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<p>Here are divers particular matters which Paul mentions to Timothy, now at the closing of the epistle. 1. He bids him hasten to him, if possible (<a class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.9" href="/passage/?search=2Tim.4.9">2Ti. 4:9</a>): <i>So thy diligence to come shortly to me.</i> For Timothy was an evangelist, one who was not a fixed pastor of any one place, but attended the motions of the apostles, to build upon their foundation. Paul wanted Timothy’s company and help; and the reason he gives is because several had left him (<a class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.10" href="/passage/?search=2Tim.4.10">2Ti. 4:10</a>); one from an ill principle, namely, <i>Demas,</i> who abides under an ill name for it: <i>Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.</i> He quitted Paul and his interest, either for fear of suffering (because Paul was now a prisoner, and he was afraid of coming into trouble upon his account) or being called off from his ministry by secular affairs, in which he entangled himself; his first love to Christ and his gospel was forsaken and forgotten, and he fell in love with the world. Note, Love to this present world is often the cause of apostasy from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. He has gone off, has <i>departed to Thessalonica,</i> called thither perhaps by trade, or by some other worldly business. <i>Crescens</i> had gone one way and <i>Titus</i> another way. <i>Luke</i> however remained with Paul (<a class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.11,2Tim.4.12" href="/passage/?search=2Tim.4.11,2Tim.4.12"><span class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.11">2Ti. 4:11</span>, <span class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.12">12</span></a>), and was not this enough? Paul did not think it so; he loved the company of his friends. 2. He speaks respectfully concerning <i>Mark: He is profitable to me for the ministry.</i> It is supposed that this Mark was he about whom Paul and Barnabas had contended, <a class="bibleref" title="Acts.15.39" href="/passage/?search=Acts.15.39">Acts. 15:39</a>. Paul would not take him with him to the work, because he had once flinched and drawn back: but now, says he, <i>Take Mark, and bring him with thee.</i> By this it appears that Paul was now reconciled to Mark, and had a better opinion of him than he had had formerly. This teaches us to be of a forgiving spirit; we must not therefore disclaim for ever making use of those that are profitable and useful, though they may have done amiss. 3. Paul orders Timothy to come to him, bids him as he came through Troas to bring with him thence those things which he had left behind him there (<a class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.13" href="/passage/?search=2Tim.4.13">2Ti. 4:13</a>), the cloak he had left there, which, it may be, Paul had the more occasion for in a cold prison. It is probable that it was the habit Paul usually wore, a plain dress. Some read it, the <i>roll of parchment I left at Troas;</i> others, the <i>desk</i> that I left. Paul was guided by divine inspiration, and yet he would have his books with him. Whereas he had exhorted Timothy to give attendance to reading, so he did himself, though he was now ready to be offered. As long as we live, we must be still learning. <i>But especially the parchments,</i> which some think were the originals of his epistles; others think they were the skins of which he made his tents, whereby he obtained a livelihood, working with his own hands. 4. He mentions <i>Alexander,</i> and the mischief that he had done him, <a class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.14,2Tim.4.15" href="/passage/?search=2Tim.4.14,2Tim.4.15"><span class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.14">2Ti. 4:14</span>, <span class="bibleref" title="2Tim.4.15">15</span></a>. This is he who is spoken of <a class="bibleref" title="Acts.19.33" href="/passage/?search=Acts.19.33">Acts. 19:33</a>. It should seem, he had been a professor of the Christian religion, a forward professor, for he was there particularly maligned by the worshippers of Diana, and yet he did Paul much evil. Paul was in as much danger from false brethren (<a class="bibleref" title="2Cor.11.26" href="/passage
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