Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Timothy 4:16

"At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account." — 2 Timothy 4:16 (ASV)

Paul now reflects on his first “defense” (GK 665), when no one came to his support but everyone deserted him. Older commentaries usually refer this to Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:30), which resulted in his release. But most scholars today feel that the language here is too strong for that earlier event, when in accordance with Roman custom, he may have been automatically released without trial at the end of two years. Rather, the reference is to Paul’s first hearing in court. Paul’s magnanimous Christian love is revealed in the last sentence of this verse: “May it not be held against them.” He could and did forgive his deserters for their weakness in fearing to stand by him.