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2 Timothy Chapter Four

2 Timothy 4

Does this perfect and supreme authority of the scriptures set aside ministry? By no means; it is the foundation of the ministry of the word. One is a minister of the word; one proclaims the word-resting on the written word-which is authority for all, and the warrant for all that a minister says, and imparting to his words the authority of God over the conscience of those whom he teaches or exhorts. There is, in addition to this, the activity of love in the heart of him who exercises this ministry (if it be real), and the powerful action of the Spirit, if he be filled with the Holy Ghost. But that which the word says silences all opposition in the heart or mind of the believer.

It was thus that the Lord answered Satan, and Satan himself was reduced to silence. He who does not submit to the words of God thereby shews himself to be a rebel against God The rule given of God is in the scriptures; the energetic action of His Spirit is in ministry, although God can equally act upon the heart immediately by the word itself. Nevertheless ministry, since the revelations of God were completed, could not be an authority, or there would be two authorities; and if two, one must be a needless repetition of the other, or else, if they differed, no authority at all.

If the revelations were not complete, no doubt there might be more. The Old Testament left untold the history of Christ, the mission of the Holy Ghost, the formation of the assembly; because these facts not being yet accomplished could not be the subject of its historical and doctrinal instructions, and the assembly was not even the subject of prophecy. But all is now complete, as Paul tells us that he was a minister of the assembly to complete the word of God. (Col. 1:25) The subjects of revelation were then completed.

Observe, that the apostle insists, as a matter of responsibility, that Timothy should devote himself to his ministry with so much the more energy that the assembly was declining, and self-will in Christians was gaining the ascendancy; not that he throws any doubt upon its being a constant duty to do so at all times, whether happy or unhappy. The apostle, as we have seen, has two different periods in view; the decline of the assembly, which had already begun, and the still worse condition that was yet future. The special application of the exhortation here is to the first period. "Be instant," he says, "in season, out of season ... for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine ... and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

In how positive and distinct a way the apostle sets the fall of the assembly before us! Its impaired condition in his day was to him but a point of progress (according to his judgment in the Spirit) towards a yet more entire fall; when, although still calling itself christian, the mass of those who assumed the name of Christ would no longer endure the sound doctrine of the Holy Ghost. But, come what might, laboring with patience and diligence and energy as long as they would hearken, he was to be watchful, to endure afflictions, to seek after souls still unconverted (a great proof of faith when the heart is burdened with the unfaithfulness of those within), and fully to exercise his ministry; with this additional motive, that apostolic energy was disappearing from the scene. (Chap. 4:6)

But there is yet something to notice at the beginning of this chapter. Fullness of grace, it is apparent, does not here characterise the epistle. His exhortation to Timothy is "before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the quick and dead at his appearing and his kingdom." We have already spoken of this: the appearing of Jesus is in connection with responsibility, His coming is with the object of calling us to Himself in connection with our privileges. Here it is the first of these two cases; not the assembly, or the Father's house, but God, the appearing, and the kingdom. All that is in relation to responsibility, government, judgment, is gathered together in one point of view. The apostle however is not speaking, of the assembly, nor does he throughout the epistle. The assembly moreover as such is not judged; she is the bride of the Lamb. Individuals are judged. Christendom which bears its name and responsibility, and necessarily so while the Holy Ghost is here below, is judged. We are warned of it in Ephesus. (Rev. 2) Nay, judgment begins there. This is the assembly viewed as the house, not the body.

The portion of the assembly, and even of its members as such, is grace and not judgment. She goes to meet the Lord before His appearing. Here the apostle speaks of His appearing and His kingdom. It is as appearing in glory and clothed with the authority of the kingdom that He exercises judgment. The presentation of the assembly to Himself completes the work of grace with regard to that assembly. When the Lord appears, we shall appear with Him in glory; but it will be the glory of the kingdom (as we see in the transfiguration), and He will judge the living.

He will maintain the authority of His kingdom, as a new order of things, for a long period; and judgment will be exercised, if the occasion for it arises, during its whole continuance, for a king shall reign in righteousness; judgment and righteousness will be united. Before giving back this kingdom to God the Father, He judges the dead, for all judgment is committed to the Son. So that the kingdom is a new order of things founded on His appearing, in which judgment is exercised. The kingdom is founded by the exclusion of Satan from heaven. It is established and its authority put in exercise at the appearing of the Lord.

The consciousness that this judgment is going to be exercised gives an impulse to love in the carrying out of ministry, gives it earnestness, and strengthens the hands by the sense of union with Him who will exercise it and also by the sense of personal responsibility.

The apostle uses his near departure as a fresh motive to exhort Timothy to the full exercise of his ministry. His own heart expands at the thought of that departure.

The absence therefore of apostolic ministry, so serious a fact with regard to the assembly's position, makes the duty of the man of God the more urgent. As Paul's absence is a motive for working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, so is it also a motive for him who is engaged in the work of the gospel to devote himself more than ever to his ministry, in order to supply as far as possible the lack of apostolic service by earnest care for souls, and by instructing them in the truth that he has learnt.

We cannot be apostles, or lay the foundation of the assembly. This is already done. But we may build upon that foundation by the truth which we have received from the apostle, by the scriptures which God has given us, by an unwearied love in the truth for souls. The foundation is not to be laid a second time. We give its value to the foundation, we give it its place, by building upon it, and by caring for the souls and the assembly, to which apostleship has given an ever-abiding place and foundation before God. This is what we have to do in the absence of the gift that lays the foundation.

The character that God appointed has already been stamped on the work: the one foundation has been laid. The assembly has its one and sole place according to the counsels of God. The rule given of God is in the word. We have but to act as the apostle leads according to the impulse already given by the Spirit. We cannot have apostolic authority: no one is an apostle in any such sense. This could not be, because we do not lay the foundation; it would be to deny that which has already been done. The foundation has been laid. We can labour according to the measure of our gift; and so much the more devotedly, in proportion as we love the work which the apostle wrought, and because he is no longer here to sustain it.

As to the apostle, he had finished his work; if others were unfaithful, he had been faithful. In the good fight of the gospel of God he had fought to the end, and successfully resisted all the attacks of the enemy. He had finished his course: it only remained for him to be crowned. He had kept the faith committed to him. The crown of righteousness, that is to say, the one bestowed by the righteous Judge who acknowledged his faithfulness, was laid up and kept for him. It was not till the day of retribution that he would receive it. We see plainly, that it is reward for labour and for faithfulness that is here meant. This-or its opposite-characterises the whole epistle, and not the privileges of grace.

The work of the Spirit through us is rewarded by the crown of righteousness, and every one will have a reward according to his labour. Christ brings us all according to the grace of God into the enjoyment of His own glory to be with Him and like Him. This is our common portion according to the eternal counsels of God; but a place is prepared by the Father and given by the Son according to the work wrought by the power of the Spirit in each believer in his particular position. It is not Paul only who will receive this crown from the righteous Judge; all who love the Lord's appearing will appear with Him in the glory that is personally destined to each, and that is adjudged to him when the Lord appears. Detached from this world, sensible that it is a perverse and rebellious one, feeling how much the dominion of Satan burdens the heart, the faithful long for the appearance of Him who will put an end to that dominion, to rebellion, oppression and misery, by bringing in-in His goodness although by judgment-deliverance, peace, and freedom of heart, on the earth.

The Christian will share the Lord's glory when He shall appear: but this world also will be delivered.

We see here too that the privileges of the assembly as such are not the subject, but the public retribution manifested when Jesus shall appear to all; and the public establishment of His glory. The heart loves His appearing; not only the removal of evil, but the appearance of Him who removes it.

In that which follows we see what progress the evil had already made, and how the apostle counts upon the individual affection of his dear son in the faith. Probably there were good reasons for the departure of many, certainly for that of some; nevertheless it is true that the first thing that presents itself to the apostle's mind is the departure of Demas from purely worldly motives. The apostle felt himself isolated. Not only had the mass of Christians abandoned him, but his companions in labour had gone away. In the providence of God he was to be alone. He begs Timothy to come soon. Demas had forsaken him. The rest, from various motives, had quitted him; some he had sent away in connection with the work. It is not said that Demas had ceased to be a Christian--had publicly renounced the Lord; but it was not in his heart to bear the cross with the apostle.

In the midst of these sorrows a ray of grace and light shines through the darkness. The presence of Mark-whose service Paul had formerly refused, because he had shrunk from the perils of laboring among the Gentiles and had turned back to Jerusalem--is now desired by him, because he was useful for the ministry. It is most interesting to see, and a touching proof of the grace of God, that the afflictions of the apostle and the work of grace in Mark combine to set before us, as faithful and useful to Paul, the one who once had failed, and with whom the apostlewould then have nothing to do. We also see the affections and confidence displayed in the smallest detail of life. Full of power by the Spirit of God, the apostle is gentle, intimate, and confiding, with those who are upright and devoted. We see too that at the close of his life, devoted as he was, the occasion had presented itself for study (in connection assuredly with his work), and for writing that which he wished carefully to preserve-possibly his epistles.

This has an important place in scriptural instruction with regard to the life of the apostle. Paul was lost, so to speak, for the greater part, in the power of the Spirit; but when alone, with sober mind, he occupies himself intelligently and carefully about the things of God.

He warns Timothy with regard to a man who had shewn his enmity, and puts him on his guard against him.

We see here also that the epistle bears the character of righteousness, grace having had its course. "The Lord," he says, " reward him according to his deeds." As for those who had not courage to stand by him, when he had to answer as a prisoner, he only prays for them. He had not been discouraged. His heart, broken by the unfaithfulness of the assembly, was strong in confessing the Lord before the world, and he can testify that, if forsaken by men, the Lord Himself stood with him and strengthened him. That he had to answer before the authorities was but an occasion to proclaim again in public that for which he was made a prisoner. Glorious power of the gospel where faith is in exercise! All that the enemy can do becomes a testimony, in order that the great, kings, those who were otherwise inaccessible, should hear the word of truth, the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The faithful witness was also delivered out of the lion's mouth. His strong and simple confidence counted on the Lord to the end. He would preserve him from every evil work unto His heavenly kingdom.

lf the time of his departure was at hand, if he had to fall asleep instead of being changed, he had not ceased to be among those who looked for the Lord's appearing. Meanwhile he was going to be with Him, to have a place in the heavenly kingdom.

He salutes the brethren with whom Timothy was connected, and begs him to come before the winter. We also learn here, that the miraculous power granted to the apostles was exercised in the Lord's service, and not for their private interests, nor as their personal affection might suggest; for Paul had left Trophimus sick at Miletus.

It is evident that this epistle was written when the apostle thought his departure near at hand and when the faith of Christians had grievously declined, which was proved by their having forsaken the apostle. His faith was sustained by grace. He did not hide from himself that all was going wrong: his heart felt it-was broken by it; he saw that it would grow worse and worse. But his own testimony stood firm; he was strong for the Lord through grace. The strength of the Lord was with him to confess Christ and to exhort Timothy to so much the more diligent and devoted an exercise of his ministry, because the days were evil.

This is very important. If we love the Lord, if we feel what He is to the assembly, we feel that in the latter all is in ruin. Personal courage is not weakened for the Lord remains ever the same, faithful, and using His power for us: if not in the assembly which rejects it, it is in those who stand fast that He will exercise His power according to the individual need created by this state of things.

May we remember this. Insensibility to the state of the assembly is not a proof that we are near the Lord, or that we have confidence in Him; but in the consciousness of this ruin, faith, the sense of what Christ is, will give confidence in Him amidst the ruin which we mourn. Nevertheless it will be observed, that the apostle speaks here of the individual, of righteousness, of judgement, and now of the assembly. If the latter is spoken of outwardly as the great house, it contains vessels to dishonour from which we are to purge ourselves. Yet the apostle foresaw a still worse state of things-which has now set in. But the Lord can never fail in His faithfulness.

The first of Timothy gives directions for the order of the assembly; the second, for the path of the servant of God when it is in disorder and failure.

── John Darby《Synopsis of 2 Timothy》

2 Timothy 4

Chapter Contents

The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine. (1-5) Enforces the charge from his own martyrdom, then at hand. (6-8) Desires him to come speedily. (9-13) He cautions, and complains of such as had deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation to the heavenly kingdom. (14-18) Friendly greetings and his usual blessing. (19-22)

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:1-5

(Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5)

People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness, and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:6-8

(Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8)

The blood of the martyrs, though not a sacrifice of atonement, yet was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the grace of God and his truth. Death to a good man, is his release from the imprisonment of this world, and his departure to the enjoyments of another world. As a Christian, and a minister, Paul had kept the faith, kept the doctrines of the gospel. What comfort will it afford, to be able to speak in this manner toward the end of our days! The crown of believers is a crown of righteousness, purchased by the righteousness of Christ. Believers have it not at present, yet it is sure, for it is laid up for them. The believer, amidst poverty, pain, sickness, and the agonies of death, may rejoice; but if the duties of a man's place and station are neglected, his evidence of interest in Christ will be darkened, and uncertainty and distress may be expected to cloud and harass his last hours.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:9-13

(Read 2 Timothy 4:9-13)

The love of this world, is often the cause of turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by Divine inspiration, yet he would have his books. As long as we live, we must still learn. The apostles did not neglect human means, in seeking the necessaries of life, or their own instruction. Let us thank the Divine goodness in having given us so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; and let us seek that by reading them our profiting may appear to all.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:14-18

(Read 2 Timothy 4:14-18)

There is as much danger from false brethren, as from open enemies. It is dangerous having to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. The Christians at Rome were forward to meet him, Acts 28, but when there seemed to be a danger of suffering with him, then all forsook him. God might justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. The apostle was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, that is, of Nero, or some of his judges. If the Lord stands by us, he will strengthen us in difficulties and dangers, and his presence will more than supply every one's absence.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:19-22

(Read 2 Timothy 4:19-22)

We need no more to make us happy, than to have the Lord Jesus Christ with our spirits; for in him all spiritual blessings are summed up. It is the best prayer we can offer for our friends, that the Lord Jesus Christ may be with their spirits, to sanctify and save them, and at last to receive them to himself. Many who believed as Paul, are now before the throne, giving glory to their Lord: may we be followers of them.

── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 2 Timothy》

2 Timothy 4

Verse 1

[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;

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.

Verse 2

[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

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.

Verse 3

[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;

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.

Verse 5

[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

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.

Verse 6

[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

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.

Verse 8

[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.

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.

Verse 9

[9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

Come to me — Both that he might comfort him, and be strengthened by him. Timotheus himself is said to have suffered at Ephesus.

Verse 10

[10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Demas — Once my fellowlabourer, Philemon 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.

Verse 11

[11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

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.

Verse 13

[13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

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.

Verse 14

[14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

The Lord will reward him — This he spoke prophetically.

Verse 16

[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.

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.

Verse 17

[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.

The preaching — The gospel which we preach.

Verse 18

[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.

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.

Verse 20

[20] Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

When I came on, Erastus abode at Corinth - Being chamberlain of the city, Romans 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.

── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 2 Timothy》

Chapter 4. Advice Before Parting

Bring the Scrolls
Especially the Parchments

I. Preach the Word with Great Patience

1. Beyond Limits
2. With Great Patience
3. Perform All the Duties

II. Crown of Righteousness in Store

1. Fight the Good Fight
2. Finish the Race
3. Keep the Faith

III. Fully Proclaim the Message

1. Everyone Deserted Me
2. The Support of the Lord
3. Brought into the Heavenly Kingdom

── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》

 
Chapter Four General Review
 
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To see the need for diligence in preaching the word of God
 
2) To note the satisfaction Paul had in looking back over his service 
 to Christ, and the confidence he possessed as he looked forward to
 the Judgment Day and the heavenly kingdom
 
SUMMARY
 
The final chapter begins with a charge for Timothy to preach the word
at all times. The time was coming when people would not listen to
sound doctrine, but instead follow teachers who would tell what they
wanted to hear. Timothy was therefore to be watchful, to endure what
afflictions might come his way, and to do the work as an evangelist as
he fulfilled his ministry (1-5).
 
Knowing that his own end was near, Paul expresses personal satisfaction
that he has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the 
faith. He is confident that there is laid up for him that crown of 
righteousness which the Lord will give to all who have loved His 
appearing (6-8).
 
Timothy is then told to be diligent to come quickly. Only Luke is with
Paul as he writes, for Demas has forsaken him and others have left to 
go to other places. Requests are made, one related to getting Mark and
bringing him along, followed by a warning about Alexander the 
coppersmith. A reference is made concerning those who forsook Paul at 
his first defense, for whom Paul prays it might not be charged against 
them. During that time the Lord stood by Paul, and he is confident 
that the Lord would deliver him from every evil work and preserve him
for the heavenly kingdom (9-18).
 
Timothy is then asked to relay greetings to Paul's dear friends. Brief
references are made to Erastus and Trophimus, followed by a plea for 
Timothy to come before winter. Finally, Paul sends greetings from 
various brethren and closes the letter with a prayer that the Lord will
be with Timothy (19-22).
 
OUTLINE
 
I. EXHORTATION TO PREACH THE WORD (1-5)
 
 A. A SOLEMN CHARGE (1-2)
 1. Before God and the Lord Jesus Christ (1)
 a. Who will judge the living and the dead
 b. At His appearing and His kingdom
 2. To preach the word! (2)
 a. Be ready in season and out of season
 b. Convince, rebuke, exhort
 c. With all longsuffering and teaching
 
 B. THE REASON FOR THIS CHARGE (3-4)
 1. The time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine
 (3)
 a. According to their own desires they will heap up for 
 themselves teachers
 b. For they will have itching ears
 2. They will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned
 aside to fables (4)
 
 C. RELATED EXHORTATIONS (5)
 1. Be watchful in all things
 2. Endure afflictions
 3. Do the work of an evangelist
 4. Fulfill your ministry
 
II. EXHORTATION TO COME QUICKLY (6-18)
 
 A. HIS TIME IS COMING TO AN END (6-8)
 1. Already being poured out like a drink offering, his departure
 is at hand (6)
 2. Expressions of his faithfulness (7)
 a. He has fought the good fight
 b. He has finished the race
 c. He has kept the faith
 3. His confidence concerning the future (8)
 a. A crown of righteousness is laid up for him
 b. Which will be given by the Lord, the righteous Judge
 1) Given to him on that Day (of judgment)
 2) Given to all who have loved His appearing
 
 B. A PLEA TO COME QUICKLY (9-16)
 1. For Demas has forsaken him, having loved this present world
 (9-10a)
 2. Crescens and Titus have left, having gone to various places
 (10b)
 3. Only Luke is with him (11a)
 4. Bring Mark, for he is useful to Paul for ministry (11b)
 5. Tychicus has been sent to Ephesus (12)
 6. Bring the cloak and the books, especially the parchments (13)
 7. A warning against Alexander the coppersmith (14-15)
 8. He was forsaken at his first defense, but prays it will not be
 charged against them (16)
 
 C. THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD (17-18)
 1. The Lord stood with him and strengthened him (17)
 a. So that the message was preached fully by him to the 
 Gentiles
 b. And he was delivered out of the mouth of the lion
 2. The Lord will deliver and preserve him (18)
 a. Deliver him from every evil work
 b. Preserve him for His heavenly kingdom
 -- For which glory belongs to the Lord!
 
III. CONCLUDING REMARKS (19-22)
 
 A. MISCELLANEOUS GREETINGS AND FINAL INSTRUCTIONS (19-21)
 1. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus (19)
 2. Erastus stayed in Corinth, Trophimus was left sick in Miletus
 (20)
 3. Timothy is to do his best to come before winter (21a)
 4. Greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the 
 brethren (21b)
 
 B. BENEDICTION (22)
 1. The Lord Jesus Christ be with his spirit
 2. Grace be with him. Amen.
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
 - Exhortation to preach the word (1-5)
 - Exhortation to come quickly (6-18)
 - Concluding remarks (19-22)
 
2) When will Jesus judge the living and the dead? (1)
 - At His appearing and His kingdom
 
3) How was Timothy to carry out the charge to preach the word? (2)
 - Be ready at all times
 - Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching
 
4) What would some people not endure? What will they do instead? (3)
 - Sound doctrine
 - According to their own desires they will heap up for themselves
 teachers
 
5) What will they turn away from? What will they be turned aside to?
 (4)
 - The truth
 - Fables
 
6) What four-fold exhortation is given to Timothy in view of such 
 things to come? (5)
 - Be watchful in all things
 - Endure afflictions
 - Do the work of an evangelist
 - Fulfill his ministry
 
7) What did Paul know was drawing near? (6)
 - The time of his departure
 
8) What three phrases does Paul use to describe his life as a 
 Christian? (7)
 - I have fought the good fight
 - I have finished the race
 - I have kept the faith
 
9) What did Paul expect to receive from the Lord? Who else would 
 receive it? (8)
 - The crown of righteousness
 - All who have loved His appearing
 
10) What does Paul ask of Timothy? (9)
 - Come to him quickly
 
11) Who had forsaken Paul, and why? (10)
 - Demas, because he loved this present world
 
12) Who alone was with Paul when he wrote this epistle? (11)
 - Luke
 
13) Why did Paul want Timothy to get Mark and bring him with him? (11)
 - He was useful to Paul for service
 
14) What else did Paul want Timothy to bring? (13)
 - A cloak left at Troas, some books and parchments
 
15) Of whom did Paul warn Timothy to beware? (14-15)
 - Alexander the coppersmith
 
16) What did Paul desire for those who had forsook him at his first
 defense? (16)
 - That it not be charged against them
 
17) Who stood with Paul during his first defense and strengthened him?
 (17)
 - The Lord
 
18) What two things was Paul confident the Lord would do for him? (18)
 - Deliver him from every evil work
 - Preserve him for His heavenly kingdom
 
19) Who did Paul want Timothy to greet for him? (19)
 - Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus
 
20) When did Paul want Timothy to come? (21)
 - Before winter
 
21) Who sent greetings to Timothy by way of Paul? (21)
 - Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren
 
22) What did Paul pray for in behalf of Timothy as he closed this 
 letter? (22)
 - The Lord Jesus Christ be with his spirit
 - Grace be with him

－－《Executable Outlines》

Advice before parting

Bring the scrolls

Especially the parchments

I. Preach the word with great patience

1. Beyond limits

2. With great patience

3. Perform all the duties

II.Crown of righteousness in store

1. Fight the good fight

2. Finish the race

3. Keep the faith

III. Fully proclaim the message

1. Everyone deserted me

2. The support of the Lord

3. Brought into the heavenly kingdom

Advice before parting

Bring the scrolls

Especially the parchments

IV. Preach the word with great patience

1. Beyond limits

2. With great patience

3. Perform all the duties

V. Crown of righteousness in store

1. Fight the good fight

2. Finish the race

3. Keep the faith

VI. Fully proclaim the message

1. Everyone deserted me

2. The support of the Lord

3. Brought into the heavenly kingdom

－－ Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》