4 1 He chargeth him to preach the Gospel with all diligence, 3 in that so miserable a time: 6 that his death is hard at hand, 8 yet so, that as a conqueror he maketh haste to a glorious triumph. 10 He showeth the cause why he sendeth for Timothy, 11 even by reason of his present state.
1 I [a]Charge thee therefore before God, and before the Lord Jesus Christ, which shall judge the quick and dead at that his appearing, and in his kingdom,
2 Preach the word: be instant, in season, and out of season: improve, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 [b]For the time will come when they will not suffer wholesome doctrine: but having their ears itching, shall after their own lusts get them an heap of teachers,
4 And shall turn their ears from the truth, and shall be given unto [c]fables.
5 [d]But watch thou in all things: suffer adversity: do the work of an Evangelist: [e]cause thy ministry to be thoroughly liked of.
6 [f]For I am now ready to be [g]offered, and the time of my departing is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, and have finished my course: I have kept the faith.
8 For henceforth is laid up for me the 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 that his appearing.
9 [h]Make speed to come unto me at once:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, and hath [i]embraced this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 (A)Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable unto me to minister.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works.
15 Of whom be thou ware also: for he withstood our preaching sore.
16 At my first answering no man assisted me, but all forsook me: I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully believed, and that all the Gentiles should hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the [j]lion.
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every [k]evil work, and will preserve me unto his [l]heavenly kingdom: to whom be praise for ever and ever, Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the (B)household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
21 Make speed to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy Spirit. Grace be with you, Amen.
¶ The second Epistle written from Rome unto Timothy, the first Bishop elected of the Church of Ephesus, when Paul was presented the second time before the Emperor Nero.
Footnotes
- 2 Timothy 4:1 The principal and chief of all admonitions, being therefore proposed with a most earnest charge, is this: That the word of God be propounded with a certain holy importunity, as necessity requireth: but so, that a good and true ground of the doctrine be laid, and the vehemency be tempered with all holy meekness.
- 2 Timothy 4:3 Faithful Pastors in times past took all occasions they could, because men were very prompt and ready to return to their fables.
- 2 Timothy 4:4 To false and unprofitable doctrines, which the world is now so bewitched withal, that it had rather the open light of the truth were utterly put out, when it would come out of darkness.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 The wickedness and falling away of the world, ought to cause faithful ministers to be so much the more careful.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 Prove and show by good and substantial proof, that thou art the true minister of God.
- 2 Timothy 4:6 He foretelleth his death to be at hand, and setteth before them an excellent example, both of invincible constancy and sure hope.
- 2 Timothy 4:6 To be offered for a drink offering: and he alludeth to the pouring out of blood or wine which was used in sacrifices.
- 2 Timothy 4:9 The last part of the Epistle, setting forth grievous complaints against certain, and examples of singular godliness in every place, and of a mind never wearied.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 Contented himself with this world.
- 2 Timothy 4:17 Of Nero.
- 2 Timothy 4:18 Preserve me pure from committing anything unworthy my Apostleship.
- 2 Timothy 4:18 To make me partaker of his kingdom.