2 Timothy 4
New Catholic Bible
Chapter 4
The Preaching of a Man of God[a]
The Charge To Preach. 1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead,[b] and by his appearing and his kingdom, I charge you: 2 preach the message; be persistent in doing so, whether in season or out of season; convince, reprove, and encourage, but with great patience and instruction.
The Need for Preaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not accept sound doctrine, but they will follow their own desires and accumulate teachers who will preach to their itching ears. 4 They will shut their ears to the truth and be captivated by myths. 5 As for you, always be sober. Endure hardships, do the work of preaching the gospel, and carry out your ministry to the fullest extent.[c]
The Triumphs of a Man of God[d]
Reward for Fidelity. 6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 Now waiting for me is the crown[e] of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day—and not only to me, but to all those who have eagerly longed for his appearance.
Comfort in Trial. 9 Make every effort to come to me as soon as possible. 10 Because of his love of worldly pursuits, Demas[f] has deserted me and gone off to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has left for Dalmatia. 11 No one but Luke[g] is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he has been helpful to me in my ministry.
12 I have sent Tychicus[h] to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring along with you the cloak[i] that I left with Carpus in Troas, and also the scrolls, particularly the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith[j] has done me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for his deeds. 15 Be on guard yourself against him, for he has been strongly opposed to our teaching.
16 At the first hearing of my case, no one came to court to support me. Every one of them deserted me. May it not be held against them! 17 But the Lord stood at my side[k] and gave me strength so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.
Thus was I rescued from the lion’s jaws. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.[l]
Conclusion[m]
19 Final Greetings. Greet Prisca and Aquila,[n] and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus[o] remained in Corinth, while I left Trophimus ill in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren.[p]
22 Farewell. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you.[q]
Footnotes
- 2 Timothy 4:1 Apostles, missionaries, and pastors are first of all men of the Gospel and evangelization. The project that animates their existence is to awaken human beings to the true worship of the living God. This is a much more pressing task when a swarm of vain ideas sows confusion. Such a time has come, says Paul.
- 2 Timothy 4:1 Living and the dead: Christ will return to judge both the living and the dead (see Mt 25:31; Jn 5:26-29; 1 Thes 4:15-17). This was doubtless an early teaching (see Acts 10:42; 1 Pet 4:5), and it became part of the Creed.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 At the end of this verse, the Vulgate adds the words “Be sober.”
- 2 Timothy 4:6 In these last moments Paul affirms that his blood is about to be shed as a sacrifice to God (it was Jewish practice to pour oil or wine on a burnt offering: see Ex 29:40; Phil 2:17). He then uses images from sports to express his certainty of having remained steadfast in the faith. Although his fate had recently been a sad one and he was abandoned and betrayed, his gaze remains fixed on the Lord to announce the Gospel of salvation to the very end and to enter into his Kingdom.
- 2 Timothy 4:8 Crown: probably a reference taken from the laurel wreath that was customarily placed on the head of a winning athlete or a victorious soldier (see 2 Tim 2:5; 1 Cor 9:25).
- 2 Timothy 4:10 Demas had been with Paul during the latter’s first imprisonment in Rome (see Col 4:14; Philem 24). Crescens is mentioned only here in the New Testament. Galatia here means Gaul, according to the terminology used at that time by writers of Greek. Dalmatia is equivalent to present-day Albania and part of the former Yugoslavia; it is also called Illyricum in the New Testament (see Rom 15:19).
- 2 Timothy 4:11 Luke: the “beloved physician,” mentioned in Col 4:14 and Philem 24, who accompanied Paul throughout much of his Second and Third Missionary Journeys (see note on Acts 16:9-15). Mark: the same person who had left Paul and Barnabas in the midst of the First Missionary Journey (see Acts 13:13). Paul’s refusal to take him along on the Second Missionary Journey caused Barnabas to separate himself from the Apostle and take Mark with him on a mission to Cyprus (see Acts 15:36-41). However, Mark later proved himself to Paul and was present with him during the first Roman imprisonment (see Col 4:10; Philem 24).
- 2 Timothy 4:12 Tychicus: a fellow worker of Paul (see Acts 20:3-5; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7).
- 2 Timothy 4:13 Cloak: probably a long-sleeved traveling garment that Paul could use to keep warm during his imprisonment. Carpus: possibly the Apostle’s host at Troas, but nothing is known for certain about him. Scrolls: undoubtedly some type of printed documents. Parchments: perhaps leather scrolls of Old Testament Books.
- 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith: this seems to be the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Tim 1:20; he may have testified against Paul in court. The Lord will repay: citation from Pss 28:4; 62:13; and Prov 24:12.
- 2 Timothy 4:17 The Lord stood at my side: Paul’s ultimate strength lay in his total dependence on the One who commissioned him (see 2 Cor 12:9-10; Phil 4:11-13).
- 2 Timothy 4:18 It is noteworthy that this doxology is centered on Christ the Savior and Redeemer (see Rom 16:25; Gal 1:5).
- 2 Timothy 4:19 This conclusion gives a series of short requests, instructions, and greetings.
- 2 Timothy 4:19 Prisca and Aquila: Prisca (see Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19) is the diminutive form of Priscilla (see Acts 16:2, 18f, 26). She and her husband Aquila were Jewish Christians who had met Paul on his first visit to Corinth during the Second Missionary Journey. They had come to Corinth from Rome, and like Paul they were tentmakers (see Acts 16:2f). Later they went with Paul to Ephesus (see Acts 18:18f), where their house became a Christian meeting place for several years before they returned to Rome (Rom 16:3f; 1 Cor 16:19). They had now gone back to Ephesus (see 1 Tim 1:3). Onesiphorus: see note on 2 Tim 1:16.
- 2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus: see note on Rom 16:23. Trophimus: a Christian from Ephesus (see Acts 21:29), who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem (see Acts 20:4) and was thought by the Jews to have entered the temple, thus leading to the riot that resulted in Paul’s arrest (see Acts 21:29ff) and first imprisonment at Rome. Miletus: a seaport on the coast of Asia Minor about 50 miles from Ephesus.
- 2 Timothy 4:21 Nothing is known for certain about Eubulus and Pudens. There is a western tradition that Linus was the successor of Peter as Bishop of Rome, and that Claudia was his mother.
- 2 Timothy 4:22 Some manuscripts add the words “Jesus Christ” after “Lord” and “Amen” at the end of the verse. The first “you” in the Greek (translated as “your”) is singular, indicating that the Letter was addressed to Timothy alone; the second is plural (“all of you”), indicating that it was intended to be read aloud to the community.
2 Timothy 4
English Standard Version
Preach the Word
4 (A)I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, (B)who is to judge the living and the dead, and by (C)his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; (D)reprove, rebuke, and (E)exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 (F)For the time is coming when people will not endure (G)sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and (H)will turn away from listening to the truth and (I)wander off into myths. 5 But as for you, (J)always be sober-minded, (K)endure suffering, do the work of (L)an evangelist, (M)fulfill your ministry.
6 For (N)I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my (O)departure has come. 7 (P)I have fought the good fight, (Q)I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is (R)laid up for me (S)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, (T)the righteous judge, will award to me on (U)that day, and not only to me but also to all (V)who have loved his appearing.
Personal Instructions
9 (W)Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For (X)Demas, (Y)in love with (Z)this present world, (AA)has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia,[b] (AB)Titus to Dalmatia. 11 (AC)Luke alone is with me. Get (AD)Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 (AE)Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 (AF)Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; (AG)the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. (AH)May it not be charged against them! 17 But (AI)the Lord stood by me and (AJ)strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and (AK)all the Gentiles might hear it. So (AL)I was rescued (AM)from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. (AN)To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
19 Greet (AO)Prisca and Aquila, and (AP)the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left (AQ)Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 (AR)Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.[c]
22 The Lord be (AS)with your spirit. (AT)Grace be with you.[d]
Footnotes
- 2 Timothy 4:3 Or healthy
- 2 Timothy 4:10 Some manuscripts Gaul
- 2 Timothy 4:21 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
- 2 Timothy 4:22 The Greek for you is plural
2 Timothy 4
New King James Version
Preach the Word
4 I (A)charge you [a]therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, (B)who will judge the living and the dead [b]at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. (C)Convince, (D)rebuke, (E)exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 (F)For the time will come when they will not endure (G)sound doctrine, (H)but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and (I)be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, (J)endure afflictions, do the work of (K)an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Paul’s Valedictory
6 For (L)I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of (M)my departure is at hand. 7 (N)I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me (O)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous (P)Judge, will give to me (Q)on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The Abandoned Apostle
9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for (R)Demas has forsaken me, (S)having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get (T)Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And (U)Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
14 (V)Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. (W)May it not be charged against them.
The Lord Is Faithful
17 (X)But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, (Y)so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered (Z)out of the mouth of the lion. 18 (AA)And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. (AB)To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
Come Before Winter
19 Greet (AC)Prisca and Aquila, and the household of (AD)Onesiphorus. 20 (AE)Erastus stayed in Corinth, but (AF)Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
21 Do your utmost to come before winter.
Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
Farewell
22 The Lord [c]Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Footnotes
- 2 Timothy 4:1 NU omits therefore
- 2 Timothy 4:1 NU and by
- 2 Timothy 4:22 NU omits Jesus Christ
2 Timothy 4
1599 Geneva Bible
4 1 He chargeth him to preach the Gospel with all diligence, 3 in that so miserable a time: 6 that his death is hard at hand, 8 yet so, that as a conqueror he maketh haste to a glorious triumph. 10 He showeth the cause why he sendeth for Timothy, 11 even by reason of his present state.
1 I [a]Charge thee therefore before God, and before the Lord Jesus Christ, which shall judge the quick and dead at that his appearing, and in his kingdom,
2 Preach the word: be instant, in season, and out of season: improve, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 [b]For the time will come when they will not suffer wholesome doctrine: but having their ears itching, shall after their own lusts get them an heap of teachers,
4 And shall turn their ears from the truth, and shall be given unto [c]fables.
5 [d]But watch thou in all things: suffer adversity: do the work of an Evangelist: [e]cause thy ministry to be thoroughly liked of.
6 [f]For I am now ready to be [g]offered, and the time of my departing is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, and have finished my course: I have kept the faith.
8 For henceforth is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love that his appearing.
9 [h]Make speed to come unto me at once:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, and hath [i]embraced this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 (A)Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable unto me to minister.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works.
15 Of whom be thou ware also: for he withstood our preaching sore.
16 At my first answering no man assisted me, but all forsook me: I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully believed, and that all the Gentiles should hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the [j]lion.
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every [k]evil work, and will preserve me unto his [l]heavenly kingdom: to whom be praise for ever and ever, Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the (B)household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
21 Make speed to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy Spirit. Grace be with you, Amen.
¶ The second Epistle written from Rome unto Timothy, the first Bishop elected of the Church of Ephesus, when Paul was presented the second time before the Emperor Nero.
Footnotes
- 2 Timothy 4:1 The principal and chief of all admonitions, being therefore proposed with a most earnest charge, is this: That the word of God be propounded with a certain holy importunity, as necessity requireth: but so, that a good and true ground of the doctrine be laid, and the vehemency be tempered with all holy meekness.
- 2 Timothy 4:3 Faithful Pastors in times past took all occasions they could, because men were very prompt and ready to return to their fables.
- 2 Timothy 4:4 To false and unprofitable doctrines, which the world is now so bewitched withal, that it had rather the open light of the truth were utterly put out, when it would come out of darkness.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 The wickedness and falling away of the world, ought to cause faithful ministers to be so much the more careful.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 Prove and show by good and substantial proof, that thou art the true minister of God.
- 2 Timothy 4:6 He foretelleth his death to be at hand, and setteth before them an excellent example, both of invincible constancy and sure hope.
- 2 Timothy 4:6 To be offered for a drink offering: and he alludeth to the pouring out of blood or wine which was used in sacrifices.
- 2 Timothy 4:9 The last part of the Epistle, setting forth grievous complaints against certain, and examples of singular godliness in every place, and of a mind never wearied.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 Contented himself with this world.
- 2 Timothy 4:17 Of Nero.
- 2 Timothy 4:18 Preserve me pure from committing anything unworthy my Apostleship.
- 2 Timothy 4:18 To make me partaker of his kingdom.
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
