(Chapter 4)
Before closing the epistle, Paul sought to stir up Timothy to immediate service. More than just to encourage him, he left him with a solemn “charge” before “God and the Lord Jesus Christ” that he was to fulfill. Timothy needed to take this charge seriously. He was responsible to make full use of his ministry, for the Lord had said, “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:4848But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:48)). The charge being “before” God and the Lord Jesus Christ means that he was to serve in view of the fact that he was under the watchful eye of divine Persons. All service is to be carried out with the realization of being watched by the all-seeing eye of God.
In view of the darkness that inevitably was coming into the Christian testimony, Paul gives four great incentives for Timothy to rise up immediately and put his hand to the work. These are indicated in the text by the use of the word “for” (vss. 1, 3, 6, 10).
1) Judgment is Soon to Fall on the Christian Profession
Vss. 1-2—Christ, who is the Judge of “the quick [living] and the dead,” was coming to execute judgment on the great mass of lifeless professors in the Christian profession. Most in Christendom are not saved and they will be lost forever when the judgment falls. The “quick [living]” will be judged at “His appearing,” which is before His 1000-year reign—the Millennium (2 Thess. 1:7-107And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (2 Thessalonians 1:7‑10)), and the “dead” will be judged at the end of “His kingdom” reign (Rev. 20:11-1511And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11‑15)). It is a solemn reminder that there is a day of accountability for all men.
In view of the coming judgment, Timothy was to rise up and serve immediately. Love for souls ought to motivate him. Paul said, “I charge thee therefore ... preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove [convict], rebuke, exhort [encourage] with all longsuffering and doctrine. Note: Timothy was to present the Word of God to his hearers—not his own ideas. Stories and illustrations may be interesting and even helpful, but they are no substitute for the Word. The servant must remember that it is the power of the Word of God applied by the Spirit that produces results—not human expedients. Timothy, therefore, was not to try and get fancy with his preaching. In our day, props and gimmicks are more and more taking the place of the simple preaching of the Word. We may be tempted to use these things but it’s best to stick with the simple Word of God. It is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edge sword” (Heb. 4:1212For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)), and it is what God uses to convert souls (Psa. 19:77The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7)).
Timothy was to be urgent about this—he was to be “in season” and “out of season.” This means that he was to give out the Word in circumstances when people were open to it and also when they weren’t. If a person was interested, it was definitely an occasion where it was “in season”—i.e. the Roman jailor (Acts 16:3030And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30)). But when there are circumstances where it might be considered inappropriate—“out of season”—he was to find a way to bring in the Word of God, even in those situations. The Lord in the Pharisee’s house is an example (Luke 11:37-5437And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 38And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. 39And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. 40Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? 41But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 42But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 43Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. 44Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. 45Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. 46And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. 47Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. 49Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 50That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. 52Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. 53And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 54Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. (Luke 11:37‑54)). Timothy was to bring the Word to bear upon the consciences of his hearers without being personally offensive. Paul says, “Reprove [convict], rebuke, exhort [encourage] with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
2) A Time is Coming When Those in the Christian Profession Will Not Receive the Truth
Vss. 3-5—Paul went on to speak of another reason why Timothy needed to rise up immediately and throw himself into the work. He said, “For the time will come when they will not endure [bear] sound doctrine.” Even before the day of judgment came there would be a great apostasy in the Christian profession and men would turn away their ears from the truth. It would culminate in the rise of the man of sin (the Antichrist) after the Church has been called away to heaven (2 Thess. 2:2-42That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (2 Thessalonians 2:2‑4)). Timothy needed to realize that the apostasy had already begun in the Christian profession (1 Tim. 4:11Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1) – J. N. Darby Trans.), and that the hardness of hearts was fast reaching a point where they would not “endure [bear] sound doctrine.” Paul’s doctrine would not be tolerated by the masses. In view of this inevitable fact, Timothy was to rise up immediately and be engaged in the work. The Apostle’s point was crystal clear: the time for Timothy to serve was right away (immediately) because there was a time coming when it would do little or no good.
He also said that people would “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” This indicates that instead of teachers being sent of God to preach and teach His people, teachers would come under the control of their audiences who would dictate to them what they wanted to hear. People will flock after teachers who have interesting things to say. The popular topics in Christian ministry today are love and marriage, and sensational interpretations of prophecy. If a preacher wants to have a good-sized audience and keep his job as a preacher, he will have to speak on such topics that people want to hear. With this before him he can become affected by what the people want rather than by what God gives him to speak. However, the sad result of people looking for things to tickle their ears is that they “turn away their ears from the truth” and thus, are given to “fables.”
It hardly needs to be said that we live in those times. The Church today is in a Laodicean state (Rev. 3:14-2214And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:14‑22)). Christians pick and choose what they want to accept from the teachings of the Apostle. Much of what Paul taught—though stated in his epistles—is misunderstood, misinterpreted, or simply passed over. And some of the things he taught are outright repugnant to the modern Christian mind and discarded. The time to get the truth out, therefore, is when there is still hope of it being received.
In view of this, Timothy was to be “sober” and not allow the intoxicating influences all around to distract him from the simple goal of ministering the truth. Moreover, Timothy was to be prepared to suffer for the truth. He was to “bear evils,” for there would be attacks on the truth and those who stood for it.
Furthermore, in making full use of his "ministry," which appears to have been predominantly teaching and exhorting (1 Thess. 3:2; 12And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlaborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: (1 Thessalonians 3:2)
2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; (1 Thessalonians 1:2) Tim. 4:13-16; 6:2b; 2 Tim. 2:22And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)), Timothy was not to forget to do “the work of an evangelist.” It appears that Timothy had the ministry of an all-round character. He was not only to teach the truth but also to do the work of an evangelist. An all-round ministry—“a jack of all trades”—is greatly needed in a day of ruin when there are so few engaged in the service of the Lord. J. N. Darby remarked, "I am not an evangelist, only when I can, I do the work of one as well as I can." Doing evangelistic work would help to find those who would embrace Paul’s doctrine. New converts will usually receive the truth more readily than those in the Christian profession who have been tainted by the erroneous teachings that are afloat. Such have much to unlearn, and oftentimes, this is not easy. New converts, on the other hand, have no preconceived ideas about Christian doctrine and practice, and it is easier for them to accept the truth. Hence, this was an important work for Timothy that was not to be neglected.
3) There Are Rewards Awaiting Faithful Service
Vss. 6-8—Paul gave Timothy another incentive to be engaged in the service of the Lord—there was a reward awaiting all who laboured faithfully and in view of Christ’s appearing. There was judgment coming for the wicked, but there were rewards coming for those who were faithful.
Paul points to his own life and ministry and the reward that was awaiting him. He said, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.” This was not boasting; he mentions it as an encouragement for Timothy. He was as much as saying, “I’m going on to be with the Lord soon and will get my reward, and there is one for you too, if you continue in faithful service.”
Paul’s life of service was a marked contrast to many others who were overcome by the declension of the day.
In the face of all such departure, the Apostle said, “I have kept the faith.” What a contrast! This was not a boast, but an incentive for Timothy to carry on in faithful service. He mentions it to show that it’s possible to walk in all the truth of God in a day of ruin. Some say that it is no longer possible to practice all of the truth that was once delivered to the saints (Jude 33Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3)). But Paul had not let go of any of it. He had kept the faith, even though there was fierce conflict over it. There is, therefore, no excuse for us to let go of any part of it.
Paul refers to his reward as “a crown of righteousness.” This particular reward is given to those who go on in righteousness amid all the unrighteousness in the Christian profession. It was a reality for all who would serve the Lord faithfully. He said, “Not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (vs. 8). These rewards for faithfulness will be received at the judgment seat of Christ (after the Rapture), but they will not be seen by the world until the appearing of Christ, which will take place after the Great Tribulation. When Christ comes with us out of heaven (at His appearing) to establish His kingdom on earth, the rewards of the faithful will be manifested before all.
Every truehearted Christian should “love His appearing.” Loving His appearing implies that we love the One who is going to appear. Moreover, we live in a time when Christ’s name is being sullied. He is dishonoured at every hand, and this distresses the saints whose affections are right. But when the Lord appears, all will be set right—and He will have His rightful place then. We love His appearing for that reason too.
4) There is a Shortage of Faithful Servants
Vss. 9-15—A fourth incentive for Timothy to engage himself immediately in the service of the Lord was the great shortage of faithful servants. There was defection, even among the Lord’s servants, and as a result there were fewer available servants than ever. Paul says to him, “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” This old warrior was about to leave the field of combat, and as he looked out over the work he saw that the need was greater than ever. He sorrowfully reports that some who could have been a help were off doing other things. He said, “All seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s” (Phil. 2:2121For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:21)).
In view of these conditions there was all the more need for Timothy to gird up his loins and to be engaged in the fight. The Lord’s work demands every available man and woman. The baton of the faith had been placed in Paul’s hands, and he faithfully raced through to finish his section; now he was handing it on intact to Timothy. It was Timothy’s turn to run and to “strive earnestly in the good conflict of faith” (1 Tim. 6:1212Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)). He, therefore, needed to rise up immediately and be engaged in the work.
There is an even greater need today for faithful servants to stand in the trenches and carry on the work of the Lord by upholding and teaching Paul’s doctrine in its entirety. The Lord Himself said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:37-3837Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; 38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:37‑38)). Today there are so few who uphold all of what Paul gave to the Church, and even fewer who will disseminate it.
Paul felt the general desertion of his brethren and desired that Timothy would come and minister to him (vs. 9). It is unlikely that this ever happened. The Roman authorities under Nero probably executed the Apostle before Timothy got there. But it does indicate the importance of fellowship in a day of ruin and failure. We need to get together to encourage one another as often as possible. True Christian fellowship is in regard to divine things—things that Christians have in common (Acts 2:4242And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)). Many today imagine that Christian fellowship is getting together for sports and recreation. We do not discourage such things, but that is hardly what will “strengthen the things which remain” (Rev. 3:22Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (Revelation 3:2)).
Defection was everywhere. There was unfaithfulness throughout the ranks; many who were once faithful had turned aside (2 Tim. 1:1515This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (2 Timothy 1:15)). “Demas” was an example of the defection (vs. 10). There was a time when he served with the Apostle and was commended as a fellow-labourer (Philemon 2424Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlaborers. (Philemon 24)). He is mentioned as greeting the saints, which indicates that he loved the fellowship of the brethren (Col. 4:1414Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. (Colossians 4:14)). But “this present world” had drawn him away. It was not that Demas had forsaken Christ, but that he had departed from walking with Paul and what he taught. He didn’t depart to the dirty side of the world, but to a position of compromise among the saints where there was some present worldly advantage for him. This is very sad.
Demas’ problem was that he “loved” this present age (vs. 10). It stands out as a contrast to those who “love” Christ’s appearing, which will usher in the age to come (vs. 8). It is striking that the epistle that speaks about declension in the Christian testimony mentions two kinds of love. There is a love for Christ’s appearing and a love for the world. Everything is moving in one direction or the other. We would do well to ask ourselves: “In which direction we are going?”
Others had departed from Paul too, but he does not state the reasons—so we mustn’t speculate as to why. It is possible that they went to the various places mentioned here in faithful service to the Lord. Nevertheless, there are many today who could be a help but are off doing other things. One of the enemy’s tactics in the last days is to get good men and women, who could really be a help in the service of the Lord, preoccupied with other things (Col. 4:1717And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. (Colossians 4:17)).
It may be that “Crescens” and “Titus” were defective too, since they are mentioned in the same breath as “Demas,” but most expositors decry the idea. (If indeed that were the case, perhaps Demas’ going to Thessalonica would speak of wanting to stay with elementary truths, and perhaps, putting off the hope of the Lord’s coming. Crescens turning to the regions in Galatia might speak of turning to legalism. Titus turning to Dalmatia—which is the same place as Illyricum—means “vain splendor.” It is the place where the Apostle did many mighty signs and wonders (Rom. 15:1919Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:19)). Going to Dalmatia might speak of turning to the showy, charismatic side of Christianity. It seems that the Christian testimony in these last days is diffracting into these three directions.) Hence, there was shortage of faithful servants for two reasons—one was good but the other was not:
Defection
Pre-occupation with and commitment to other service.
Vs. 11—Paul says that only “Luke,” the beloved physician (Col. 4:1414Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. (Colossians 4:14)), remained with him. There was a general desertion of Paul by the mass of Christians in that day. They were simply ashamed of being identified with him. Luke stands out as a shining example of faithfulness in such times.
“Mark” had evidently been restored, and is seen here as being useful to the Apostle Paul. He had left the work with Paul and Barnabas’ on the first missionary journey when they were in Perga (Acts 13:1313Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 13:13)). But now he is restored and found to be useful in the service of the Lord. This is a special encouragement for all who have failed. God in grace is restoring souls in these last days and making them useful in His service. It shows us that God can use those who have failed. If people have failed, it is not over for them. Falling down does not make one a failure, but staying down does (Prov. 24:1616For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. (Proverbs 24:16)).
Vss. 12-13—Paul had sent “Tychicus” to Ephesus, which was the capital of Asia—the very place where the defection from the Apostle was the greatest. We are not told why, so again, we must be careful in speculating. Perhaps it was to convince them of their mistake in departing from the Apostle Paul and his ministry.
The fact that Paul’s “cloak,” his “books,” and his “parchments,” are mentioned in the Word of God indicates that God is interested in the clothes we wear and the books we read. Some will tell us that these things are not important, but they are to God. The same God who is interested in our eternal blessing is also concerned about our smallest temporal needs. Let us never forget this.
The “books” were, apparently, notes of ministry that Paul had made; and the “parchments” were blank pages that he intended to use to make more notes. This indicates that capturing one’s thoughts on paper is a profitable thing. It helps us to organize our minds on spiritual topics so that we are able to present them to others in an orderly way. It is an exercise in which every servant of the Lord should be engaged. Someone said that our thoughts get unscrambled at the end of a pencil.
Vss. 14-15—Paul turns to warn Timothy of a particular person who was an enemy of the “words [teachings]” of the Apostle—he was “Alexander the coppersmith.” This is, perhaps, that same person who was excommunicated from the assembly by apostolic injunction (1 Tim. 1:2020Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:20)). Now outside, and unrepentant, he was an angry opponent of Paul. This teaches us that if we act faithfully and stand for the truth, we can expect to have attacks from such. Note: Paul did not retaliate. He simply noted his character and warned Timothy of him. He committed the whole matter to the Lord, saying, “The Lord will render to him according to his works.” This was not an imprecatory prayer invoking judgment on the man, but a simple recognition of the fact that the Lord would not let it pass. He would deal with it in a governmental judgment according to his works. It teaches us that we are not to retaliate against those who would personally attack us, but are to let the Lord deal with them in His time. We are not to meet the flesh with the flesh.
Demas—began well, but ended poorly.
Mark—began poorly, but ended well.
Luke—began well and ended well.
Alexander—began poorly and ended poorly.
Vss. 16-18—Another sad report the Apostle passed on to Timothy was the desertion of the saints in Rome. When Paul arrived at Appii Forum the Roman brethren there showed great affection for him (Acts 28:1515And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. (Acts 28:15)). But later, when he was called before the authorities at his trial, they “forsook” him. Timothy could not expect anything better—such was the day. It is encouraging, however, to see that the Lord did not forsake Paul at such a time. He says, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me.” In the book of the Acts, when Paul was not altogether in the current of God’s thoughts and leading and he ended up in prison as a result, it says, “The Lord stood by him” (Acts 23:1111And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. (Acts 23:11)). The Lord could not, at that time, stand with Paul in the sense of happily condoning his going up to Jerusalem when it was clearly not His will. But the Lord still stood by him, because He will never forsake us. He said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:55Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)).
Again, Paul did not pray for the Lord’s judgment on them. He held no resentment toward his cowardly brethren. Instead, he desired that the Lord would forgive them governmentally. He prayed that “it may not be laid to their charge.” We learn from this that it’s not our place as Christians to pray for the judgment of God on any who would do us evil or act unfaithfully, but contrariwise, that they would have His governmental forgiveness.
The Lord delivered the Apostle out of the “mouth of the lion,” which was the Roman authorities under the control of Satan (Rev. 12:44And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (Revelation 12:4)), and this gave him confidence that He would continue to deliver him “from every evil work.” For the Apostle, the “heavenly kingdom” was reached through the martyr’s death. With that before him, he was not the slightest bit discouraged, but full of praise, saying, “To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Closing Remarks
Vss. 19-22—The closing salutations of the Apostle included a greeting to “Prisca and Aquila.” This couple had remained faithful and was a help in the work of the Lord (Acts 18:2-3, 24-282And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. (Acts 18:2‑3)
24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:24‑28); Rom. 16:3-53Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:3‑5)). He also had a greeting to “the household of Onesiphorus.” It is not known whether Onesiphorus was alive at this time or not. If he was not alive, it is especially encouraging to see his household going on faithfully (2 Tim. 1:16-1816The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: 17But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. 18The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. (2 Timothy 1:16‑18)).
He reports to Timothy that “Erastus abode at Corinth.” Judging from the epistles of the Apostle to the Corinthians, there was much work to be done at Corinth. He also reports that he had left “Trophimus” at Miletum sick (vs. 20). The Apostle’s miraculous powers of healing were not used on this man. Trophimus had been useful in the work (Acts 20:4; 21:294And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. (Acts 20:4)
29(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) (Acts 21:29)), and we would think that in view of the fact that there was a great shortage of servants, he would have healed him. But miracles, as a rule, were signs for unbelievers, not a matter of personal convenience for the household of faith. It shows that it is not always the way of God to heal sick believers. He had something for Trophimus to learn in his illness, and Paul was not going to interfere with the Lord’s dealings with him by healing him.
For a second time Paul urges Timothy to come to him, presumably sensing that his martyrdom was imminent (vs. 21). He longed for one last visit with Timothy. Paul sends greetings from four other believers—“Eubulus,” “Pudens,” Linus,” Claudia.” Judging from their Latin names, these were Roman Christians who loved the brotherhood and wanted to be remembered to Timothy.
Maintaining a Right Spirit
Paul makes one final comment in this epistle. He reminds Timothy of the need of having a right spirit in view of the broken state of things in the Christian testimony. He said, “The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit” (vs. 22). This is mentioned four times in Paul’s epistles, and it is very instructive as to how it is used. Each reference has a special application to the situation Paul was addressing.
Here in 2 Timothy, where serious breakdown in the Christian testimony is in view, one needs a right spirit. We have to be on guard against two attitudes. Firstly, we must not allow ourselves to get occupied with the failure to the point that we throw up our hands in frustration and give up in the path. There are a lot of discouraging things that we see in a day of ruin, but we can’t let them get us down. This is what happened to Elijah (1 Kings 19). He got discouraged with the low state of things in Israel and gave up. Secondly, if we have been faithful in some measure, we must be careful not to allow ourselves to get lifted up in pride about it. When we look around and see so much unfaithfulness, unrighteousness, and disinterest among Christians, we can develop an attitude that we’re better than our brethren. It is possible to be right in doctrine and principle, and even in outward conduct, yet to be wrong in spirit. We have to be on guard against this because “pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:1818Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)).
In Paul’s epistle to the Galatians, the same phrase is used, but in a different context altogether. He had written to correct the Galatians concerning a serious error that they were going on in concerning law and grace. He knew there was a danger that they might not take his correction in a right way and resent his speaking to them as he did. So, before closing that epistle, he said, “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with your spirit.” This is an area in which we need to be on guard too. We need to maintain a right spirit when someone corrects us. We must be careful not to harbour ill feelings toward that person: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:66Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:6)).
In Paul’s epistle to the Philippians the phrase is used again, but in a different context. There was some disunity brewing between a couple of individuals (Phil. 4:22I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2)), and it had the potential of threatening the unity of the whole assembly. If not checked, it could result in a full-blown division. Paul knew that there was a possibility of a rupture in the fellowship among the Philippians, and he added the needed words, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (Phil. 4:2323The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. <<To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.>> (Philippians 4:23)). When there are troubles of this sort among the saints, we have to watch our spirits, and not let ourselves get riled up in the flesh. It will do no good, but only exacerbate the situation. It takes special grace to have a right spirit in such situations. How careful we have to be. Joseph’s words to his brethren are good for us, “See that ye fall not out by the way” (Gen. 45:2424So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. (Genesis 45:24)).
The expression appears again in Philemon 2525The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. <<Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.>> (Philemon 25). It is in a different context again. Here it is in connection with forgiving and receiving a repentant person. Onesimus was a disobedient servant who had run away from his master Philemon, but he was saved after coming into contact with the Apostle. Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, encouraging him to forgive and receive the repentant servant. In such cases, there is a tendency to harbour bitter feelings toward the person who has offended us, and not to truly forgive him from our hearts. Therefore, he said, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
It is evident that a right spirit is needed for all occasions—especially so in a day of ruin when our patience and faithfulness are constantly being tested.