Thematic Bible
2 Timothy 4:1 (show verse)
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge [both] those still alive and those who have already died, and in view of His appearing [i.e., at His second coming] and His kingdom [i.e., when it is revealed in its eternal splendor], I solemnly urge you:
2 Timothy 4:2 (show verse)
Preach the [Gospel] message; be prepared [to do it both] when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient; reprove [i.e., convince people of their wrongdoing], rebuke [i.e., convict people of their sin], and exhort [i.e., urge people to act], with great patience and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:3 (show verse)
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their "itching ears" want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:4 (show verse)
They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn their attention to myths.
2 Timothy 4:5 (show verse)
But you should be sober-minded about everything, [willing to] endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:6 (show verse)
For I am already being "poured out like a drink offering," and the time for me to leave has come. [Note: Paul here likens the prospect of shedding his blood for the work of Christ to the pouring of wine and oil on an Old Testament sacrifice].
2 Timothy 4:7 (show verse)
I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment].
2 Timothy 4:8 (show verse)
So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the judgment day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:9 (show verse)
Hurry up and come to me as soon [as possible],
2 Timothy 4:10 (show verse)
for Demas loved this world and [so] has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia.
2 Timothy 4:11 (show verse)
Luke is the only one [of my fellow-workers still] with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you for he [will be] helpful to me in [my] ministry.
2 Timothy 4:12 (show verse)
But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
2 Timothy 4:13 (show verse)
When you come, bring my cloak that I left at Troas with Crispus, along with the scrolls and especially the parchments.
2 Timothy 4:14 (show verse)
Alexander the metal worker did me much harm; the Lord will repay him for what he did.
2 Timothy 4:15 (show verse)
You should beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message.
2 Timothy 4:16 (show verse)
At my first defense [Note: Paul here refers to his initial hearing before the Roman court] no one supported me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
2 Timothy 4:17 (show verse)
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles could hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. [Note: This is probably a figure of speech indicating that Paul had escaped some immediate danger. See Psa. 22:20-21].
2 Timothy 4:18 (show verse)
The Lord will [continue to] rescue me from all harm and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. May He be praised forever and ever. May it be so.
2 Timothy 4:19 (show verse)
[I send] greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, and to the family of Onesiphorus.
2 Timothy 4:20 (show verse)
Erastus stayed on at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
2 Timothy 4:21 (show verse)
Hurry up and come [to me] before winter. Eubulus sends his greetings, along with Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia and all [the rest of] the brothers.
2 Timothy 4:22 (show verse)
May the Lord be with your spirit [i.e., close to you]. May God's unearned favor be with you.