mh_parser/vol_split/55 - 2Timothy/Chapter 4.xml

<div2 id="iiTim.v" n="v" next="Tit" prev="iiTim.iv" progress="71.54%" title="Chapter IV">
<h2 id="iiTim.v-p0.1">S E C O N D   T I M O T H Y.</h2>
<h3 id="iiTim.v-p0.2">CHAP. IV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiTim.v-p1">In this chapter, I. Paul with great solemnity and
earnestness presses Timothy to the diligent and conscientious
discharge of his work and office as an evangelist; and the charge
given to him all gospel ministers are to take to themselves,
<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.1-2Tim.4.5" parsed="|2Tim|4|1|4|5" passage="2Ti 4:1-5">ver. 1-5</scripRef>. II. The reason
of his concern in this case, Why must Timothy now be instant in
season, &amp;c., in a particular manner? Because the church was
likely to be deprived of the apostle's labours, for his departure
was at hand, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.6-2Tim.4.8" parsed="|2Tim|4|6|4|8" passage="2Ti 4:6-8">ver. 6-8</scripRef>.
III. Divers particular matters, with a hint and caution, about
Alexander the coppersmith, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.9-2Tim.4.15" parsed="|2Tim|4|9|4|15" passage="2Ti 4:9-15">ver.
9-15</scripRef>. IV. He informs him of what befel him at his first
answer; though men forsook him, the Lord stood by him, and this
encouraged him to hope for future deliverance (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.16-2Tim.4.18" parsed="|2Tim|4|16|4|18" passage="2Ti 4:16-18">ver. 16-18</scripRef>) And then he concludes with
salutations and a benediction, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.19-2Tim.4.22" parsed="|2Tim|4|19|4|22" passage="2Ti 4:19-22">ver.
19, to the end</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiTim.v-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4" parsed="|2Tim|4|0|0|0" passage="2Ti 4" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiTim.v-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.1-2Tim.4.8" parsed="|2Tim|4|1|4|8" passage="2Ti 4:1-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Tim.4.1-2Tim.4.8">
<h4 id="iiTim.v-p1.8">Ministerial Duties; The Apostle's Joyful
Expectation. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiTim.v-p1.9">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiTim.v-p2">1 I charge <i>thee</i> therefore before God, and
the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at
his appearing and his kingdom;   2 Preach the word; be instant
in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine.   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;  
4 And they shall turn away <i>their</i> ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables.   5 But watch thou in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof
of thy ministry.   6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the
time of my departure is at hand.   7 I have fought a good
fight, I have finished <i>my</i> course, I have kept the faith:
  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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p3">Observe, I. How awfully this charge is
introduced (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.1" parsed="|2Tim|4|1|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>):
<i>I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.</i>
Observe, The best of men have need to be awed into the discharge of
their duty. The work of a minister is not an indifferent thing, but
absolutely necessary. Woe be to him if he preach not the gospel,
<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.9.16" parsed="|1Cor|9|16|0|0" passage="1Co 9:16">1 Cor. ix. 16</scripRef>. To induce
him to faithfulness, he must consider, 1. That the eye of God and
Jesus Christ was upon him: <i>I charge thee before God and the Lord
Jesus Christ;</i> that is, "as thou tenderest the favour of God and
Jesus Christ; as thou wilt approve thyself to God and Jesus Christ,
by the obligations both of natural and revealed religion; as thou
wilt make due returns to the God who made thee and the Lord Jesus
Christ who redeemed thee." 2. He charges him as he will answer it
at the great day, reminding him of the judgment to come, which is
committed to the Lord Jesus. He shall judge the quick and the dead
<i>at his appearing and his kingdom,</i> that is, when he appears
in his kingdom. It concerns all, both ministers and people,
seriously to consider the account that they must shortly give to
Jesus Christ of all the trusts reposed in them. Christ shall
<i>judge the quick and the dead,</i> that is, those that at the
last day shall be found alive, and those who shall be raised to
life out of the grave. Note, (1.) The Lord Jesus Christ shall judge
the quick and the dead. <i>God hath committed all judgment unto the
Son,</i> and hath appointed him the Judge of quick and dead,
<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Acts.10.42" parsed="|Acts|10|42|0|0" passage="Ac 10:42">Acts x. 42</scripRef>. (2.) He will
appear; he will come the second time, and it will be a glorious
appearance, as the word <b><i>epiphaneia</i></b> signifies. (3.)
Then his kingdom shall appear in its glory: <i>At his appearing and
kingdom;</i> for he will then appear in his kingdom, sitting on a
throne, to judge the world.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p4">II. What is the matter of the charge,
<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.2-2Tim.4.5" parsed="|2Tim|4|2|4|5" passage="2Ti 4:2-5"><i>v.</i> 2-5</scripRef>. He is
charged,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p5">1. To <i>preach the word.</i> This is
ministers' business; a dispensation is committed to them. It is not
their own notions and fancies that they are to preach, but the pure
plain word of God; and they must not corrupt it, but as of
sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, they speak in
Christ, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.2.17" parsed="|2Cor|2|17|0|0" passage="2Co 2:17">2 Cor. ii. 17</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p6">2. To urge what he preached, and to press
it with all earnestness upon his hearers: "<i>Be instant in season
and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort;</i> do this work with
all fervency of spirit. Call upon those under thy charge to take
heed of sin, to do their duty: call upon them to repent, and
believe, and live a holy life, and this both in season and out of
season. <i>In season,</i> when they are at leisure to hear thee,
when some special opportunity offers itself of speaking to them
with advantage. Nay, do it <i>out of season,</i> even when there is
not that apparent probability of fastening something upon them,
because thou dost not know but the Spirit of God may fasten upon
them; for the wind bloweth where it listeth; and <i>in the morning
we must sow our seed, and in the evening not withhold our
hand,</i>" <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.11.6" parsed="|Eccl|11|6|0|0" passage="Ec 11:6">Eccl. xi. 6</scripRef>. We
must do it in season, that is, let slip no opportunity; and do it
out of season, that is, not shift off the duty, under pretence that
it is out of season.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p7">3. He must tell people of their faults:
"<i>Reprove them, rebuke them.</i> Convince wicked people of the
evil and danger of their wicked courses. Endeavour, by dealing
plainly with them, to bring them to repentance. Rebuke them with
gravity and authority, in Christ's name, that they may take thy
displeasure against them as an indication of God's
displeasure."</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p8">4. He must direct, encourage, and quicken
those who began well. "<i>Exhort them</i> (persuade them to hold
on, and endure to the end) and this <i>with all long-suffering and
doctrine.</i>" (1.) He must do it very patiently: <i>With all
long-suffering.</i> "If thou do not see the effect of thy labours
presently, yet do not therefore give up the cause; be not weary of
speaking to them." While God shows to them all long-suffering, let
ministers exhort with all long-suffering. (2.) He must do it
rationally, not with passion, but <i>with doctrine,</i> that is,
"In order to the reducing of them to good practices, instil into
them good principles. Teach them the truth as it is in Jesus,
reduce them to a firm belief of it, and this will be a means both
to reclaim them from evil and to bring them to good." Observe, [1.]
A minister's work has various parts: he is to <i>preach the
word,</i> to <i>reprove, rebuke,</i> and <i>exhort.</i> [2.] He is
to be very diligent and careful; he must be <i>instant in season
and out of season;</i> he must spare no pains nor labour, but must
be urgent with them to take care of their souls and their eternal
concerns.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p9">5. He must <i>watch in all things.</i>
"Seek an opportunity of doing them a kindness; let no fair occasion
slip, through thy negligence. Watch to thy work; watch against the
temptations of Satan, by which thou mayest be diverted from it;
watch over the souls of those who are committed to thy charge."</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p10">6. He must count upon afflictions, and
endure them, make the best of them. <b><i>Kakopatheson,</i></b>
endure <i>patiently.</i> "Be not discouraged by the difficulties
thou meetest with, but bear them with an evenness of spirit. Inure
thyself to hardships."</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p11">7. He must remember his office, and
discharge its duties: <i>Do the work of an evangelist.</i> The
office of the evangelist was, as the apostles' deputies, to water
the churches that they planted. They were not settled pastors, but
for some time resided in, and presided over, the churches that the
apostles had planted, till they were settled under a standing
ministry. This was Timothy's work.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p12">8. He must fulfil his ministry: <i>Make
full proof of it.</i> It was a great trust that was reposed in him,
and therefore he must answer it, and perform all the parts of his
office with diligence and care. Observe, (1.) A minister must
expect afflictions in the faithful discharge of his duty. (2.) He
must endure them patiently, like a Christian hero. (3.) These must
not discourage him in his work, for he must do his work, and fulfil
his ministry. (4.) The best way to make full proof of our ministry
is to fulfil it, to fill it up in all its parts with proper
work.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p13">III. The reasons to enforce the charge.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p14">1. Because errors and heresies were likely
to creep into the church, by which the minds of many professing
Christians would be corrupted (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.3-2Tim.4.4" parsed="|2Tim|4|3|4|4" passage="2Ti 4:3,4"><i>v.</i> 3, 4</scripRef>): "<i>For the time will come
when they will not endure sound doctrine.</i> Therefore improve the
present time, when they will endure it. Be busy now, for it is
seedtime; when the fields are white unto the harvest, put in the
sickle, for the present gale of opportunity will be soon over.
<i>They will not endure sound doctrine.</i> There will be those who
will <i>heap to themselves corrupt teachers, and will turn away
their ears from the truth;</i> and therefore secure as many as thou
canst, that, when these storms and tempests do arise, they may be
well fixed, and their apostasy may be prevented." People must hear,
and ministers must preach, for the time to come, and guard against
the mischiefs that are likely to arise hereafter, though they do
not yet arise. They will <i>turn away their ears from the
truth;</i> they will grow weary of the old plain gospel of Christ,
and then they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them,
and God will give them up to those strong delusions, because they
received not the truth in the love of it, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:2Thess.2.11-2Thess.2.12" parsed="|2Thess|2|11|2|12" passage="2Th 2:11,12">2 Thess. ii. 11, 12</scripRef>. Observe, (1.) These
teachers were of their own heaping up, and not of God's sending;
but they chose them, to gratify their lusts, and to please their
itching ears. (2.) People do so when they will not endure sound
doctrine, that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the
purpose; then they will have teachers of their own. (3.) There is a
wide difference between the word of God and the word of such
teachers; the one is sound doctrine, the word of truth, the other
is only fables. (4.) Those that are turned unto fables first turn
away their ears from the truth, for they cannot hear and mind both,
any more than they can serve two masters. Nay, further, it is said,
<i>They shall be turned unto fables.</i> God justly suffers those
to turn to fables who grow weary of the truth, and gives them up to
be led aside from the truth by fables.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p15">2. Because Paul for his part had almost
done his work: <i>Do thou make full proof of thy ministry, for I am
now ready to be offered,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.6" parsed="|2Tim|4|6|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>. And,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p16">(1.) "Therefore there will be the more
occasion for thee." When labourers are removed out of the vineyard,
it is no time for those to loiter that are left behind, but to
double their diligence. The fewer hands there are to work the more
industrious those hands must be that are at work.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p17">(2.) "I have done the work of my day and
generation; do thou in like manner do the work of thy day and
generation."</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p18">(3.) The comfort and cheerfulness of Paul,
in the prospect of his approaching departure, might encourage
Timothy to the utmost industry, and diligence, and seriousness in
his work. Paul was an old soldier of Jesus Christ, Timothy was but
newly enlisted. "Come," says Paul, "I have found our Master kind
and the cause good; I can look back upon my warfare with a great
deal of pleasure and satisfaction; and therefore be not afraid of
the difficulties thou must meet with. The crown of life is as sure
to thee as if it were already upon thy head; and therefore endure
afflictions, and make full proof of thy ministry." The courage and
comfort of dying saints and ministers, and especially dying
martyrs, are a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian
religion, and a great encouragement to living saints and ministers
in their work. Here the apostle looks forward, upon his death
approaching: <i>I am now ready to be offered.</i> The Holy Ghost
witnessed in every city that bonds and afflictions did abide him,
<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Acts.20.23" parsed="|Acts|20|23|0|0" passage="Ac 20:23">Acts xx. 23</scripRef>. He was now at
Rome, and it is probable that he had particular intimations from
the Spirit that there he should seal the truth with his blood; and
he looks upon it now as near at hand: I am <i>already poured
out;</i> so it is in the original, <b><i>ede spendomai;</i></b>
that is, I am already a martyr in affection. It alludes to the
pouring out of the drink-offerings; for the blood of the martyrs,
though it was not a sacrifice of atonement, was a sacrifice of
acknowledgment to the honour of the grace of God and his truths.
Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p19">[1.] With what pleasure he speaks of dying.
He calls it his departure; though it is probable that he foresaw he
must die a violent bloody death, yet he calls it his departure, or
his release. Death to a good man is his release from the
imprisonment of this world and his departure to the enjoyments of
another world; he does not cease to be, but is only removed from
one world to another.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p20">[2.] With what pleasure he looks back upon
the life he had lived (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.7" parsed="|2Tim|4|7|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>): <i>I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course,</i> &amp;c. He did not fear death, because he had the
testimony of his conscience that by the grace of God he had in some
measure answered the ends of living. As a Christian, as a minister,
he had fought a good fight. He had done the service, gone through
the difficulties of his warfare, and had been instrumental in
carrying on the glorious victories of the exalted Redeemer over the
powers of darkness. His life was a course, and he had now finished
it; as his warfare was accomplished, so his race was run. "<i>I
have kept the faith.</i> I have kept the doctrines of the gospel,
and never betrayed any of them." Note, <i>First,</i> The life of a
Christian, but especially of a minister, is a warfare and a race,
sometimes compared to the one in the scripture, and sometimes to
the other. <i>Secondly,</i> It is a good fight, a good warfare; the
cause is good, and the victory is sure, if we continue faithful and
courageous. <i>Thirdly,</i> We must fight this good fight; we must
fight it out, and finish our course; we must not give over till we
are made more than conquerors through him who hath loved us,
<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.8.37" parsed="|Rom|8|37|0|0" passage="Ro 8:37">Rom. viii. 37</scripRef>.
<i>Fourthly,</i> It is a great comfort to a dying saint, when he
can look back upon his past life and say with our apostle, "<i>I
have fought,</i> &amp;c. I have kept the faith, the doctrine of
faith and the grace of faith." Towards the end of our days to be
able to speak in this manner, what comfort, unspeakable comfort,
will it afford! Let it then be our constant endeavour, by the grace
of God, that we may finish our course with joy, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:Acts.20.24" parsed="|Acts|20|24|0|0" passage="Ac 20:24">Acts xx. 24</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p21">[3.] With what pleasure he looks forward to
the life he was to live hereafter (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.8" parsed="|2Tim|4|8|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>): <i>Henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown of righteousness,</i> &amp;c. He had lost for
Christ, but he was sure he should not lose by him, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Phil.3.8" parsed="|Phil|3|8|0|0" passage="Php 3:8">Phil. iii. 8</scripRef>. Let this encourage
Timothy to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ that
there is a crown of life before us, the glory and joy of which will
abundantly recompense all the hardships and toils of our present
warfare. Observe, It is called <i>a crown of righteousness,</i>
because it will be the recompence of our services, which <i>God is
not unrighteous to forget;</i> and because our holiness and
righteousness will there be perfected, and will be our crown. God
will give it as <i>a righteous Judge,</i> who will let none love by
him. And yet this crown of righteousness was not peculiar to Paul,
as if it belonged only to apostles and eminent ministers and
martyrs, but <i>to all those also that love his appearing.</i>
Observe, It is the character of all the saints that they love the
appearing of Jesus Christ: they loved his first appearing, when he
appeared to take away sin by the sacrifice of himself (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.9.26" parsed="|Heb|9|26|0|0" passage="Heb 9:26">Heb. ix. 26</scripRef>); they love to think of
it; they love his second appearing at the great day; love it, and
long for it: and, with respect to those who love the appearing of
Jesus Christ, he shall appear to their joy; there is a crown of
righteousness reserved for them, which shall then be given them,
<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p21.4" osisRef="Bible:Heb.9.28" parsed="|Heb|9|28|0|0" passage="Heb 9:28">Heb. ix. 28</scripRef>. We learn
hence, <i>First,</i> The Lord is the righteous Judge, for his
judgment is according to truth. <i>Secondly,</i> The crown of
believers is a crown of righteousness, purchased by the
righteousness of Christ, and bestowed as the reward of the saints'
righteousness. <i>Thirdly,</i> This crown, which believers shall
wear, is laid up for them; they have it not at present, for here
they are but heirs; they have it not in possession, and yet it is
sure, for it is laid up for them. <i>Fourthly,</i> The righteous
Judge will give it to all who love, prepare, and long for his
appearing. <i>Surely I come quickly. Amen, even so come, Lord
Jesus.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="iiTim.v-p21.5" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.9-2Tim.4.15" parsed="|2Tim|4|9|4|15" passage="2Ti 4:9-15" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Tim.4.9-2Tim.4.15">
<h4 id="iiTim.v-p21.6">The Apostle's Directions to
Timothy. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiTim.v-p21.7">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiTim.v-p22">9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
  10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present
world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia,
Titus unto Dalmatia.   11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and
bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
  12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.   13 The cloak
that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring <i>with
thee,</i> and the books, <i>but</i> especially the parchments.
  14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord
reward him according to his works:   15 Of whom be thou ware
also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p23">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 (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.9" parsed="|2Tim|4|9|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>): <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 (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.10" parsed="|2Tim|4|10|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>);
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 (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p23.3" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.11-2Tim.4.12" parsed="|2Tim|4|11|4|12" passage="2Ti 4:11,12"><i>v.</i> 11, 12</scripRef>), 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, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p23.4" osisRef="Bible:Acts.15.39" parsed="|Acts|15|39|0|0" passage="Ac 15:39">Acts xv. 39</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p23.5" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.13" parsed="|2Tim|4|13|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>), 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, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p23.6" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.14-2Tim.4.15" parsed="|2Tim|4|14|4|15" passage="2Ti 4:14,15"><i>v.</i> 14, 15</scripRef>. This is he who
is spoken of <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p23.7" osisRef="Bible:Acts.19.33" parsed="|Acts|19|33|0|0" passage="Ac 19:33">Acts xix. 33</scripRef>.
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 (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p23.8" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.11.26" parsed="|2Cor|11|26|0|0" passage="2Co 11:26">2
Cor. xi. 26</scripRef>) as from open enemies. Paul foretels that
God would reckon with him. It is a prophetical denunciation of the
just judgment of God that would befal him: The Lord <i>will reward
him according to his works.</i> He cautions Timothy to take heed of
him: "<i>Of whom be thou aware also,</i> that he do not, under
pretence of friendship, betray thee to mischief." It is dangerous
having any thing to do with those who would be enemies to such a
man as Paul. Observe, (1.) Some who were once Paul's hearers and
admirers did not give him reason to remember them with much
pleasure; for one forsook him, and another did him much evil, and
greatly withstood his words. Yet, (2.) At the same time he mentions
some with pleasure; the badness of some did not make him forget the
goodness of others; such as <i>Timothy, Titus, Mark,</i> and
<i>Luke.</i> (3.) The apostle has left a brand on the names and
memory of two persons; the one is <i>Demas,</i> who forsook him,
having loved the present world, and the other is <i>Alexander,</i>
who greatly withstood his words. (4.) God will reward evil-doers,
particularly apostates, according to their works. (5.) Of such as
are of Alexander's spirit and temper we should beware; for they
will do us no good, but all the mischief that is in their
power.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiTim.v-p23.9" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.16-2Tim.4.22" parsed="|2Tim|4|16|4|22" passage="2Ti 4:16-22" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Tim.4.16-2Tim.4.22">
<h4 id="iiTim.v-p23.10">The Apostle's Directions to Timothy;
Salutations and Benedictions. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiTim.v-p23.11">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiTim.v-p24">16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but
all <i>men</i> forsook me: <i>I pray God</i> that it may not be
laid to their charge.   17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with
me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully
known, and <i>that</i> all the Gentiles might hear: and I was
delivered out of the mouth of the lion.   18 And the Lord
shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve <i>me</i>
unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom <i>be</i> glory for ever and
ever. Amen.   19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household
of Onesiphorus.   20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus
have I left at Miletum sick.   21 Do thy diligence to come
before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and
Claudia, and all the brethren.   22 The Lord Jesus Christ
<i>be</i> with thy spirit. Grace <i>be</i> with you. Amen.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p25">Here, I. He gives Timothy an account of his
own present circumstances.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p26">1. He had lately been called to appear
before the emperor, upon his appeal to Cæsar; and then <i>no man
stood with him</i> (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p26.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.16" parsed="|2Tim|4|16|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>), to plead his cause, to bear testimony for him, or
so much as to keep him in countenance, but <i>all men forsook
him.</i> This was strange, that so good a man as Paul should have
nobody to own him, even at Rome, where there were many Christians,
whose faith was spoken of throughout the world, <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p26.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.1.8" parsed="|Rom|1|8|0|0" passage="Ro 1:8">Rom. i. 8</scripRef>. But men are but men. The Christians
at Rome were forward to go and meet him (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p26.3" osisRef="Bible:Acts.28.1-Acts.28.31" parsed="|Acts|28|1|28|31" passage="Ac 28:1-31">Acts xxviii.</scripRef>); but when it came to the
pinch, and they would be in danger of suffering with him, then they
all forsook him. He prays that God would not lay it to their
charge, intimating that it was a great fault, and God might justly
be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. See what a
distinction is put between sins of presumption and sins of
infirmity. Alexander the coppersmith, who maliciously withstood
Paul, he prays against: <i>The Lord reward him according to his
works;</i> but respecting these Christians, who through weakness
shrunk from Paul in time of trial, he says, <i>The Lord lay it not
to their charge.</i> Observe, (1.) Paul had his trials in his
friends' forsaking him in a time of danger as well as in the
opposition made by enemies: all forsook him. (2.) It was their sin
not to appear for the good apostle, especially at his first answer;
but it was a sin of weakness, and therefore the more excusable.
Yet, (3.) God might lay it to their charge, but Paul endeavours to
prevent it by his earnest prayers: <i>Let it not be laid to their
charge.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p27">2. <i>Notwithstanding this God stood by
him</i> (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p27.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.17" parsed="|2Tim|4|17|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>),
gave him extraordinary wisdom and courage, to enable him to speak
so much the better himself. When he had nobody to keep him in
countenance, God made his face to shine.—<i>That by me the
preaching might be fully known,</i> that is, "God brought me out
from that difficulty that I might preach the gospel, which is my
business." Nay, it should seem, that he might preach the gospel at
that time; for Paul knew how to preach at the bar as well as in the
pulpit. <i>And that all the Gentiles might hear;</i> the emperor
himself and the great men who would never have heard Paul preach if
he had not been brought before them. <i>And I was delivered out of
the mouth of the lion,</i> that is, of Nero (as some think) or some
other judge. Some understand it only as a proverbial form of
speech, to signify that he was in imminent danger. <i>And the Lord
shall deliver me from every evil work.</i> See how Paul improved
his experiences: "<i>He that delivered doth deliver, and we trust
he will yet deliver,</i> will deliver me <i>from every evil
work,</i> from any ill done to me by others. <i>And shall preserve
me to his heavenly kingdom.</i>" And for this he gives glory to
God, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. Observe, (1.) If the
Lord stand by us, he will strengthen us, in a time of difficulty
and danger, and his presence will more than supply every one's
absence. (2.) When the Lord preserves his servants from great and
imminent danger, it is for eminent work and service. Paul was
preserved that by him the preaching might be fully known, &amp;c.
(3.) Former deliverances should encourage future hopes. (4.) There
is a heavenly kingdom, to which the Lord will preserve his faithful
witnessing or suffering servants. (5.) We ought to give God the
glory of all past, present, and future deliverances: <i>To whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p28">II. He sends salutations to <i>Aquila, and
Priscilla, and the household of Onesiphorus,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p28.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.19" parsed="|2Tim|4|19|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. He mentions his leaving
<i>Trophimus sick at Miletum</i> (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p28.2" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.20" parsed="|2Tim|4|20|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>), by which it appears that
though the apostles healed all manner of diseases miraculously, for
the confirmation of their doctrine, yet they did not exert that
power upon their own friends, lest it should have looked like a
collusion.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p29">III. He hastens Timothy to <i>come to him
before winter</i> (<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p29.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.21" parsed="|2Tim|4|21|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>), because he longed to see him, and because in the
winter the journey or voyage would be more dangerous.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p30">IV. He sends commendations to him from
<i>Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia,</i> and all the
<i>brethren.</i> One of the heathen writers at this time mentions
one Pudens and his wife Claudia, and says the Claudia was a Briton,
whence some have gathered that it was this Pudens, and that Claudia
here was his wife, and that they were eminent Christians at
Rome.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.v-p31">V. He concludes with a prayer, that the
<i>Lord Jesus would be with his spirit.</i> 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. And it is the best
prayer we can put up 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; as Stephen the proto-martyr prayed,
<i>Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p31.1" osisRef="Bible:Acts.7.59" parsed="|Acts|7|59|0|0" passage="Ac 7:59">Acts vii. 59</scripRef>. "Lord Jesus, receive that spirit
which thou hast been with while it was united to the body; do not
now leave it in its separate state." <i>Grace be with you.
Amen.</i> This was our apostle's token in every epistle; so he
wrote. <i>The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.v-p31.2" osisRef="Bible:2Thess.3.17-2Thess.3.18" parsed="|2Thess|3|17|3|18" passage="2Th 3:17,18">2 Thess. iii. 17,
18</scripRef>. And if grace be with us here to convert and change
us, to make us holy, to keep us humble, and to enable us to
persevere to the end, glory will crown us hereafter: <i>for the
Lord is a sun, and a shield; the Lord will give grace and glory,
and no good thing will he withhold from those that walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee,</i>
<scripRef id="iiTim.v-p31.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.84.11-Ps.84.12" parsed="|Ps|84|11|84|12" passage="Ps 84:11,12">Ps. lxxxiv. 11, 12</scripRef>.
<i>Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise
God our Saviour, be honour and glory for ever and ever.</i>
Amen.</p>
</div></div2>