9 Use diligence to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved the present age, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Take Mark, and bring [him] with thyself, for he is serviceable to me for ministry. 12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloak which I left behind [me] in Troas at Carpus's, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the smith did many evil things against me. The Lord will render to him according to his works. 15 Against whom be thou also on thy guard, for he has greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first defence no man stood with me, but all deserted me. May it not be imputed to them. 17 But the Lord stood with [me], and gave me power, that through me the proclamation might be fully made, and all [those of] the nations should hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord shall deliver me from every wicked work, and shall preserve [me] for his heavenly kingdom; to whom [be] glory for the ages of ages. Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left behind in Miletus sick. 21 Use diligence to come before winter. Eubulus salutes thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and the brethren all. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Grace [be] with you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:9-22
Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:9-13
(Read 2 Timothy 4:9-13)
The love of this world, is often the cause of turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by Divine inspiration, yet he would have his books. As long as we live, we must still learn. The apostles did not neglect human means, in seeking the necessaries of life, or their own instruction. Let us thank the Divine goodness in having given us so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; and let us seek that by reading them our profiting may appear to all.
Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:14-18
(Read 2 Timothy 4:14-18)
There is as much danger from false brethren, as from open enemies. It is dangerous having to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. The Christians at Rome were forward to meet him, Acts 28, but when there seemed to be a danger of suffering with him, then all forsook him. God might justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. The apostle was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, that is, of Nero, or some of his judges. If the Lord stands by us, he will strengthen us in difficulties and dangers, and his presence will more than supply every one's absence.
Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:19-22
(Read 2 Timothy 4:19-22)
We need no more to make us happy, than to have the Lord Jesus Christ with our spirits; for in him all spiritual blessings are summed up. It is the best prayer we can offer for our friends, that the Lord Jesus Christ may be with their spirits, to sanctify and save them, and at last to receive them to himself. Many who believed as Paul, are now before the throne, giving glory to their Lord: may we be followers of them.