View 2nd Timothy 4 in the note window.
1: I charge thee therefore - This is deduced from the whole
preceding chapter. At his appearing and his kingdom - That is,
at his appearing in the kingdom of glory.
2: Be instant - Insist on, urge these things in season, out
of season - That is, continually, at all times and places. It
might be translated, with and without opportunity - Not only when
a fair occasion is given: even when there is none, one must be
made.
3: For they will heap up teachers - Therefore thou hast
need of "all longsuffering." According to their own desires
- Smooth as they can wish. Having itching ears - Fond of novelty
and variety, which the number of new teachers, as well as
their empty, soft, or philosophical discourses, pleased. Such
teachers, and such hearers, seldom are much concerned with what
is strict or to the purpose. Heap to themselves - Not enduring
sound doctrine, they will reject the sound preachers, and gather
together all that suit their own taste. Probably they send out
one another as teachers, and so are never at a loss for numbers.
5: Watch - An earnest, constant, persevering exercise. The
scripture watching, or waiting, implies steadfast faith,
patient hope, labouring love, unceasing prayer; yea, the mighty
exertion of all the affections of the soul that a man is
capable of. In all things - Whatever you are doing, yet in that,
and in all things, watch. Do the work of an evangelist - Which
was next to that of an apostle.
6: The time of my departure is at hand - So undoubtedly God
had shown him. I am ready to be offered up - Literally, to be
poured out, as the wine and oil were on the ancient sacrifices.
8: The crown of that righteousness - Which God has imputed
to me and wrought in me. Will render to all - This increases the
joy of Paul, and encourages Timotheus. Many of these St. Paul
himself had gained. That have loved his appearing - Which only a
real Christian can do. I say a real Christian, to comply with
the mode of the times: else they would not understand, although
the word Christian necessarily implies whatsoever is holy, as
God is holy. Strictly speaking, to join real or sincere to a
word of so complete an import, is grievously to debase its
noble signification, and is like adding long to eternity or wide
to immensity.
9: Come to me - Both that he might comfort him, and be
strengthened by him. Timotheus himself is said to have
suffered at Ephesus.
10: Demas - Once my fellowlabourer,(Phm 1:24).
Hath forsaken me. Crescens, probably a preacher also, is gone,
with my consent, to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia, having now left
Crete. These either went with him to Rome, or visited
him there.
11: Only Luke - Of my fellowlabourers, is with me - But God
is with me; and it is enough. Take Mark - Who, though he once
"departed from the work," is now again profitable to me.
13: The cloak - Either the toga, which belonged to him as a
Roman citizen, or an upper garment, which might be needful as
winter came on. Which I left at Troas with Carpus - Who was
probably his host there. Especially the parchments - The books
written on parchment.
14: The Lord will reward him - This he spoke prophetically.
16: All - My friends and companions. Forsook me - And do
we expect to find such as will not forsake us? My first
defence - Before the savage emperor Nero.
17: The preaching - The gospel which we preach.
18: And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work
- Which is far more than delivering me from death. Yea, and,
over and above, preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom - Far
better than that of Nero.
20: When I came on, Erastus abode at Corinth - Being
chamberlain of the city, (Ro 16:23).
But Trophimus I have left sick - Not having power (as neither had
any of the apostles) to work miracles when he pleased, but only
when God pleased.
