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will enter among you and will not spare the flock. And from among yourselves men will arise, perverting the truth to draw away disciples. » Paul's warning to the Ephesian elders echoes his concern in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 about people who will stray from the truth.

2. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that of all those who run in the race, only one wins the prize? Run so as to attain the prize. Everyone who competes in the games undergoes rigorous training for a crown that soon perishes, but we do it to win a crown that lasts forever.” » This athletic metaphor from Paul aligns with his statement in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 about finishing the race and receiving the crown of righteousness.

3. Philippians 1:23-24

"I am pressed on both sides: I want to be with Christ, which is much better; but it is more necessary for your sakes that I remain in the body. » Paul's dilemma mirrors his situation in 2 Timothy 4:6, where he speaks of his impending departure.

4. Colossians 4:14

"Our beloved brother Luke the teacher and Demas greet you." This mention of Luke and Demas relates to 2 Timothy 4:10-11, where Paul speaks of Demas leaving him and Luke being with him.

5. Revelation 22:20

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" This longing for Christ's coming echoes Paul's expectation of the "crown of righteousness" in 2 Timothy 4:8, which the Lord will give "to all who love his coming."