2 Timothy Chapter 4 — Paul's Final Charge
Paul issues a final charge to Timothy to preach the word and fulfill his ministry while reflecting on his own approaching death.
1I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:
2preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.
3For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts,
4and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables.
5But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.
6For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.
7I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
8From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
9Be diligent to come to me soon,
10for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; and Titus to Dalmatia.
11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.
12But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
14Alexander the coppersmith did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
15Beware of him, for he greatly opposed our words.
16At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.
17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear. So I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
20Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick.
21Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
22The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Timothy 4:2
“preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.”
This verse provides the central command for Timothy's future ministry in the face of opposition.
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.”
These words represent Paul's summary of his entire life's work and his unwavering commitment to his mission.
2 Timothy 4:17
“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear.”
Paul highlights God's presence and support even when human companions had deserted him.
Chapter Summary
Paul provides a solemn charge to Timothy to preach the word urgently, warning of a time when people will turn from sound doctrine to fables in order to satisfy their own desires. He encourages Timothy to remain sober and fulfill his ministry despite hardships. Paul then reflects on his own life, stating that he has finished his course and kept the faith, looking forward to the crown of righteousness from the Lord. He mentions personal circumstances, including Demas abandoning him for the world and the faithful presence of Luke. Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark and specific personal items, such as his cloak and parchments. He recounts his first defense where the Lord stood by him and concludes with greetings to fellow believers like Prisca and Aquila, ending with a final blessing of grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul commands Timothy to preach the word with urgency, regardless of whether it is convenient or popular. He emphasizes the need to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with patience and careful teaching as people turn away from truth to follow their own desires.
According to the text, Demas left Paul because he 'loved this present world.' He departed for Thessalonica, leaving Paul during a critical time of imprisonment when many others had also gone to different regions for ministry.
Paul describes his life as being 'offered' like a sacrifice and notes that the time of his departure has come. He expresses confidence that he has finished his course and that a 'crown of righteousness' awaits him from the Lord on the day of judgment.
Study Note
The mention of 'parchments' in verse 13 likely refers to animal skin documents, which were more durable and expensive than papyrus, possibly containing scriptures or legal records.
Related Chapters
1 Timothy Chapter 1
The first letter to Timothy establishes the foundational instructions for his leadership that Paul references in his final charge.
Acts Chapter 20
This chapter contains Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, echoing themes of finishing his course and the value of his ministry.
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