ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Timothy 4

2 Tim. 4:1 Paul reminds Timothy that Christ is the one who will judge him, and that Christ will certainly return (his appearing). Christ’s kingdom is the ultimate reality with which Timothy should be concerned.

2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word refers back to “Scripture” (3:16). The gospel is proclaimed by explaining the Scriptures. in season and out of season. When it is convenient and when it is inconvenient. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort means communicating all that Scripture includes—doctrine, instruction, correction, and encouragement.

2 Tim. 4:3 the time is coming. Paul is not referring to some time in the distant future. He means a situation he expects Timothy to face or to be already facing (see 3:1; 1 Tim. 4:1–3). Itching ears indicates a desire for unusual teaching. People with “itching ears” seek teachers who will tell them what they want to hear (to suit their own passions).

2 Tim. 4:4 myths. See note on 1 Tim. 1:4.

2 Tim. 4:5 The role of evangelist is not clearly explained in Scripture. Paul instructs Timothy in terms of the “gospel” (see 1:8; 10; 2:8). This certainly includes preaching to the unconverted. However, Paul does not typically distinguish between evangelism and discipling.

2 Tim. 4:6 a drink offering. Paul describes his death in OT sacrificial language (compare Gen. 35:14; Ex. 29:40–41). This suggests he sees himself as laying down his life for the sake of the gospel. However, the use of the passive voice (I am . . . being poured out) stresses that it is God who is acting here.

2 Tim. 4:7 I have fought the good fight. Using athletic imagery (as is typical of Paul; see 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Phil. 3:14), he states that he has dedicated himself to the one thing worth dying for, the gospel mission. There is no claim of personal glory here. Paul is grateful that he has finally completed the course God set for him (see Acts 20:24). By God’s grace, he has done what he encourages Timothy to do (2 Tim. 4:5).

2 Tim. 4:8 crown of righteousness. One interpretation is that this means “the crown that consists of righteousness,” referring to the final righteous state of believers. Another interpretation is “the crown that is the reward for righteousness,” that is, a victory crown. This agrees with Matt. 5:12; 10:41–42; 1 Cor. 3:14; Heb. 11:26; 2 John 8. all who have loved his appearing. All true believers, who eagerly await Christ’s return (see Titus 2:13; contrast Demas, 2 Tim. 4:10).

2 Tim. 4:9–22 Conclusion. Paul closes with some final comments concerning travel, and greetings. The key themes of the letter continue even here.

2 Tim. 4:10 Paul is persevering despite suffering (1:11–12; 2:8–13) because he has an eternal perspective (4:6–8). Demas (see Col. 4:14; Philem. 24) abandoned Paul because he loved this present world.

2 Tim. 4:11 Despite his earlier problem with Mark (Acts 15:36–40), Paul now desires Mark’s presence and considers him useful . . . for ministry. Clearly, Mark has become a faithful and effective pioneer missionary.

2 Tim. 4:13 cloak. A heavy coat that would be especially important in the winter (see v. 21). books. Scrolls made of papyrus. The papyrus scrolls may have included writing materials, official documents, or Paul’s personal correspondence. parchments. Vellum sheets made of animal skins. The parchments probably would have been books of some kind.

2 Tim. 4:14 Alexander. It is unclear whether this is the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Tim. 1:20. If he is the same person, he may still have been in Ephesus causing trouble. However, Alexander is identified as a coppersmith. There is evidence of coppersmiths in Troas, so this may be a different man living in Troas. This would explain his mention here after Paul has asked Timothy to collect his cloak in Troas (2 Tim. 4:13).

2 Tim. 4:16 first defense. Paul’s preliminary hearing before Caesar during his second imprisonment. May it not be charged against them! Paul forgives those who abandoned him.

2 Tim. 4:17 Deliverance from the lion’s mouth was a common biblical metaphor for rescue from great danger (see Ps. 22:21; Dan. 6:22; Heb. 11:33). For Paul it means that he was not put to death at that time (2 Tim. 4:16).

2 Tim. 4:18 will rescue me. An assurance of ultimate well-being, not an assurance of release from his present danger (compare Luke 21:16–19). Paul expects execution, but even through death God will bring him safely into his heavenly kingdom.

2 Tim. 4:19 Prisca (a variant of Priscilla) and Aquila are often mentioned in connection with Paul (Acts 18:2, 18, 26).

2 Tim. 4:21 Travel in the Mediterranean basically stopped during winter due to dangerous conditions by land and sea. If his trip to Rome was not completed before then, Timothy would not be able to come “soon” (v. 9).

2 Tim. 4:22 be with your spirit. Paul uses this language also in Gal. 6:18; Phil. 4:23; and Philem. 25. He uses “be with you” in Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 16:23; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Thess. 5:28. The meaning is the same.