Bible Commentaries

I charge thee (διαμαρτυρομαι — diamarturomai). Rather, “I testify.” See 1 Thessalonians 4:6. See 1 Timothy 5:21 for this verb and appeal to God and Christ.

Who shall judge (του μελλοντος κρινειν — tou mellontos krinein). “The one going or about to judge” (regular idiom with μελλω — mellō). The quick and the dead (ζωντας και νεκρους — zōntas kai nekrous). “Living and dead.” See 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

And by his appearing (και την επιπανειαν — kai tēn epiphaneian). Accusative of conjuration (verbs of swearing), after διαμαρτυρομαι — diamarturomai as is βασιλειαν — basileian (by his kingdom). See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:27. For επιπανειαν — epiphaneian see note on 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Titus 2:13; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

Preach the word (κηρυχον τον λογον — kēruxon ton logon). First aorist active imperative of κηρυσσω — kērussō For “the word” used absolutely, see note on 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Galatians 6:6.

Be instant in season, out of season (επιστητι ευκαιρως ακαιρως — epistēthi eukairōs akairōs). Second aorist (ingressive) active imperative of επιστημι — ephistēmi (intransitive use), “take a stand,” “stand upon it or up to it,” “carry on,” “stick to it.” The Vulgate has “insta.” The two adverbs are like a proverb or a play (pun) on the word καιρος — kairos There are all sorts of seasons (καιροι — kairoi), some difficult (χαλεποι — chalepoi 2 Timothy 3:1), some easy (ευκαιρηι — eukairēi 1 Corinthians 16:12).

Reprove (ελεγχον — elegxon). First aorist active imperative of ελεγχω — elegchō “Bring to proof.” Ephesians 5:11.

Rebuke (επιτιμησον — epitimēson). First aorist active imperative of επιτιμαω — epitimaō to give honour (or blame) to, to chide. Common in the Gospels (Luke 17:3).

Exhort (παρακαλεσον — parakaleson). First aorist active imperative of παρακαλεω — parakaleō common Pauline word.

A time when (καιρος οτε — kairos hote). One of the ακαιρως — akairōs (out of season) times.

Will not endure (ουκ ανεχονται — ouk anexontai). Future middle (direct) of ανεχω — anechō “Will not hold themselves back from” (Colossians 3:13). Having itching ears (κνητομενοι την ακοην — knēthomenoi tēn akoēn). Present middle (causative) participle of κνητω — knēthō late and rare form of the Attic κναω — knaō to scratch, to tickle, here only in N.T. “Getting the ears (the hearing, την ακοην — tēn akoēn) tickled.” The Vulgate has πρυριεντες — prurientes Cf. the Athenians (Acts 17:21). Clement of Alexandria tells of speakers tickling (κνητοντες — knēthontes) the ears of those who want to be tickled. This is the temptation of the merely “popular” preacher, to furnish the latest tickle.

Will turn away their ears (την ακοην αποστρεπσουσιν — tēn akoēn apostrepsousin). Future active of old verb αποστρεπω — apostrephō See 1 Corinthians 12:17 for this use of ακοη — akoē The people stopped their ears and rushed at Stephen in Acts 7:57.

Will turn aside (εκτραπησονται — ektrapēsontai). Second future passive of εκτρεπω — ektrepō They prefer “myths” to “the truth” as some today turn away to “humanism,” “bolshevism,” “new thought” or any other fad that will give a new momentary thrill to their itching ears and morbid minds.

But be thou sober (συ δε νηπε — su de nēphe). Present active imperative of νηπω — nēphō for which see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:8. “Be sober in thy head.”

Suffer hardship (κακοπατησον — kakopathēson). See note on 2 Timothy 2:9.

Do the work of an evangelist (εργον ποιησον ευαγγελιστου — ergon poiēson euaggelistou). See note on 1 Corinthians 1:17; Ephesians 4:11 for ευαγγελιστης — euaggelistēs gospelizer.

Fulfil (πληροπορησον — plērophorēson). First aorist active imperative of πληροπορεω — plērophoreō for which see note on Colossians 4:12. In Colossians 4:17 Paul uses πληροω — plēroō to Archippus about his ministry as he here employs πληροπορεω — plērophoreō Both verbs mean to fill full.

I am already being offered (ηδη σπενδομαι — ēdē spendomai). Present (progressive) passive indicative of σπενδω — spendō old verb, to pour out a libation or drink offering. In N.T. only here and Philemon 2:17. “What was then a possibility is now a certainty” (Parry). The sacrifice of Paul‘s life-blood has begun.

Of my departure (της αναλυσεως μου — tēs analuseōs mou). Our very word “analysis.” Old word from αναλυω — analuō to loosen up or back, to unloose. Only here in N.T., though αναλυσαι — analusai for death is used by Paul in Philemon 1:23 which see for the metaphor.

Is come (επεστηκεν — ephestēken). Perfect active indicative of επιστημι — ephistēmi (intransitive use). See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Luke 21:34. The hour has struck. The time has come.

I have fought the good fight (τον καλον αγωνα ηγωνισμαι — ton kalon agōna ēgōnismai). Perfect middle indicative of αγωνιζομαι — agōnizomai a favourite figure with Paul (1 Corinthians 9:25; Colossians 1:29), with the cognate accusative αγωνα — agōna (Philemon 1:27, Philemon 1:30, etc.). The “fight” is the athletic contest of his struggle for Christ.

I have finished the course (τον δρομον τετελεκα — ton dromon teteleka). Perfect active indicative of τελεω — teleō He had used this metaphor also of himself to the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:24). Then the “course” was ahead of him. Now it is behind him.

I have kept the faith (την πιστιν τετηρηκα — tēn pistin tetērēka). Perfect active indicative again of τηρεω — tēreō Paul has not deserted. He has kept faith with Christ. For this phrase, see note on Revelation 14:12. Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 309) gives inscriptions in Ephesus of a man who says: “I have kept faith” (την πιστιν ετηρησα — tēn pistin etērēsa) and another of a man of whom it is said: “He fought three fights, and twice was crowned.”

Henceforth (λοιπον — loipon). Accusative case, “for the rest.”

There is laid up for me (αποκειται μοι — apokeitai moi). Present passive of αποκειμαι — apokeimai old verb, to be laid away. See note on Colossians 1:5 for the hope laid away. Paul‘s “crown of righteousness” (ο της δικαιοσυνης στεπανος — ho tēs dikaiosunēs stephanos genitive of apposition, the crown that consists in righteousness and is also the reward for righteousness, the victor‘s crown as in 1 Corinthians 9:25 which see) “is laid away” for him.

At that day (εν εκεινηι τηι ημεραι — en ekeinēi tēi hēmerāi). That great and blessed day (2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18).

The righteous judge (ο δικαιος κριτης — ho dikaios kritēs). “The just judge,” the umpire who makes no mistakes who judges us all (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Shall give me (αποδωσει μοι — apodōsei moi). Future active of αποδιδωμι — apodidōmi “Will give back” as in Romans 2:6 and in full.

But also to all them that have loved his appearing (αλλα πασιν τοις ηγαπηκοσιν την επιπανειαν αυτου — alla pāsin tois ēgapēkosin tēn epiphaneian autou). Dative case of the perfect active participle of αγαπαω — agapaō to love, who have loved and still love his second coming. Επιπανεια — Epiphaneia here can as in 2 Timothy 1:10 be interpreted of Christ‘s Incarnation.

Shortly (ταχεως — tacheōs). In 2 Timothy 4:21 he more definitely says “before winter.” Apparently the trial might drag on through its various stages.

Forsook me (με εγκατελειπεν — me egkateleipen). Imperfect (MSS. also have aorist, εγκατελιπεν — egkatelipen) active of the old double compound verb εγκαταλειπω — egkataleipō for which see note on Romans 9:29. Clearly in contrast to 2 Timothy 4:9 and in the sense of 1 Timothy 6:17, wilful desertion. Only mentioned elsewhere in Colossians 4:14.

Crescens (Κρησκης — Krēskēs). No other mention of him.

Titus to Dalmatia (Τιτος εις Δαλματιαν — Titos eis Dalmatian). Titus had been asked to rejoin Paul in Nicopolis where he was to winter, probably the winter previous to this one (Titus 3:12). He came and has been with Paul.

Only Luke is with me (Λουκας εστιν μονος μετ εμου — Loukas estin monos met' emou). Luke is with Paul now in Rome as during the first Roman imprisonment (Philemon 1:24; Colossians 4:14).

Take Mark (Μαρκον αναλαβων — Markon analabōn). Second aorist active participle of αναλαμβανω — analambanō old verb, to pick up, as in Ephesians 6:13, Ephesians 6:16. “Pick up Mark.”

He is useful to me (εστιν μοι ευχρηστος — estin moi euchrēstos). See note on 2 Timothy 2:21 for ευχρηστος — euchrēstos Paul had long ago changed his opinion of Mark (Colossians 4:10) because Mark had changed his conduct and had made good in his ministry. Now Paul longs to have the man that he once scornfully rejected (Acts 15:37.).

Tychicus I sent to Ephesus (Τυχικον απεστειλα εις Επεσον — Tuchikon apesteila eis Epheson). Perhaps Paul had sent him on before he came to Rome. He may have been still on the way to Ephesus.

The cloke (την πελονην — tēn phelonēn). More common form πειλονη — pheilonē By metathesis for παινολη — phainolē Latin paenula, though which language transliterated the word into the other is not known. The meaning is also uncertain, though probably “cloke” as there are so many papyri examples in that sense (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary). Milligan (N.T. Documents, p. 20) had previously urged “book wrap” as probable but he changed his mind and rightly so.

With Carpus (παρα Καρπωι — para Karpōi). “Beside Carpus,” at his house. Not mentioned elsewhere. Probably a visit to Troas after Paul‘s return from Crete.

The books (τα βιβλια — ta biblia). Probably papyrus rolls. One can only guess what rolls the old preacher longs to have with him, probably copies of Old Testament books, possibly copies of his own letters, and other books used and loved. The old preacher can be happy with his books.

Especially the parchments (μαλιστα τας μεμβρανας — malista tas membranas). Latin membrana. The dressed skins were first made at Pergamum and so termed “parchments.” These in particular would likely be copies of Old Testament books, parchment being more expensive than papyrus, possibly even copies of Christ‘s sayings (Luke 1:1-4). We recall that in Acts 26:24 Festus referred to Paul‘s learning (τα γραμματα — ta grammata). He would not waste his time in prison.

Alexander the coppersmith (Αλεχανδρος ο χαλκευς — Alexandros ho chalkeus). Old word, only here in N.T., for metal-worker (copper, iron, gold, etc.). Possibly the one in 1 Timothy 1:20, but not the one in Acts 19:33. unless he afterwards became a Christian.

Did me much evil (μοι κακα ενεδειχατο — moi kaka enedeixato). Evidently he had some personal dislike towards Paul and possibly also he was a Gnostic.

Will render (αποδωσει — apodōsei). Future active of the same verb used in 2 Timothy 4:8, but with a very different atmosphere.

Be thou ware also (και συ πυλασσου — kai su phulassou). Present middle (direct) imperative of πυλασσω — phulassō “from whom keep thyself away.”

Withstood (αντεστη — antestē). Second aorist active indicative of αντιστημι — anthistēmi “stood against my words.” See note on 2 Timothy 3:8; Galatians 2:11.

At my first defence (εν τηι πρωτηι απολογιαι — en tēi prōtēi apologiāi). Original sense of “apology” as in Philemon 1:7, Philemon 1:16. Either the first stage in this trial or the previous trial and acquittal at the end of the first Roman imprisonment. Probably the first view is correct, though really there is no way to decide.

No one took my part (ουδεις μοι παρεγενετο — oudeis moi paregeneto). “No one came by my side” (second aorist middle indicative of παραγινομαι — paraginomai). See note on 1 Corinthians 16:3.

But all forsook me (αλλα παντες με εγκατελειπον — alla pantes me egkateleipon). Same verb and tense used of Demas above (2 Timothy 4:10), “But all were forsaking me” (one by one) or, if aorist εγκατελιπον — egkatelipon “all at once left me.”

May it not be laid to their account (μη αυτοις λογιστειη — mē autois logistheiē). First aorist passive optative in future wish with negative μη — mē Common Pauline verb λογιζομαι — logizomai (1 Corinthians 13:5; Romans 4:3, Romans 4:5).

But the Lord stood by me (ο δε κυριος μοι παρεστη — ho de kurios moi parestē). Second aorist active of παριστημι — paristēmi (intransitive use), “took his stand by my side.” See note on Romans 16:2. Clearly Jesus appeared to Paul now at this crisis and climax as he had done so many times before.

Strengthened me (ενεδυναμωσεν με — enedunamōsen me). “Poured power into me.” See note on Philemon 4:13.

That through me the message might be fully proclaimed (ινα δι εμου το κηρυγμα πληροπορητηι — hina di' emou to kērugma plērophorēthēi). Final clause with ινα — hina and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροπορεω — plērophoreō (see 2 Timothy 4:5). Either to the rulers in Rome now or, if the first imprisonment, by his release and going to Spain.

And that all the Gentiles might hear (και ακουσωσιν παντα τα ετνη — kai akousōsin panta ta ethnē). Continuation of the purpose with the aorist active subjunctive of ακουω — akouō

I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (ερυστην εκ στοματος λεοντος — erusthēn ek stomatos leontos). First aorist passive indicative of ρυομαι — ruomai (1 Thessalonians 1:10). A proverb, but not certain what the application is whether to Nero or to Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18) or to the lion in the arena where Paul could not be sent because a Roman citizen.

Will deliver me (ρυσεται με — rusetai me). Future middle. Recall the Lord‘s Prayer. Paul is not afraid of death. He will find his triumph in death (Philemon 1:21.).

Unto his heavenly kingdom (εις την βασιλειαν αυτου την επουρανιον — eis tēn basileian autou tēn epouranion). The future life of glory as in 1 Corinthians 15:24, 1 Corinthians 15:50. He will save (σωσει — sōsei effective future) me there finally and free from all evil.

To whom be the glory (ωι η δοχα — hōi hē doxa). No verb in the Greek. Paul‘s final doxology, his Swan Song, to Christ as in Romans 9:5; Romans 16:27.

Prisca and Aquila (Πρισχαν και Ακυλαν — Priscan kai Akulan). Paul‘s friends now back in Ephesus, no longer in Rome (Romans 16:3). See note on 2 Timothy 1:16 for the house of Onesiphorus.

Erastus (Εραστος — Erastos). See note on Acts 19:22 and note on Romans 16:23.

Trophimus (Τροπιμον — Trophimon). A native of Ephesus and with Paul in Jerusalem (Acts 20:4; Acts 21:29).

At Miletus sick (εν Μιλητωι αστενουντα — en Milētōi asthenounta). Present active participle of αστενεω — astheneō to be weak. Probably on Paul‘s return from Crete.

Before winter (προ χειμωνος — pro cheimōnos). Pathetic item if Paul was now in the Mamertine Dungeon in Rome with winter coming on and without his cloak for which he asked. How long he had been in prison this time we do not know. He may even have spent the previous winter or part of it here. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia are all unknown otherwise. Irenaeus does speak of Linus.

The Lord be with thy Spirit (ο κυριος μετα του πνευματος σου — ho kurios meta tou pneumatos sou). Let us hope that Timothy and Mark reached Paul before winter, before the end came, with the cloak and with the books. Our hero, we may be sure, met the end nobly. He is already more than conqueror in Christ who is by his side and who will welcome him to heaven and give him his crown. Luke, Timothy, Mark will do all that mortal hands can do to cheer the heart of Paul with human comfort. He already had the comfort of Christ in full measure.