9 Be diligent to come unto me quickly, 10 for Demas forsook me, having loved the present age, and went on to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia, 11 Lukas only is with me; Markus having taken, bring with thyself, for he is profitable to me for ministration; 12 and Tychicus I sent to Ephesus; 13 the cloak that I left in Troas with Carpus, coming, bring thou and the books—especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; may the Lord repay to him according to his works, 15 of whom also do thou beware, for greatly hath he stood against our words;
16 in my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me, (may it not be reckoned to them!) 17 and the Lord stood by me, and did strengthen me, that through me the preaching might be fully assured, and all the nations might hear, and I was freed out of the mouth of a lion, 18 and the Lord shall free me from every evil work, and shall save 'me'—to his heavenly kingdom; to whom 'is' the glory to the ages of the ages! Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquilas, and Onesiphorus' household; 20 Erastus did remain in Corinth, and Trophimus I left in Miletus infirm; 21 be diligent to come before winter. Salute thee doth Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ 'is' with thy spirit; the grace 'is' with you! Amen.
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.