Personal Commendations, Desertion, and Divine Deliverance
2 Timothy 4:9-18
2Tim.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Σπουδασον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- ελθειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ταχεως·: ADV
Parallels
- Philippians 2:19-23 (thematic): Paul plans to send or rely on Timothy shortly—parallel concern with Timothy’s movement and timely assistance to Paul.
- Romans 15:23-24 (thematic): Paul expresses a long-held desire to visit certain believers and hopes to come to them—similar language of longing and intention to come.
- 1 Corinthians 16:5-7 (thematic): Paul outlines travel plans and his intention to visit the Corinthian church when passing through Macedonia—parallels the theme of urgent travel and visiting.
- 2 Timothy 4:21 (verbal): Same letter and immediate context: Paul again urges Timothy to make every effort to come, adding urgency to arrive before winter.
- Philemon 1:22 (thematic): Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room because he hopes to visit—another example of Paul anticipating and requesting a visit.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do your utmost to come to me soon.
- Do your utmost to come to me soon.
2Tim.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Δημας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- εγκατελιπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αγαπησας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- νυν: ADV
- αιωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- επορευθη: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- Θεσσαλονικην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- Κρησκης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- Γαλατιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- Τιτος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- Δαλματιαν·: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Philemon 1:24 (verbal): Demas is named here among Paul's fellow workers—earlier association that contrasts with his later desertion in 2 Tim 4:10.
- 2 Timothy 1:15 (thematic): Paul reports that people in Asia turned away from him (including named individuals), a parallel theme of abandonment and desertion.
- 2 Corinthians 8:16-17 (verbal): Titus is elsewhere attested as Paul's trusted minister who cared for churches and was sent on missions—corresponds to Titus' movement noted in 2 Tim 4:10.
- 1 John 2:15 (thematic): Explicit warning not to 'love the world' echoes the reason given for Demas' departure — 'having loved this present world.'
Alternative generated candidates
- For Demas, loving this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
- For Demas, loving this present age, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
2Tim.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Λουκας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- μονος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μετ᾽εμου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,1
- Μαρκον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αναλαβων: VERB,aor,act,ptcp,nom,sg,m
- αγε: PART
- μετα: PREP
- σεαυτου: PRON,gen,sg,2,reflexive
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ευχρηστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- διακονιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,fem
Parallels
- Colossians 4:14 (verbal): Paul explicitly names 'Luke, the beloved physician,' attesting to Luke's presence in Paul's circle and paralleling 2 Tim 4:11's identification of Luke as the sole companion.
- Philemon 1:24 (verbal): Luke appears in the list of Paul's fellow workers, corroborating Luke's ongoing role as companion and minister alongside Paul, as stated in 2 Tim 4:11.
- Colossians 4:10 (verbal): Paul mentions Mark (the cousin of Barnabas) and instructs the Colossians to welcome him if he comes, echoing 2 Tim 4:11's request to 'take Mark' and bring him for ministry.
- Acts 15:37-39 (structural): Narrates the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, providing the historical background for why Paul earlier distanced himself from Mark and why the request in 2 Tim 4:11 signals reconciliation or renewed trust.
- 1 Peter 5:13 (allusion): Peter's greeting of 'Mark my son' highlights Mark's prominence and connections in the early church (to Peter as well as to Paul), illuminating the significance of Paul's request to have Mark with him.
Alternative generated candidates
- Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.
- Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
2Tim.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τυχικον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- απεστειλα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- Εφεσον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Eph.6.21-22 (verbal): Ephesians names Tychicus as the messenger Paul is sending to inform and encourage the Ephesian believers—directly parallels Paul’s statement that he sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
- Col.4.7-9 (verbal): Colossians describes Tychicus as a 'faithful minister' whom Paul has sent to inform the recipients about his circumstances—corresponds to Paul’s sending of Tychicus and his role as courier and comforter.
- Acts 20.4 (verbal): Acts lists Tychicus among Paul’s traveling companions from Asia, corroborating his association with Paul’s missions and his role as a courier/assistant.
- Philem.1.10-12 (thematic): Paul’s sending of Onesimus back to Philemon exemplifies the broader practice reflected in 2 Tim 4:12—Paul dispatching trusted associates (like Tychicus) to churches to deliver persons or messages.
Alternative generated candidates
- I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
- I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
2Tim.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- φαιλονην: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- απελιπον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- Τρωαδι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- παρα: PREP
- Καρπω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ερχομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- φερε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- βιβλια: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- μαλιστα: ADV
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- μεμβρανας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
Parallels
- Acts 20:6-12 (structural): Same geographic locus (Troas) and travel context; Acts narrates Paul's ministry and events at Troas, providing background for Paul leaving possessions there.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 (structural): Immediate literary context in the same chapter—Paul's practical requests for companions and items (e.g., 'Get Mark'), showing the personal, logistical concerns concluding the letter.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (thematic): Affirms the value and authority of written instruction ('Scripture')—connects to Paul's concern for 'books' and 'parchments' as important carriers of teaching and memory.
- Luke 4:17-20 (verbal): Luke records reading from a 'book' (biblos) in the synagogue; parallels the concrete term 'books' (ta biblia) in 2 Tim 4:13 and the use of written scrolls in early Christian practice.
- Philemon 1:22 (thematic): Another Pauline personal request (prepare a guestroom), illustrating the apostle's practical needs and reliance on coworkers and friends for hospitality and material support—analogous to asking for a cloak and books.
Alternative generated candidates
- When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books—especially the parchments.
- When you come, bring the cloak I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books—especially the parchments.
2Tim.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αλεξανδρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- χαλκευς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- πολλα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- κακα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- ενεδειξατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- αποδωσει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εργα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 1:20 (allusion): Mentions an Alexander whom Paul has 'delivered to Satan'—likely the same hostile figure; both passages record Paul's conflict with an Alexander.
- Acts 19:33-34 (allusion): An Alexander is named in the Ephesian riot; possible identification with the hostile Alexandros in Timothy, linking Pauline opposition in Ephesus.
- Romans 12:19 (quotation): Paul cites 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord,' echoing the appeal to the Lord to repay evildoers as in 2 Tim 4:14.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 (quotation): OT source of the formula 'I will repay' (Vengeance is mine), which undergirds Paul's statement that the Lord will repay according to works.
- Galatians 6:7 (thematic): 'Whatever one sows, that will he also reap' parallels the principle that the Lord will repay each person according to their deeds.
Alternative generated candidates
- Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
- Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
2Tim.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- φυλασσου: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,sg
- λιαν: ADV
- γαρ: PART
- αντεστη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ημετεροις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- λογοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 4:14 (structural): Immediate context: names Alexander the coppersmith who harmed Paul; v.15 follows as Timothy’s warning in response to that person.
- 1 Timothy 1:20 (allusion): Paul elsewhere mentions an Alexander (with Hymenaeus) handed over to Satan—likely the same opponent, linking continued conflict with Paul’s ministry.
- 2 Timothy 1:14 (verbal): Similar command language to Timothy (guard/keep): both verses use the idea of guarding what is entrusted against harmful opposition.
- Romans 16:17 (thematic): Paul warns churches to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles to his teaching—parallels the admonition to beware of opponents of the gospel.
- Acts 13:8–11 (thematic): Elymas the sorcerer opposes Paul and Barnabas and is struck down—an instance of direct opposition to Paul’s message and divine judgment on opponents, thematically resonant with 2 Tim 4:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- Be on your guard against him yourself, for he strongly opposed our words.
- You too must watch out for him; he strongly opposed our teaching.
2Tim.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- πρωτη: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- απολογια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ουδεις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- παρεγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- εγκατελιπον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- μη: PART
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- λογισθειη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 1:15 (verbal): Paul: “all those in Asia turned away from me” — a direct, verbal parallel to ‘all deserted me,’ same situation of apostolic abandonment.
- Mark 14:50 (verbal): “Then all of them deserted him and fled.” Uses the same verb and motif of universal desertion (applied there to the disciples, here to Paul).
- John 16:32 (verbal): Jesus predicts, “You will all fall away,” yet adds he is not alone — parallels the experience of being deserted by people while an alternative (divine) presence remains.
- Isaiah 41:10 (verbal): God: “I will strengthen you; I will help you” — echoes 2 Tim 4:17’s report that the Lord stood with Paul and strengthened him, contrasting human abandonment with divine support.
- Psalm 22:11 (thematic): “Be not far from me; for trouble is near, and there is none to help” — thematically resonates with the lament and isolation Paul expresses when deserted.
Alternative generated candidates
- At my first defense no one came to stand with me; all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
- At my first defense no one came to stand by me; all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
2Tim.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- παρεστη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ενεδυναμωσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ινα: CONJ
- δι᾽εμου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,1
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- κηρυγμα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- πληροφορηθη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ακουσωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εθνη: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- και: CONJ
- ερρυσθην: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,sg
- εκ: PREP
- στοματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- λεοντος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Psalm 22:21 (verbal): The phrase 'rescued from the mouth of the lion' echoes the language of Psalm 22:21 (LXX), a close verbal parallel used to describe divine deliverance.
- Acts 27:23-24 (thematic): Paul reports an angel/ divine presence 'stood by me' and gave assurance — parallels 2 Tim 4:17's testimony that the Lord stood with and strengthened him.
- Acts 22:21 (thematic): God's commission to Paul to be sent 'to the Gentiles' parallels 2 Tim 4:17's purpose clause that through Paul 'all the nations' might hear the proclamation.
- Acts 18:9-10 (thematic): The Lord's promise 'Do not be afraid... for I am with you' and assurance of protection accompanies and enables Paul's bold proclamation, echoing the idea that God's presence strengthened Paul to preach.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully carried out and all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
- But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully made and all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
2Tim.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ρυσεται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- παντος: ADJ,gen,sg,masc
- εργου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- πονηρου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- σωσει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- βασιλειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- επουρανιον·ω: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αιωνας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αιωνων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- αμην: PART
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (structural): Immediate context: Paul affirms he has fought the good fight and anticipates vindication and a heavenly reward — links the rescue/salvation motif to imminent entrance into the kingdom.
- Colossians 1:13 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: God 'rescued us...and brought us into the kingdom'—same rescue‑and‑transfer language as 2 Tim 4:18.
- 2 Corinthians 1:10 (verbal): Paul celebrates past deliverance and expresses confidence God 'will deliver' again—mirrors the assurance that the Lord will rescue from every evil work.
- Philippians 1:21-23 (thematic): Paul’s yearning to depart and be with Christ ('to die is gain') corresponds to the expectation of being brought into the heavenly realm promised in 2 Tim 4:18.
- John 10:28-29 (thematic): Jesus’ promise that no one can snatch his sheep from his hand parallels the assurance of preservation from evil and secure entrance into God’s kingdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
- The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Do your utmost to come to me soon.
For Demas has deserted me, loving this present age, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia.
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you—he is useful to the ministry.
Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the cloak I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books—especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
Beware of him; he strongly opposed our words.
At my first defense no one stood with me; all deserted me—may it not be held against them. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.