2 Timothy 4:1-22
Lesson 410
Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."
In this lesson:
Paul's final instructions.
Paul passes the torch to Timothy.
"Preach the word." (4:2)
Beware false teachers (4:3-4).
Personal words (4:9-14).
Final benediction and farewell (4:19-22).
Paul.
By the Spanish painter Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez (1599-1660).
By the Spanish painter Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez (1599-1660).
Who was -
Demas -
Short for Demetrius, Demas was a believer, Paul's traveling companion and fellow worker (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24). He stayed with Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome, but possibly out of fear that he might be arrested next abandoned him during his second incarceration.
Crescens -
Crescens was a disciple of Jesus and an assistant to Paul. The Bible only mentions him in this passage.
Titus -
A Greek (Galatians 2:3) from Nicopolis of Macedonia. Titus was a Christian and a "partner" and "helper" to Paul (2 Corinthians 8:23). He traveled with Paul on several of his missionary journeys, helped establish and organize churches, collected donations for the poor of Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:3-6; 12:18), and accompanied Paul to the council at Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1). Paul described Titus as a source of comfort during his many tribulations (2 Corinthians 7:6). Titus delivered "The Second Epistle to the Corinthians" to Corinth and helped Paul with his evangelical work there. Some Bible scholars believe Titus also carried "The First Epistle to the Corinthians" to Corinth. Titus was like a son to Paul (Titus 1:4), and they traveled together to the island of Crete, spreading the Gospel. Titus remained in Crete to organize and expand the church (Titus 1:5). Paul wrote "The Epistle Of Paul The Apostle To Titus" to guide and encourage him as he built the Crete churches. Tradition has it that Titus became the first bishop of Crete and died there at an old age. Heraklion, the capital of Crete, claims to be Titus' burial place.
Luke -
Luke, also called Lucas, was Paul's protégé. Some Bible scholars believe Luke was from Antioch, while others say Philippi. Luke never met Jesus, but much of his writings come from eyewitnesses who knew Him well (Luke 1:1-2). Since Luke's Gospel includes several stories from the Virgin Mary's life, they were probably close friends. He was an educated and "beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14) and the leader of the Philippian Church. Luke is the only Gentile writer of the New Testament. He wrote "The Gospel According to Luke" and "The Acts of the Apostles" and joined Paul on at least one of his missionary journeys. Luke also accompanied Paul when he was taken in chains to stand trial in Rome. On their way, they were shipwrecked on the island of Melita for three months before being picked up by another ship (Acts 27:1-28:16). In Rome, Paul was held under house arrest in chains for two years (Acts 28:30-31). Little more is known about Luke; he is mentioned only three times in the Bible (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24), yet between his two books, he wrote a quarter of the New Testament, making him a major contributor to Christianity and worthy of study.
Mark -
Mark was also called John Mark or Marcus. Mark was a converted Jew and Barnabas' cousin (Colossians 4:10). His mother, Mary, turned her home into a Christian meeting place (Acts 12:12). Although Mark was not one of the original twelve disciples, he almost certainly knew Jesus personally. Some scholars believe he was the naked man fleeing Gethsemane as Jesus was being arrested (Mark 14:51-52). Mark joined Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 12:25; 13:5) but fell out of favor when he left the mission to return home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul's disappointment in Mark created a rift between Barnabas and Paul (Acts 15:36-40). Mark eventually regained Paul's confidence (4:11) and stood with Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome (Philemon 1:23-24). Mark visited numerous countries witnessing and wrote "The Gospel According to Mark," probably while in Rome when the persecution of Christians was on the rise. He was in Ephesus with Timothy in AD 66 when Paul asked them to join him (4:11). He also traveled with, and was like a son too, the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Many Bible scholars believe Mark was Peter's interpreter and was with him when "The First Epistle General of Peter" was written. It is thought that Mark was a Roman citizen and that he founded the church in Alexandra, where he died during the eighth year of the Roman Emperor Nero's reign.
Tychicus -
Tychicus (meaning "Fortunate") was a gentile Christian, a "beloved brother and a faithful minister"(Ephesians 6:21) from
Asia (modern-day Turkey). He joined Paul (Acts 20:4) on the Third Missionary Journey and traveled with him to Jerusalem to deliver aid to the needy. He was with Paul in Rome during his imprisonment and reported on his situation to the believers back in Colosse (Colossians 4:7-8). We see in this passage that Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus to spread Christianity (4:12). Some Bible scholars believe he also relieved Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12).
Carpus -
A believer from the city of Troas. Paul left his cloak with Carpus, possibly when he traveled through Troas on his way to Rome.
Alexander -
Alexander was a coppersmith and a Christian. Along with Hymenaeus, Alexander abandoned his beliefs and became a Gnostic. This heresy "shipwrecked" his faith, and Paul excommunicated him (1 Timothy 1:19-20). Alexander sought revenge and traveled from Ephesus all the way to Rome to testify against Paul during his trial. Paul was found guilty and executed.
Prisca and Aquila -
Aquila and Priscilla (also called Prisca) were a married missionary couple (Acts 18:2) who befriended Paul. All three supported the ministry by tent-making (Acts 18:3). Aquila and Priscilla helped Paul spread the Gospel and risked their lives for him (Romans 16:3-4), for which he repeatedly thanked them. Aquila was from Pontus (Acts 18:2), a client kingdom of the Roman Empire near the Black Sea. But he lived in Rome until he and Priscilla were driven from their home due to their Christian beliefs. They fled to Corinth, where they met Paul and helped him establish a church. Later, they traveled with Paul to Syria (Acts 18:18) and then to Ephesus on the second missionary journey. In Ephesus, they did missionary work and turned their home into a church (1 Corinthians 16:19). They were eventually allowed to return to Rome, where they once again held church services in their home (Romans 16:5). Some years later, they returned to Ephesus (4:19).
Erastus -
A devout Christian and the chamberlain (treasurer) for the city of Corinth (Romans 16:23). Erastus handled the city finances and was probably an influential town leader. In this passage, Paul sends Erastus to minister in Macedonia (Acts 19:22).
Trophimus -
An Ephesian Christian and assistant to Paul during the final leg of the third missionary journey (Acts 20:4). He traveled with Paul to Jerusalem, where Jews accused Paul of bringing the Gentile Trophimus into the Temple (a serious offense). They would have killed Paul for this sacrilege if Roman soldiers had not intervened (Acts 21:28-33). Trophimus journeyed with Paul to Miletum but fell sick and was left behind (4:20).
Eubulus, Pudens, and Linus -
These three men were Roman Christians of which little is known. However, both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches honor a Saint Pudens. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure they are the same person. Also, an ancient roster of the Roman Emperor's household staff discovered at the Columbaria in Rome includes the name Pudens.
Claudia -
A Christian who lived in Rome. Some Bible scholars believe she was Pudens' wife. There is no other mention of her in the Bible.
Demas -
Short for Demetrius, Demas was a believer, Paul's traveling companion and fellow worker (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24). He stayed with Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome, but possibly out of fear that he might be arrested next abandoned him during his second incarceration.
Crescens -
Crescens was a disciple of Jesus and an assistant to Paul. The Bible only mentions him in this passage.
Titus -
A Greek (Galatians 2:3) from Nicopolis of Macedonia. Titus was a Christian and a "partner" and "helper" to Paul (2 Corinthians 8:23). He traveled with Paul on several of his missionary journeys, helped establish and organize churches, collected donations for the poor of Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:3-6; 12:18), and accompanied Paul to the council at Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1). Paul described Titus as a source of comfort during his many tribulations (2 Corinthians 7:6). Titus delivered "The Second Epistle to the Corinthians" to Corinth and helped Paul with his evangelical work there. Some Bible scholars believe Titus also carried "The First Epistle to the Corinthians" to Corinth. Titus was like a son to Paul (Titus 1:4), and they traveled together to the island of Crete, spreading the Gospel. Titus remained in Crete to organize and expand the church (Titus 1:5). Paul wrote "The Epistle Of Paul The Apostle To Titus" to guide and encourage him as he built the Crete churches. Tradition has it that Titus became the first bishop of Crete and died there at an old age. Heraklion, the capital of Crete, claims to be Titus' burial place.
Luke -
Luke, also called Lucas, was Paul's protégé. Some Bible scholars believe Luke was from Antioch, while others say Philippi. Luke never met Jesus, but much of his writings come from eyewitnesses who knew Him well (Luke 1:1-2). Since Luke's Gospel includes several stories from the Virgin Mary's life, they were probably close friends. He was an educated and "beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14) and the leader of the Philippian Church. Luke is the only Gentile writer of the New Testament. He wrote "The Gospel According to Luke" and "The Acts of the Apostles" and joined Paul on at least one of his missionary journeys. Luke also accompanied Paul when he was taken in chains to stand trial in Rome. On their way, they were shipwrecked on the island of Melita for three months before being picked up by another ship (Acts 27:1-28:16). In Rome, Paul was held under house arrest in chains for two years (Acts 28:30-31). Little more is known about Luke; he is mentioned only three times in the Bible (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24), yet between his two books, he wrote a quarter of the New Testament, making him a major contributor to Christianity and worthy of study.
Mark -
Mark was also called John Mark or Marcus. Mark was a converted Jew and Barnabas' cousin (Colossians 4:10). His mother, Mary, turned her home into a Christian meeting place (Acts 12:12). Although Mark was not one of the original twelve disciples, he almost certainly knew Jesus personally. Some scholars believe he was the naked man fleeing Gethsemane as Jesus was being arrested (Mark 14:51-52). Mark joined Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 12:25; 13:5) but fell out of favor when he left the mission to return home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul's disappointment in Mark created a rift between Barnabas and Paul (Acts 15:36-40). Mark eventually regained Paul's confidence (4:11) and stood with Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome (Philemon 1:23-24). Mark visited numerous countries witnessing and wrote "The Gospel According to Mark," probably while in Rome when the persecution of Christians was on the rise. He was in Ephesus with Timothy in AD 66 when Paul asked them to join him (4:11). He also traveled with, and was like a son too, the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Many Bible scholars believe Mark was Peter's interpreter and was with him when "The First Epistle General of Peter" was written. It is thought that Mark was a Roman citizen and that he founded the church in Alexandra, where he died during the eighth year of the Roman Emperor Nero's reign.
Tychicus -
Tychicus (meaning "Fortunate") was a gentile Christian, a "beloved brother and a faithful minister"(Ephesians 6:21) from
Asia (modern-day Turkey). He joined Paul (Acts 20:4) on the Third Missionary Journey and traveled with him to Jerusalem to deliver aid to the needy. He was with Paul in Rome during his imprisonment and reported on his situation to the believers back in Colosse (Colossians 4:7-8). We see in this passage that Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus to spread Christianity (4:12). Some Bible scholars believe he also relieved Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12).
Carpus -
A believer from the city of Troas. Paul left his cloak with Carpus, possibly when he traveled through Troas on his way to Rome.
Alexander -
Alexander was a coppersmith and a Christian. Along with Hymenaeus, Alexander abandoned his beliefs and became a Gnostic. This heresy "shipwrecked" his faith, and Paul excommunicated him (1 Timothy 1:19-20). Alexander sought revenge and traveled from Ephesus all the way to Rome to testify against Paul during his trial. Paul was found guilty and executed.
Prisca and Aquila -
Aquila and Priscilla (also called Prisca) were a married missionary couple (Acts 18:2) who befriended Paul. All three supported the ministry by tent-making (Acts 18:3). Aquila and Priscilla helped Paul spread the Gospel and risked their lives for him (Romans 16:3-4), for which he repeatedly thanked them. Aquila was from Pontus (Acts 18:2), a client kingdom of the Roman Empire near the Black Sea. But he lived in Rome until he and Priscilla were driven from their home due to their Christian beliefs. They fled to Corinth, where they met Paul and helped him establish a church. Later, they traveled with Paul to Syria (Acts 18:18) and then to Ephesus on the second missionary journey. In Ephesus, they did missionary work and turned their home into a church (1 Corinthians 16:19). They were eventually allowed to return to Rome, where they once again held church services in their home (Romans 16:5). Some years later, they returned to Ephesus (4:19).
Erastus -
A devout Christian and the chamberlain (treasurer) for the city of Corinth (Romans 16:23). Erastus handled the city finances and was probably an influential town leader. In this passage, Paul sends Erastus to minister in Macedonia (Acts 19:22).
Trophimus -
An Ephesian Christian and assistant to Paul during the final leg of the third missionary journey (Acts 20:4). He traveled with Paul to Jerusalem, where Jews accused Paul of bringing the Gentile Trophimus into the Temple (a serious offense). They would have killed Paul for this sacrilege if Roman soldiers had not intervened (Acts 21:28-33). Trophimus journeyed with Paul to Miletum but fell sick and was left behind (4:20).
Eubulus, Pudens, and Linus -
These three men were Roman Christians of which little is known. However, both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches honor a Saint Pudens. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure they are the same person. Also, an ancient roster of the Roman Emperor's household staff discovered at the Columbaria in Rome includes the name Pudens.
Claudia -
A Christian who lived in Rome. Some Bible scholars believe she was Pudens' wife. There is no other mention of her in the Bible.
Study Tip:
We tend to read as if we're in a race.
But when you read the Bible, take the time to meditate on each passage.
We tend to read as if we're in a race.
But when you read the Bible, take the time to meditate on each passage.
