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2 Timothy 4

22 verses

TL;DR

Paul urges Timothy to persevere in preaching, warns of rising doctrinal corruption, and prepares for his imminent death, entrusting his legacy to faithful companions.

Summary

Paul begins by charging Timothy before God and Jesus to preach the word at all times, correcting and exhorting with patience. He warns that in the last days people will reject sound doctrine and turn to fanciful teachers, urging Timothy to be vigilant, endure hardships, and continue his evangelical work. Paul then reflects on his own life, declaring that he has fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith, promising a crown of righteousness to be given by the righteous judge. He lists companions and those he has sent, noting those who have abandoned him, instructs Timothy to bring Mark and the cloak left in Troas, and speaks of a coppersmith who wronged him. Paul thanks God for His strength, asserts that he has been delivered from the mouth of the lion, and that God will protect him until His heavenly kingdom. He salutes several individuals, urges Timothy to visit before winter, and closes with a benediction.

Outline
  1. Charge to preach and warn against false teaching (v.1‑6)
  2. Paul’s testimony, legacy, companions, and assurances (v.7‑18)
  3. Greetings and benediction (v.19‑22)
Themes
Perseverance in ministryWarning against false doctrineHope in the afterlife
Keywords
preachsound doctrinecrown of righteousnesslionevangelistfaithapostleGodJesus Christtruthfalse teachers
People
PaulTimothyDemasCrescensTitusLukeMarkTychicusCarpusAlexanderTrophimusPriscaAquilaOnesiphorusErastusEubulusPudensLinusClaudiaJesus Christ
Places
TroasThessalonicaGalatiaDalmatiaEphesusMiletumCorinth
Things
crown of righteousnessclokeparchmentscopper smithlionwordevangelistbooks
Key Verses
  • 2 Timothy 4:7-8: Paul’s declaration of victory and promise of eternal reward
  • 2 Timothy 4:17-18: Paul’s deliverance from the lion and God’s protection
  • 2 Timothy 4:12-13: Instruction to bring Mark and the cloak, highlighting the importance of tangible ministry tools
Questions
  • How does Paul’s exhortation to preach 'in season and out of season' apply to modern ministry?
  • What can we learn from Paul’s warning about false teachers and 'itching ears' in today’s church context?
  • In what ways does Paul’s testimony of a 'crown of righteousness' shape our view of the Christian life and afterlife?
  • How might the companions and instructions about letters and gifts reflect early Christian practices?
Sentiment

mixed
Mixed tone with hopeful testimony and stern warnings