These are Paul’s words to Timothy. He tells Timothy to preach the good word of God and to be prepared to do so every season. Timothy was to rebuke, correct, and encourage those he taught with careful instruction and great patience. Paul warned Timothy there would be a time when the people will not listen to sound doctrine.
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People with Itching Ears
In place of sound doctrine, Paul said, people would turn to their own desires, and they will listen to teachers that say what they want to hear. The people are going to turn away and not listen to the truth. They will turn away from the God’s truth, and towards myths.
Paul reminded Timothy to keep his head during these kinds of situations, withstand hardship, continue his work as an evangelist, and fully discharge his duties in his ministry.
Paul’s Impending Departure
Paul said his departure was near and that he had fought the important, good fight. He went on to say he had finished the race and had kept the faith. He believed there was a righteous crown awaiting him that the Lord, the one and only righteous Judge, is going to award to him on that day, and not just him, but also to those who have kept the faith.
Personal Remarks
In 2 Timothy Chapter 4, Paul asked Timothy to come to him quickly, because Demas had deserted him and gone to Thessalonica. He said that Crescens went to Galatia, and also Titus to Dalmatia. Paul said that only Luke remained with him.
He wanted Timothy to bring Mark, too. Paul had directed Tychicus to go to Ephesus. Paul told Timothy to bring his cloak and his scrolls, particularly the parchments. He warned Timothy about the metalworker, Alexander, who had done harm. Paul says that God will repay Alexander for what he did. He told Timothy to be on guard around him, because this man strongly opposed their message.
Paul’s Final Words
Paul asked Timothy to do his best to arrive before winter. He told Timothy that Eubulus greets him, as well as Claudia, Linus, Pudens, and every one of the sisters and brothers. He ends by saying our Lord will be with Timothy and those who are with him.
2 Timothy 4 (King James Version)
1 I charge thee 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 their 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 my 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.
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 cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but 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.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God 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 that 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 me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be 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 be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.