I have finished my course
2 Tim 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;
Paul is giving a charge, “The verb diamartyromai has legal connections and can mean ‘testify under oath’ in a court of law, or to ‘adjure’ a witness to do so.” (Stott) This was a duty and responsibility to Timothy of such importance that he spoke before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his coming. This was so serious that he spoke with God and Jesus as witnesses. What is so important to Paul that he would speak with such authority?
2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
The testimony and command before God the Father and the Son was to preach the word of God, the Bibles contents. He tells Timothy, if you are going to preach, then preach the word. When was he to preach? Be ready always, in convenient times and in other times when you are inconvenienced. The word is powerful to change lives. Reprove, rebuke, exhort with patience and sound doctrine.
2 Tim 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 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Teachers preaching to itching ears, loving the praise of men. They speak what the people want to hear, preaching according to their lusts. What would these lusts be? How about homosexuality? They preach that it is OK, and even have gay preachers. How about the lust for things and money. Then we shall preach about financial prosperity. Tell funny stories, make the people laugh, this is OK in some places, but not as the entire sermon where everything is a joke. If you are preaching to itching ears, you will not preach about holy living or hell, these are not pleasant for flesh to hear. Do not speak about the blood of Christ, but TV shows are a good topic. Be popular, a good ol boy. Change you message to please the audience. In front of preachers maybe preach a little from the Bible, but at other times, just talk about things the audience wants to hear, so they feel good and are not convicted. This is the itching ear teacher. If Paul were as this, we would have none of his letters, nor his example to guide us now. Paul tells Timothy to be a man of God, preaching the gospel, no matter what.
There are popular fables that have continued...Joseph Smith and Mormonism is one example.
How about this: our destiny, when we die, is to make it through a series of heavens and after-lifes, until one day we become god over our own planet, like Elohim is god over earth, living on a planet named Kolob. When we are gods over our own planets, we spend the rest of eternity having celestial relations with a harem of goddess wives, producing spirit babies to populate the earth we are god over. Joseph Smith and the Mormons have turned aside to fables!(Guzik)
2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Be alert, a shepherd should be alert to the needs and also to the dangers of the flock. In meeting needs we are not to stray from the purpose of preaching Christ Jesus. The preacher is the guardian of the flock, to keep out evil doctrines and false teachers and prophets. Endure hard things, do the work of an evangelist. Preach the gospel message, make full proof of your ministry.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Tim 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Paul had done all these things that he requests of Timothy. Now he sat in a prison cell ready to be offered for the faith. His primary concern was always that Christ Jesus be preached.
Phil 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Phil 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Phil 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Phil 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Phil 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Paul was about to finish his course. When he would be with Jesus, he would have fulfilled his calling, meeting Christ Jesus face to face in perfection. That would be glory for him.
2 Tim 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
He was ready to be offered, from the Greek word spendo; he was as a drink offering poured out as a sacrifice to God. Jacob was the first to pour out a drink offering of wine and of oil, at the altar in Bethel; wine symbolizes blood and oil, the Spirit.
Gen 35:14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him (God), even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
Gen 35:15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.
Paul would spill his blood and give up his Spirit to God shortly. He knew he would soon die at the hands of the Romans under the evil emperor: Nero. Nero was next to zero in the things of God. It is a sad thing when those in power are ungodly, they know only lies, death and destruction.
Prov 24:19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;
Prov 24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
Paul's light would never go out. His words from Jesus give light to us today and he lives forever in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1 Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1 Cor 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
2 Tim 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.
This was a crown of victory, stephanos, in the Greek. The crown won from competing in a race. He would be awarded this crown for faithful service from Jesus. The world's court would kill and condemn Paul, but he was looking at glory that was ahead. Not only would he be crowned, but we who are faithful shall be crowned as well. Those who were looking forward to seeing Jesus, even as Jesus looked forward to the glory that was before him.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Let us be faithful in running the race, as was the apostle Paul. Preaching the good word faithfully until we are with him. Looking for the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Because Paul was faithful to preach the word that he received from Jesus, we are blessed today, both from his example and his teachings. What if he had been an itching ears teacher? There would be nothing for us today. The church must be fed the word of God and we must be faithful to our callings. Jesus Christ is Lord, and he must be taught to all; and then the end shall come.
Only Luke remains
2 Tim 4:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
2 Tim 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Paul has a deep fatherly love for Timothy. In this emotional appeal to him to come, Paul had realized that although he had poured his life out in service bringing many to the Lord, that in the end he was alone; abandoned by many and needing fellowship.
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Demas was a companion of Paul and Dr. Luke for a time.
Col 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
But he left Paul in time of need, having more love for this present world; the here and now and was not committed to Paul or the calling of God.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Crescens is not mentioned elsewhere, but was another who left Paul, going to Galatia.
Titus went unto Dalmatia, Titus had been sent to comfort Paul in the past. Paul had written an epistle to Titus.
2 Cor 7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
These two were not available to comfort Paul, but there was no indication that they had left the faith.
2 Tim 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Only faithful Dr. Luke remained with Paul in the end. Luke was a constant companion, a Gentile who also wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. It is to be noted that in the end Mark who had failed Paul in the past, being inexperienced, now has a special place in Paul's heart. Mark had been the cause of two great men of God splitting their partnership.
Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Acts 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
Acts 15:39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
Acts 15:40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Paul said of Mark: he is profitable, worthy for ministry. These words bring hope to all who at one time failed in their ministry and have continued, persevering in Christ Jesus. We fail at times, but we must continue so that we someday will be consistent and be fruitful in serving the Lord.
2 Tim 4:12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
Paul had sent this man to another area for ministry.
2 Tim 4:13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Paul requests of Timothy a cloak, to keep him warm in the damp prison. He also needed things to read, books, but especially the parchments. Books of great writers are useful, but none can be compared to the parchments, the Holy scriptures. Portions of the old testament. How much more blessed are we with so many books and the complete Bible in so many translations. Nothing comforts and uplifts like the word of God.
2 Tim 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2 Tim 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
Alexander, was one who had been shipwrecked in the faith. He abandoned the faith and worked to oppose the gospel and Paul.
1 Tim 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Tim 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
When someone warns us about another, we should take heed, especially if you know the person who gives the warning as steadfast in the faith. We should not say immediately, oh we are to love everyone and ignore the warning. Some are enemies of the faith and should be resisted.
What had Alexander done? He was a blasphemer. He spoke against holy things of God. Paul warns Timothy that he withstood Paul, perhaps being somehow responsible for his imprisonment and a false witness against him.
Paul's judgment of Alexander was: Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: To be without the covering of the blood of Jesus, is to be judged and damned according to our works.
2 Tim 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.
Paul was all alone before the courts of Caesar, the man who preached to so many and had so many converts, testified alone on his behalf. Perhaps Alexander and others he once trusted were speaking lies against him. Paul was alone in the flesh, but not alone in the Spirit.
2 Tim 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 Tim 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.
Christ Jesus and the angels were around him, knowing that soon he would be coming home to glory! We are not alone, forsaken and forgotten. God is with us and his angels. This short life is nothing compared to eternal glory that lies ahead.
Paul speaks a final greeting and farewell remembering others who he loved in the ministry.
2 Tim 4:19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Priscilla and Aquila were Jewish tentmakers and companions.
Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Rom 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Onesiphorus
2 Tim 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
2 Tim 4:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
2 Tim 4:21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
Do thy diligence to come before winter. It would be cold and he needed the cloak. Winter like fall is the end of the life cycle for most growing plants, but seeds remain to bring forth new life. Paul had planted much seed of Gods word for later spiritual harvesting. Spring would come, but not for Paul. He would see the new life eternal with Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Paul ends with grace given with thy spirit. He lived by the grace of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. He leaves us this grace to continue. Paul was a great servant of God, through the Holy Spirit. He was also a human with human needs. We should be aware that people need God's word and also need human fellowship. We need one another. Let us keep the word going out and and our friendships contnuing in fellowship so that we may be blessed and bless others as well.
Superragman@aol.com
2Timothy Chapters
2Timothy 3
2Timothy 1 Table of Contents
Eaglewings New Testament Studies
Eaglewings Ministries