Paul's Example, the Authority of Scripture, and the Charge to Preach
2 Timothy 3:10-4:8
2Tim.3.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Συ: PRON,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- παρηκολουθησας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,sg
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- διδασκαλια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αγωγη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- προθεσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- πιστει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- μακροθυμια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αγαπη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- υπομονη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 4:12 (verbal): Uses nearly the same vocabulary and list of virtues (“example… in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity”); both passages present Paul/Timothy as a moral and doctrinal exemplar to be followed.
- Titus 2:7-8 (thematic): Commands leaders to ‘set an example’ in teaching and conduct and to be above reproach in speech and behavior—parallel emphasis on modeling teaching, conduct, and integrity.
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (verbal): The explicit injunction “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” echoes 2 Tim 3:10’s motif of following Paul’s teaching and way of life (imitation/following the apostolic example).
- Philippians 3:17 (verbal): Paul urges others to ‘join in following my example’ and to watch those who live according to the example set—same language of imitation and following an apostolic pattern of faith and conduct.
- Hebrews 13:7 (thematic): Calls readers to remember and imitate the way of life and faith of their leaders—the broader New Testament theme of imitating exemplary teachers and their faith evident in 2 Tim 3:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, and my steadfastness,
- But as for you, you followed my teaching, my manner of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, and my perseverance.
2Tim.3.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- διωγμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- παθημασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- οια: CONJ
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- Αντιοχεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- Ικονιω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- Λυστροις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- οιους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- διωγμους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- υπηνεγκα·και: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εκ: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ερρυσατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 13:50-14:5 (structural): Narrative account of Paul and Barnabas being opposed and expelled in Antioch (Pisidia) and later persecuted in Iconium—same sequence of cities Paul cites in 2 Tim 3:11.
- Acts 14:19-20 (verbal): Record of Paul being stoned at Lystra and left for dead; directly parallels the Lystra persecutions mentioned in 2 Tim 3:11.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (thematic): Paul's catalogue of hardships and persecutions (beatings, stonings, dangers) echoes the theme of suffering and endurance found in 2 Tim 3:11.
- Psalm 34:19 (quotation): ‘Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all’—a close theological/linguistic echo of ‘and out of all of them the Lord rescued me’ in 2 Tim 3:11 (see LXX Ps 33:19).
Alternative generated candidates
- my persecutions and sufferings—what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; yet the Lord rescued me from them all.
- You know the persecutions and sufferings that came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.
2Tim.3.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- θελοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- ζην: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ευσεβως: ADV
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- διωχθησονται·: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Matthew 5:10-12 (thematic): Beatitude promises blessing for those persecuted for righteousness' sake—links godly living with inevitable persecution and calls for perseverance and rejoicing.
- John 15:18-20 (verbal): Jesus warns disciples the world will hate and persecute them; uses the same verb root for persecution (διώκω) and connects discipleship in Christ with hostility from the world.
- 1 Peter 4:12-16 (thematic): Instructs believers not to be surprised by trials but to rejoice when sharing Christ's sufferings; frames suffering for Christ as expected and honorable.
- 2 Timothy 3:11 (structural): Immediate context in the same letter recounts Paul's own persecutions and sufferings, providing concrete precedent and support for the claim that all who live godly in Christ will be persecuted.
Alternative generated candidates
- Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
- Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
2Tim.3.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πονηροι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ανθρωποι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- γοητες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- προκοψουσιν: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,pl
- επι: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- χειρον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- πλανωντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- πλανωμενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 20:30 (thematic): Paul warns that men will arise from among the church who speak perverse things to draw away disciples—parallel concern about false teachers arising and leading others astray (deception within the community).
- Jude 1:4 (allusion): Speaks of certain ungodly people who have ‘crept in unnoticed’ to pervert the faith—echoes the picture of evil men and impostors who deceive and mislead.
- 2 Peter 2:1 (thematic): Warns that false teachers will introduce destructive heresies and many will follow—parallels the presence of impostors and the resultant deception and ruin.
- Matthew 24:11,24 (thematic): Jesus predicts many false prophets who will arise and deceive many (and even perform signs to deceive)—directly parallels the motif of deceiving and being deceived.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (thematic): Describes the coming of lawless deception and people being deluded because they refused the truth—parallels the dynamic of deception and those who are deceived in 2 Tim 3:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- But evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
- But evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.
2Tim.3.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- δε: CONJ
- μενε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- εν: PREP
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- εμαθες: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- επιστωθης: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,sg
- ειδως: PART,perf,act,nom,sg,m
- παρα: PREP
- τινων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- εμαθες: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (thematic): Exhortation to hold fast the pattern of sound teaching and to guard the deposit parallels the charge to remain in what Timothy learned and was entrusted with.
- 2 Timothy 3:10-11 (structural): Immediate context: Paul reminds Timothy of his example (teaching, conduct, persecutions), supporting the claim 'knowing from whom you learned.'
- Acts 22:3 (allusion): Paul's biographical note about being trained 'at the feet of Gamaliel' echoes the importance of one’s teachers—'knowing from whom you learned.'
- Titus 1:9 (verbal): Command that an elder 'hold firmly to the trustworthy message as taught' parallels the instruction to remain in what has been learned from reliable instruction.
- 1 Timothy 6:20 (verbal): 'Guard what has been entrusted to you' echoes the language and concern that Timothy preserve the teaching entrusted to him.
Alternative generated candidates
- As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it,
- But continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it,
2Tim.3.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- οτι: CONJ
- απο: PREP
- βρεφους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- ιερα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- γραμματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- οιδας: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- δυναμενα: VERB,pres,mp,part
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- σοφισαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- εις: PREP
- σωτηριαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- δια: PREP
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου·: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (verbal): Immediate context: affirms the divine inspiration and usefulness of Scripture for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness, expanding on 'holy writings' that lead to salvation.
- John 5:39 (thematic): Jesus says the Scriptures bear witness about him; connects 3:15's claim that the holy writings can lead to salvation 'in Christ Jesus' by pointing to Christ as their focus.
- Romans 10:17 (thematic): Links faith and the word: 'faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ,' supporting the idea that Scripture produces the faith necessary for salvation.
- Acts 8:35 (structural): Philip 'began with the Scripture' and 'proclaimed Jesus' to the Ethiopian eunuch, illustrating how study of Scripture leads directly to gospel proclamation and salvation.
- 1 Peter 2:2 (thematic): Uses infancy imagery ('like newborn infants') to urge longing for spiritual nourishment that enables growth toward salvation, echoing 3:15's 'from childhood' motif of early instruction in the Scriptures.
Alternative generated candidates
- and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2Tim.3.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πασα: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- γραφη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- θεοπνευστος: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ωφελιμος: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- διδασκαλιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- ελεγμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- επανορθωσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- παιδειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- δικαιοσυνη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Peter 1:20-21 (verbal): Explicitly parallels the idea that Scripture is from God/Spirit (men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit), echoing 'God‑breathed.'
- Romans 15:4 (thematic): States that what was written in former days was written for our instruction and endurance—linking Scripture's purpose to teaching and encouragement.
- Psalm 19:7-11 (thematic): Describes the law/word of the LORD as perfect/useful—reviving, making wise, rejoicing the heart, enlightening—paralleling the practical benefits listed in 2 Tim 3:16 (teaching, reproof, correction, training).
- Hebrews 4:12 (thematic): Affirms the living, active, discerning power of God's word (sharper than a two‑edged sword), corresponding to Scripture's authority to judge, correct, and transform (reproof/correction/training).
Alternative generated candidates
- All Scripture is God‑breathed and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
- All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2Tim.3.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ινα: CONJ
- αρτιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ανθρωπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- εργον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- εξηρτισμενος: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (verbal): Immediate context: Scripture is profitable for teaching, correction and training in righteousness so that the 'man of God' may be thoroughly equipped (same argument and closely linked wording).
- Ephesians 4:12 (thematic): Ministers are given 'to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ'—same goal of preparing believers for ministry and good works.
- Colossians 1:10 (thematic): Prayer that believers 'may walk in a manner worthy... bearing fruit in every good work,' echoing the phrase and purpose of being ready for every good work.
- Hebrews 13:21 (verbal): Petition that God 'equip you with everything good that you may do his will,' a near verbal and conceptual parallel about being furnished for God‑pleasing works.
- Titus 3:8 (thematic): Affirms that those who have believed should be 'careful to devote themselves to good works,' underscoring the expectation that believers be prepared and active in good deeds.
Alternative generated candidates
- that the servant of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
- so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2Tim.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Διαμαρτυρομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- ενωπιον: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- μελλοντος: PART,pres,act,gen,sg,m
- κρινειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ζωντας: PART,pres,act,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- νεκρους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- επιφανειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- βασιλειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου·: PRON,gen,sg,3
Parallels
- Acts 10:42 (verbal): Declares that Jesus is appointed to 'judge the living and the dead,' using nearly the same language and concept of Christ's judicial role.
- Acts 17:31 (thematic): Paul proclaims a fixed day when God will judge the world 'by a man' he has appointed—echoes the eschatological judgment by Christ and the coming day of reckoning.
- Romans 2:16 (verbal): Speaks of God judging 'the secrets of men' through Jesus Christ—connects the idea of divine judgment conducted by Christ.
- 1 Peter 4:5 (verbal): Says people will give account to 'him who is ready to judge the living and the dead,' echoing the exact judicial formula and eschatological expectation.
- 2 Timothy 4:8 (thematic): Within the same letter Paul refers to 'the appearing of the Lord' and 'the righteous Judge' who will award the crown—reiterates the themes of Christ's appearing and judgment present in 4:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
- I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2Tim.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- κηρυξον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- επιστηθι: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,sg
- ευκαιρως: ADV
- ακαιρως: ADV
- ελεγξον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- επιτιμησον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- παρακαλεσον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- εν: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- μακροθυμια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- διδαχη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (verbal): Lists Scripture’s purposes—teaching, reproof, correction, training—which echo Paul’s commands to preach, reprove, and teach in 2 Tim 4:2.
- 1 Timothy 4:13 (verbal): Paul urges devotion to 'reading, exhortation, and teaching,' paralleling 2 Tim 4:2’s emphasis on preaching, exhortation, and instruction.
- Titus 1:9 (verbal): Commands leaders to hold to sound doctrine so they can 'encourage with sound teaching and refute opponents,' mirroring the roles of exhortation, rebuke, and teaching in 2 Tim 4:2.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (thematic): Calls for admonishing the idle, encouraging the fainthearted, helping the weak, and being patient with all—comparable pastoral activities to 'reprove, rebuke, exhort... with all patience'.
- Colossians 3:16 (thematic): Urges the word of Christ to dwell richly, with teaching and admonishing one another in wisdom, reflecting the communal teaching/exhortation dimension of 2 Tim 4:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort—with great patience and careful instruction.
- Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort—with complete patience and careful instruction.
2Tim.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εσται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- καιρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- οτε: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- υγιαινουσης: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,f
- διδασκαλιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ανεξονται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,pl
- αλλα: CONJ
- κατα: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- ιδιας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- επιθυμιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- επισωρευσουσιν: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,pl
- διδασκαλους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- κνηθομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ακοην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 4:1 (thematic): Speaks of a future time when people will abandon the faith and follow deceptive teachings—parallel to refusing sound doctrine and turning to false instruction.
- Titus 1:11 (verbal): Denounces people who subvert households by teaching things they ought not, often for gain—echoes the theme of misguided teachers promoted by listeners' own desires.
- Acts 20:29-30 (structural): Paul warns the Ephesian elders that savage wolves and men from among themselves will arise to draw away disciples—structurally similar warning about internal teachers leading believers astray.
- 2 Peter 2:1 (thematic): Describes false teachers introducing destructive heresies and exploiting the faithful, paralleling the departure from sound doctrine and the rise of self-serving teachers.
- Romans 16:17 (verbal): Urges believers to watch for those who teach contrary to the doctrine they received—echoes the idea of abandoning 'sound doctrine' for teachings aligned with private desires.
Alternative generated candidates
- For a time will come when people will not endure sound teaching, but, having itching ears, will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires,
- For a time will come when people will not endure sound teaching; but having itching ears, they will gather for themselves teachers according to their own desires,
2Tim.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- απο: PREP
- μεν: PART
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αληθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ακοην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αποστρεψουσιν: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,pl
- επι: PREP
- δε: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- μυθους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εκτραπησονται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 4:3 (structural): Immediate context: predicts people will refuse 'sound doctrine' and seek teachers to suit their own desires—directly parallels 'turning away from the truth' in 4:4.
- Titus 1:14 (verbal): Warns against giving heed to 'Jewish myths and commandments of men' and turning from the truth—language and concern closely parallel the phrase about turning to myths.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Prophetic motif of people hearing but not understanding and hearts being hardened—background scriptural image for 'turning away their ears from the truth.'
- Matthew 13:14-15 (quotation): Jesus cites Isaiah 6:9-10 about hearing without understanding; thematically parallels 2 Tim 4:4's picture of people refusing true teaching and turning to other things.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (thematic): Describes God giving a strong delusion so that people believe lies and are condemned—connects with the idea of people abandoning truth and embracing myths/falsehood.
Alternative generated candidates
- and will turn away their ears from the truth and wander into myths.
- and will turn away their ears from the truth and be turned aside to myths.
2Tim.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- δε: CONJ
- νηφε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- εν: PREP
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- κακοπαθησον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- εργον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ποιησον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- ευαγγελιστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- διακονιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,fem
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- πληροφορησον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 2:3 (verbal): Direct verbal/theme parallel: both passages exhort Timothy to endure hardship (συνεκδῦσαι/κακοπαθησον) as part of faithful service.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 (structural): Immediate context: v.2 charges Timothy to preach, reprove and exhort — v.5 complements this by calling for sobriety, endurance, and completion of his ministerial duties.
- 1 Timothy 4:12-16 (thematic): Similar pastoral exhortation: Timothy is urged to be an example, to watch himself and his teaching, and to persevere so that he and his ministry may be effective (parallels 'be sober in all things' and 'fulfill your ministry').
- Acts 20:24 (thematic): Paul’s missionary self-understanding parallels 'do the work of an evangelist' and 'fulfill your ministry'—finish the task of testifying to the gospel despite hardship.
- 2 Timothy 1:8-14 (allusion): Related motifs: do not be ashamed, share suffering for the gospel, and guard the deposit entrusted to you—these themes underpin the call to endure, evangelize, and complete one’s ministry in 4:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- As for you, always be sober-minded; endure hardship; do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.
- But you, be sober in all things; endure suffering; do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.
2Tim.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- γαρ: PART
- ηδη: ADV
- σπενδομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- καιρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αναλυσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- εφεστηκεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Philippians 2:17 (verbal): Paul uses the same libation/drink‑offering image—'being poured out'—to describe his life given up for the faith (verbal parallel).
- Philippians 1:21-23 (thematic): Paul articulates the same tension about death and 'departing' — 'to live is Christ, to die is gain' and the desire 'to depart and be with Christ' (theme of imminent death/departure).
- Acts 21:13 (thematic): On the eve of his arrest Paul declares readiness to die in Jerusalem ('I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die'), paralleling acknowledgment of imminent end.
- Psalm 22:15 (LXX) (verbal): The OT lamental image 'I am poured out like water' echoes the 'poured out' language here, suggesting an Old Testament verbal echo or imagery behind the phrase.
- Luke 2:29 (allusion): Simeon's 'Now you dismiss your servant in peace' (often rendered 'let me depart') provides an earlier biblical motif of a faithful servant's peaceful 'departure' from life, thematically echoing Timothy 4:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
- For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
2Tim.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- καλον: ADJ,nom/acc,sg,neut
- αγωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ηγωνισμαι: VERB,perf,mid,ind,1,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- δρομον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τετελεκα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πιστιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τετηρηκα·: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 6:12 (verbal): Uses the same phrase 'fight the good fight' (τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα) and calls for holding faith and a good conscience—direct verbal parallel to Paul's combat language.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (thematic): Employs athletic imagery of running to win and disciplining the body—parallels 'I have finished the race' (τὸν δρόμον τετέλεκα) and the metaphor of spiritual struggle and discipline.
- Hebrews 12:1-2 (thematic): Calls believers to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for us' and to 'finish' the course by fixing eyes on Jesus—shares the race/finish motif and endurance theme.
- Acts 20:24 (verbal): Paul says he counts his life 'worthless...but I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry'—closely echoes 'I have finished the race' and faithful perseverance in ministry.
- Philippians 3:12-14 (thematic): Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal and striving to attain the prize—resonates with finishing the race and keeping the faith as ongoing pursuit and completion of vocation.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2Tim.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- λοιπον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- αποκειται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δικαιοσυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- στεφανος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- αποδωσει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- εκεινη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δικαιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- κριτης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- μονον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ηγαπηκοσι: PART,perf,act,dat,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- επιφανειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Peter 5:4 (verbal): Speaks of receiving the 'crown of glory' when the 'Chief Shepherd' appears—close verbal and eschatological parallel to 'the crown of righteousness' given by the Lord at his appearing.
- James 1:12 (verbal): Promises a 'crown of life' to one who endures trials—similar reward imagery for the righteous who persevere under testing.
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 (thematic): Compares the Christian life to an athlete competing for an imperishable crown—parallels the idea of a future, enduring reward for faithful effort and self-discipline.
- Philippians 3:14 (thematic): Paul's pursuit of the 'prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus' aligns with the eschatological goal and reward language of receiving a crown at Christ's appearing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.
- From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day—and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.
But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
with persecutions and sufferings—what persecutions I endured at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—and yet from them all the Lord rescued me.
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.
As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it,
and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
that the servant of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, by his appearing and his kingdom:
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and careful teaching.
For the time will come when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires,
and will turn away their ears from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, be sober-minded in all things; endure suffering; do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but to all who have loved his appearing.