RSV ~ 2 Timothy 4 Notes

2 Tim 4:1 | ISB Notes

in the presence of God: Paul speaks as if testifying in a courtroom where God is present and Jesus Christ presides as judge. He issues a final and solemn appeal for Timothy to fulfill his mission as a teacher of God’s people.

2 Tim 4:2 | ISB Notes

in season and out of season: Timothy must proclaim the gospel, making the most of his time to correct or encourage his flock as each situation demands (Eph 5:16).

2 Tim 4:4 | ISB Notes

wander into myths: Already a problem in Ephesus (1 Tim 1:4; 4:7), where erring teachers have exchanged the revealed truth of God for the uncertainties of their own speculation—and hear only what suits their liking (2 Tim 4:3).

2 Tim 4:6 | ISB Notes

the point of being sacrificed: Or “being poured out as a libation”. The description alludes to the cultic liturgy of Israel, where daily drink offerings of wine were poured out at the base of the Temple altar (Ex 29:38-40; Num 28:7). Evoking this imagery, Paul sees martyrdom as an act of sacrifice and liturgical worship (Phil 2:17) (CCC 2473).

my departure: A metaphor for death, which in Paul’s case is both imminent and personally desirable (Phil 1:23). According to tradition, Paul was condemned during the Neronian persecution that began in the mid 60s and was beheaded just outside the city of Rome along the Ostian Way.

2 Tim 4:8 | ISB Notes

crown of righteousness: The reward of everlasting righteousness (Gal 5:5) that awaits the saints, who have persevered in the grace of God (Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4). The image alludes to the garland or victory wreath used to crown winning athletes in the ancient Olympics (1 Cor 9:25). Paul’s confidence that such a reward awaits him rests on his sense of accomplishment, since after 30 years of ministry, toil, and suffering, he has remained firm in the faith without straying from the course set for him by Christ (2 Tim 4:7; Acts 20:24). He was not nearly so assured of his salvation while the race was still in progress (1 Cor 9:16).

• Is not a crown the reward of good deeds? Yet, this is possible only because God accomplishes good works in men. It is through his mercy that we perform the goods works to which the crown is awarded (St. Augustine, On Grace and Free Will 21).

that Day: The Day of Judgment.

his appearing: Either the future return of Christ in glory (4:1) or, possibly, his first coming in the flesh (1:10).

2 Tim 4:9 | ISB Notes

come to me soon: The nearness of Paul’s death adds a sense of urgency to his request (1:4). Timothy must not delay because the onset of winter (4:21) will make sea travel impossible, and Paul needs his cloak to stay warm in prison (4:13).

2 Tim 4:10 | ISB Notes

Demas: One of Paul’s associates, but one whose attachment to worldly comforts tore him away from the apostle. He was once a loyal companion (Col 4:14; Philem 24).

2 Tim 4:11 | ISB Notes

Luke: The physician and evangelist who wrote the Gospel of Luke and its sequel, the Book of Acts. He traveled with Paul on parts of his second and third missionary tours and was present with him at his first Roman imprisonment (Col 4:14; Philem 24).

See introduction to Acts: Author.

Mark: John Mark, the evangelist who wrote the Gospel of Mark. Once estranged from Paul for abandoning his missionary team (Acts 13:13; 15:39), he later rejoined the apostle’s company and was present with him at his first Roman imprisonment (Col 4:10; Philem 24).

2 Tim 4:12 | ISB Notes

Tychicus: One of Paul’s personal couriers (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7-9; Tit 3:12).

2 Tim 4:13 | ISB Notes

books … parchments: Two forms of writing material, the first referring to papyrus scrolls and the second to sheets made from animal skins. No hint is given of their contents, but they may have included Paul’s personal copies of OT books.

2 Tim 4:14 | ISB Notes

Alexander the coppersmith: Possibly a heretic Paul excommunicated for blasphemy (1 Tim 1:20).

2 Tim 4:17 | ISB Notes

strength to proclaim: Paul’s preliminary hearing before the Roman court was disappointing because his companions abandoned him; nevertheless, it was successful because an opportunity was given to expound the gospel in the imperial capital (CCC 2471-72). the lion’s mouth: Metaphorically, “a verdict of condemnation”. Because Paul was a Roman citizen, he would not have been thrown to the lions in the Roman circus.

2 Tim 4:19 | ISB Notes

Prisca and Aquila: A distinguished Christian couple who worked alongside Paul (Acts 18:2-3) and went on to minister in the churches of Rome (Rom 16:3-5) and Ephesus (Acts 18:24-26; 1 Cor 16:19). The name “Prisca” is also spelled “Priscilla”.

2 Tim 4:21 | ISB Notes

Linus: Quite possibly Peter’s first successor as pope. Saint Irenaeus gives us a running list of the bishops of Rome from the apostolic age down to the late second century, and the first in succession after Peter is named “Linus” (Against Heresies 3, 3, 3).

2 Tim 4:22 | ISB Notes

Grace be with you: All the Pastoral Epistles end with a benediction that has the word “you” in the plural (1 Tim 6:21; Tit 3:15). This suggests that while Paul addressed his letters to Timothy and Titus privately, he intended his correspondence to be read publicly to the congregations under their care.