An empty ancient stadium at evening seen from the finishing end, a victor’s wreath of green leaves laid on the stone finishing line.

The Book of

2 Timothy 4

An old man in chains writes his last charge, looks back on the race and asks a friend to come before winter.

22 verses≈ 3 min6 peopleBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Where we are

1Not ashamedGuard the gospel, share the suffering
2Be strongSoldier, athlete, farmer, workman
3Hard timesLast days and the God-breathed Word
4Finish wellPreach the word; the race is runChapter 4

Preach the Word

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

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For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

2 Timothy 4:3–4

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

2 Timothy 4:7

From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Reflect

How will you finish?

Near the end, Paul could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And the crown is not only for him, but “to all who crave His appearing.” Picture the end of your own race. What would you want to be true of you? What is one thing you could change this week to keep running toward Him?

Personal Concerns

From PaulTo Timothy, my beloved child

Make every effort to come to me quickly, because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry. Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:9–13

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

Where everyone went

Paul is in Rome, and “Only Luke is with me.” Demas has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia across the Adriatic, and Tychicus has been sent to Ephesus. Erastus stayed at Corinth, and Trophimus was left sick in Miletus. Timothy, probably at Ephesus, is to come by way of Troas, where the cloak and the scrolls are waiting.

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

In this chapter

Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.

Question

Quick question

Paul is in prison in Rome, and his friends have scattered for many reasons. One of them is still at his side.

Who does Paul say is the only one still with him?

The Lord Remains Faithful

At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.

2 Timothy 4:16

A lone man seen from behind, small, standing in a vast, empty colonnaded Roman hall with a flat timber roof, a single broad shaft of light falling on him.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Final Greetings

Paul

Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

2 Timothy 4:22

Pray

When no one stands with you

At his first defense, Paul says, “no one stood with me.” Yet he prays for them, “May it not be charged against them,” and he can say, “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me.” Bring to God any time you have felt left alone. Ask Him to help you forgive, and thank Him that He stands by His people and will “bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.”

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2 Timothy 4

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A verse to carry with you

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

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