9 Make every effort to come to me soon ; 10 for Demas , having loved this present world , has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica ; Crescens has gone to Galatia , Titus to Dalmatia . 11 Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service . 12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus . 13 When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus , and the books , especially the parchments . 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm ; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds . 15 Be on guard against him yourself , for he vigorously opposed our teaching .
16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished , and that all the Gentiles might hear ; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth . 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed , and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom ; to Him be the glory forever and ever . Amen .
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila , and the household of Onesiphorus . 20 Erastus remained at Corinth , but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus . 21 Make every effort to come before winter . Eubulus greets you, also Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren . 22 The Lord 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.