Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Timothy 4
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Timothy 4
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Timothy 4
"I charge [thee] in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry." — 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (ASV)
People will turn away from the truth; they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy for fables, and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not endure preaching that is searching, plain, and to the point. Those who love souls must be always watchful, must venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness, and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.
"For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing." — 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (ASV)
The blood of the martyrs, though not a sacrifice of atonement, was still a sacrifice of acknowledgment of the grace of God and his truth.
To a good man, death is his release from the imprisonment of this world and his departure to the enjoyments of another world. As a Christian and a minister, Paul had kept the faith, kept the doctrines of the gospel. What comfort it will afford to be able to speak in this manner toward the end of our days!
The crown of believers is a crown of righteousness, purchased by the righteousness of Christ. Believers do not have it at present, yet it is sure, for it is laid up for them. The believer, amidst poverty, pain, sickness, and the agonies of death, may rejoice; but if the duties of a man's place and station are neglected, his evidence of his part in Christ will be darkened, and uncertainty and distress may be expected to cloud and harass his last hours.
"Give diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering. But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments." — 2 Timothy 4:9-13 (ASV)
The love of this world is often the cause of turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by Divine inspiration, yet he still valued his books. As long as we live, we must still learn.
The apostles likewise did not neglect human means, whether for seeking the necessities of life or for their own instruction. Let us therefore thank the Divine goodness for having given us so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; and let us seek that by reading them our progress may be evident to all.
"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works: of whom do thou also beware; for he greatly withstood our words. At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account. But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might me fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] the glory forever and ever. Amen." — 2 Timothy 4:14-18 (ASV)
There is as much danger from false brethren, as from open enemies. It is dangerous having to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul.
The Christians at Rome were eager to meet him (Acts 28), but when there seemed to be a danger of suffering with him, then all forsook him. God might justly be angry with them, but he prays that God would forgive them.
The apostle was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, that is, of Nero, or some of his judges. If the Lord stands by us, he will strengthen us in difficulties and dangers, and his presence will more than compensate for every one's absence.
"Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick. Give diligence to come before winter. Eubulus saluteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord be with thy spirit. Grace be with you." — 2 Timothy 4:19-22 (ASV)
We need no more to make us happy than to have the Lord Jesus Christ with our spirits; for in Him all spiritual blessings are summed up. The best prayer we can offer for our friends is that the Lord Jesus Christ may be with their spirits, to sanctify and save them, and at last to receive them to Himself. Many who believed as Paul are now before the throne, giving glory to their Lord. May we be followers of them.
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