2Ti 4:9-22 | RWP | e4.org | Shortly ( ταχεως ). In verse he more definitely says "before winter." Apparently the trial might drag on through its various stages.

‏ 2 Timothy 4:9-22

Shortly ( ταχεως ). In verse 21 he more definitely says "before winter." Apparently the trial might drag on through its various stages.

Forsook me ( με εγκατελειπεν ). Imperfect (MSS. also have aorist, εγκατελιπεν ) active of the old double compound verb εγκαταλειπω, for which see Ro 9:29. Clearly in contrast to verse 9 and in the sense of 1Ti 6:17, wilful desertion. Only mentioned elsewhere in Col 4:14.

Crescens ( Κρησκης ). No other mention of him.

Titus to Dalmatia ( Τιτος εις Δαλματιαν ). Titus had been asked to rejoin Paul in Nicopolis where he was to winter, probably the winter previous to this one (Tit 3:12). He came and has been with Paul.

Only Luke is with me ( Λουκας εστιν μονος μετ' εμου ). Luke is with Paul now in Rome as during the first Roman imprisonment (Phm 1:24; Col 4:14).

Take Mark ( Μαρκον αναλαβων ). Second aorist active participle of αναλαμβανω, old verb, to pick up, as in Eph 6:13, 16. "Pick up Mark."

He is useful to me ( εστιν μο ευχρηστος ). See 2:21 for ευχρηστος. Paul had long ago changed his opinion of Mark (Col 4:10) because Mark had changed his conduct and had made good in his ministry. Now Paul longs to have the man that he once scornfully rejected (Ac 15:37ff.).

Tychicus I sent to Ephesus ( Τυχικον απεστειλα εις Εφεσον ). Perhaps Paul had sent him on before he came to Rome. He may have been still on the way to Ephesus.

The cloke ( την φελονην ). More common form φειλονη. By metathesis for φαινολη, Latin paenula, though which language transliterated the word into the other is not known. The meaning is also uncertain, though probably "cloke" as there are so many papyri examples in that sense (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary). Milligan (N.T. Documents, p. 20) had previously urged "book wrap" as probable but he changed his mind and rightly so.

With Carpus ( παρα Καρπω ). "Beside Carpus," at his house. Not mentioned elsewhere. Probably a visit to Troas after Paul's return from Crete.

The books ( τα βιβλια ). Probably papyrus rolls. One can only guess what rolls the old preacher longs to have with him, probably copies of Old Testament books, possibly copies of his own letters, and other books used and loved. The old preacher can be happy with his books.

Especially the parchments ( μαλιστα τας μεμβρανας ). Latin membrana. The dressed skins were first made at Pergamum and so termed "parchments." These in particular would likely be copies of Old Testament books, parchment being more expensive than papyrus, possibly even copies of Christ's sayings (Lu 1:1-4). We recall that in Ac 26:24 Festus referred to Paul's learning ( τα γραμματα ). He would not waste his time in prison.

Alexander the coppersmith ( Αλεξανδρος ο χαλκευς ). Old word, only here in N.T., for metal-worker (copper, iron, gold, etc.). Possibly the one in 1:20, but not the one in Ac 19:33f. unless he afterwards became a Christian.

Did me much evil ( μο κακα ενεδειξατο ). Evidently he had some personal dislike towards Paul and possibly also he was a Gnostic.

Will render ( αποδωσε ). Future active of the same verb used in verse 8, but with a very different atmosphere.

Be thou ware also ( κα συ φυλασσου ). Present middle (direct) imperative of φυλασσω, "from whom keep thyself away."

Withstood ( αντεστη ). Second aorist active indicative of ανθιστημ, "stood against my words." See 3:8; Ga 2:11.

At my first defence ( εν τη πρωτη απολογια ). Original sense of "apology" as in Php 1:7, 16. Either the first stage in this trial or the previous trial and acquittal at the end of the first Roman imprisonment. Probably the first view is correct, though really there is no way to decide.

No one took my part ( ουδεις μο παρεγενετο ). "No one came by my side" (second aorist middle indicative of παραγινομα ). See 1Co 16:3.

But all forsook me ( αλλα παντες με εγκατελειπον ). Same verb and tense used of Demas above (verse 10), "But all were forsaking me" (one by one) or, if aorist εγκατελιπον, "all at once left me."

May it not be laid to their account ( μη αυτοις λογισθειη ). First aorist passive optative in future wish with negative μη. Common Pauline verb λογιζομα (1Co 13:5; Ro 4:3, 5).

But the Lord stood by me ( ο δε κυριος μο παρεστη ). Second aorist active of παριστημ (intransitive use), "took his stand by my side." See Ro 16:2. Clearly Jesus appeared to Paul now at this crisis and climax as he had done so many times before.

Strengthened me ( ενεδυναμωσεν με ). "Poured power into me." See Php 4:13.

That through me the message might be fully proclaimed ( ινα δι' εμου το κηρυγμα πληροφορηθη ). Final clause with ινα and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροφορεω (see verse 5). Either to the rulers in Rome now or, if the first imprisonment, by his release and going to Spain.

And that all the Gentiles might hear ( κα ακουσωσιν παντα τα εθνη ). Continuation of the purpose with the aorist active subjunctive of ακουω.

I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion ( ερυσθην εκ στοματος λεοντος ). First aorist passive indicative of ρυομα (1Th 1:10). A proverb, but not certain what the application is whether to Nero or to Satan (1Th 2:18) or to the lion in the arena where Paul could not be sent because a Roman citizen.

Will deliver me ( ρυσετα με ). Future middle. Recall the Lord's Prayer. Paul is not afraid of death. He will find his triumph in death (Php 1:21f.).

Unto his heavenly kingdom ( εις την βασιλειαν αυτου την επουρανιον ). The future life of glory as in 1Co 15:24, 50. He will save ( σωσε, effective future) me there finally and free from all evil.

To whom be the glory ( ω η δοξα ). No verb in the Greek. Paul's final doxology, his Swan Song, to Christ as in Ro 9:5; 16:27.

Prisca and Aquila ( Πρισχαν κα Ακυλαν ). Paul's friends now back in Ephesus, no longer in Rome (Rom 16:3). See 1:16 for the house of Onesiphorus.

Erastus ( Εραστος ). See Ac 19:22; Ro 16:23.

Trophimus ( Τροφιμον ). A native of Ephesus and with Paul in Jerusalem (Ac 20:4; 21:29).

At Miletus sick ( εν Μιλητω ασθενουντα ). Present active participle of ασθενεω, to be weak. Probably on Paul's return from Crete.

Before winter ( προ χειμωνος ). Pathetic item if Paul was now in the Mamertine Dungeon in Rome with winter coming on and without his cloak for which he asked. How long he had been in prison this time we do not know. He may even have spent the previous winter or part of it here. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia are all unknown otherwise. Irenaeus does speak of Linus.

The Lord be with thy Spirit ( ο κυριος μετα του πνευματος σου ). Let us hope that Timothy and Mark reached Paul before winter, before the end came, with the cloak and with the books. Our hero, we may be sure, met the end nobly. He is already more than conqueror in Christ who is by his side and who will welcome him to heaven and give him his crown. Luke, Timothy, Mark will do all that mortal hands can do to cheer the heart of Paul with human comfort. He already had the comfort of Christ in full measure.