2 Timothy 4:9-22

2 Timothy 4:9-Song of Solomon : . Personal Requests and Personal News.

Timothy’ s summons to Rome seems inconsistent with the discharge of the duties just enforced. If the letter is a unity, its main instructions may concern his conduct after, as well as before, his visit to Rome and Paul’ s death (Ramsay). For the significance of the historical allusions that follow, see Introduction, at end of § 1 . Others being absent on different missions, only Luke, of Paul’ s immediate circle, is now with him ( 2 Timothy 4:21 names merely local acquaintances). Let Timothy bring Mark, reconciled to Paul since Acts 15:38 ( Colossians 4:10), and able, in Tychicus’ absence, to render needed personal service (contrast AV); and also Paul’ s travelling-cloak, with certain papyrus and vellum documents, left, perhaps at his sudden arrest, in Troas. The identity of Alexander ( 1 Timothy 1:20 *) and the nature and occasion of his opposition are alike unknown. At the first hearing of Paul’ s case, the prima actio— the allusion is not to his first Roman trial— no fellow-Christian appeared in the court to support him. Luke and Tychicus were probably prevented, not being Roman citizens (Ramsay), but all local Christians failed him. Howbeit Christ supported him: hence, through his self-defence, since he who addresses Rome addresses the world, the gospel proclamation reached its consummation (not as AV). On this occasion, then, he secured a remand, though he only narrowly escaped death ( 2 Timothy 4:17 b) ; and, while he cannot expect to gain the final verdict ( 2 Timothy 4:6 ff.), of eternal deliverance he is assured. The circumstances underlying 2 Timothy 4:20 are unknown. 2 Timothy 4:21 mentions prominent Roman Christians.

2 Timothy 4:10 . Demas: would a forger invent the contrast with Philemon 1:24, Colossians 4:14?— Galatia: might mean either Asiatic Galatia or Gaul.

2 Timothy 4:11 . ministry: for a different interpretation cf. Zahn, INT, ii. 430 .

2 Timothy 4:12 . Tychicus: Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:7, Ephesians 6:21.

2 Timothy 4:13 . Troas: clearly later than Acts 20:6.

2 Timothy 4:14 . will render: AV is based on a mistaken text.

2 Timothy 4:16 . took my part: as above, not “ as my advocate.” Paul’ s language indicates not indifference on the part of strange pleaders, but the desertion of friends.

2 Timothy 4:21 . Irenæ us ( c. 190 ) says Linus became the first Bishop of Rome after the apostle’ s death.