2 Timothy Chapter 4 - Marianne Manley

Having been rearrested, taken to Rome, and put in prison, Paul writes to Timothy in the middle of his court hearings. Things are not going well, “all men forsook me” (4:16). Paul is ready for the verdict recognizing that “my departure is at hand” (4:6). Paul is calm knowing it was the glorified Lord Jesus Christ that appeared to him on the road to Damascus when he was called to serve as His apostle in Acts 9. The Lord Jesus Christ will judge the body of Christ after His appearing to Rapture us and the believers in Israel after they are resurrected after His Second Coming to them. Since Paul has spoken the truth by inspiration of God, He challenges Timothy to complete his ministry. Preach the word when it is popular and when it is not, because the time will come that people will lust for teachers that tell them what they want to hear (such as that Christ was talking to the body of Christ when He was on earth, when in fact He was speaking to Israel). He fought a good fight for the doctrine like a soldier, he completed his race like a runner, and he kept the faith God’s gave him. Apostle Paul delivered the doctrine to the body of Christ in Romans to Philemon precisely as he had received it from Christ. Christ will judge all believers based on their faith in His word to them, and how they served Him in accordance with that truth. Paul wants Timothy to come to him. Demas loved this present world more than the preaching of Christ’s word through Paul. Crescens and Titus were probably sent away by Paul to continue the ministry elsewhere. We have to admire Luke for his loyalty to Paul. All forsook Paul at his first defense, but his faithful Lord stood with him. What was the accusation against Paul? Paul was in bonds for preaching that Christ, of the seed of David, had another ministry to a heavenly group called the body of Christ. Paul was spared execution at that time because Christ had some last words He wanted say: (1) The body of Christ was in the mind of God before the world began (1:9, 10). (2) Consider what Paul says and the Lord will give you understanding in all things (2:7). (3) The word of God must be rightly divided to be understood (2 Tim. 2:15). (4) Apostasy will grow worse and worse (3:13). (5) All scripture is profitable when rightly divided (3:16, 17). Paul was certain of bodily resurrection after physical death. He always gave glory to the Lord who purchased eternal life for us with His own blood. Paul no longer had the gift of healing. He may have been arrested while staying at Miletum with his sick friend Trophimus. After salvation, our edification or spiritual maturation becomes important. Salvation is a one-time event, but edification is a life-long process.