2 Timothy 4

Paul solemnly charges Timothy to preach the Word diligently, warning him of a future time when people will reject sound doctrine for fables. Paul reflects on his own life, declaring his readiness for death, having fought a good fight and kept the faith, and confidently anticipates a crown of righteousness. He gives Timothy practical instructions, mentions companions who have left and those who remain, and recounts the Lord's faithfulness in his own afflictions.

Paul issues a solemn charge to Timothy before God and Christ, urging him to preach the word persistently, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with patience and sound doctrine. He warns that a time is coming when people will no longer tolerate sound teaching, instead seeking teachers who cater to their own desires and turn to fables. Paul then reflects on his own impending death, stating he is ready to be offered and has completed his ministry, having fought a good fight and kept the faith. He expresses certainty of receiving a crown of righteousness from the Lord. Paul provides Timothy with personal updates, lamenting Demas's desertion for the world but noting Luke's loyalty and requesting Mark. He also recounts how the Lord stood with him when others forsook him, delivering him and enabling the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles.

The chapter opens with Paul's fervent charge to Timothy, made before God and Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead. Timothy is commanded to preach the word with urgency, both in opportune and challenging times, and to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and sound doctrine. Paul forewarns that a period will arrive when people will no longer endure sound teaching, but driven by their own desires, will accumulate teachers who tell them what their 'itching ears' want to hear, turning away from truth to fables. Therefore, Timothy is exhorted to be watchful, endure afflictions, perform the work of an evangelist, and fully prove his ministry. Paul then shifts to his personal situation, stating his readiness for martyrdom, as the time of his departure is at hand. He reflects on his life's work, declaring, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,' and expresses confidence that a crown of righteousness awaits him, to be given by the Lord, the righteous judge, on that day, not only to him but to all who love Christ's appearing. Paul urges Timothy to come to him quickly, explaining that Demas has forsaken him out of love for the present world, while Crescens and Titus have gone to other regions. Only Luke remains with him, and Paul requests Timothy to bring Mark, as he is profitable for ministry. He mentions sending Tychicus to Ephesus and asks Timothy to bring his cloak, books, and especially the parchments from Troas. Paul speaks of Alexander the coppersmith, who did him much evil, and warns Timothy to be wary of him. He recounts being forsaken by all at his first defense, but testifies that the Lord stood with him, strengthening him to ensure the full proclamation of the gospel to the Gentiles, and delivering him from danger. Paul expresses his conviction that the Lord will continue to deliver and preserve him unto His heavenly kingdom. The chapter concludes with greetings to Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus, mentioning Erastus at Corinth and Trophimus left sick at Miletum. Paul reiterates his request for Timothy to come before winter and sends greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren, closing with a blessing for Timothy's spirit and grace for all.