2 Timothy 4:16

16 At my first hearing no one stood up in my defense. Everyone abandoned me. I pray that it won't be held against them.

2 Timothy 4:16 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 4:16

At my first answer no man stood with me
Meaning, that when he made his first defence against the charges laid unto him in one of the courts of judicature in Rome, no man appeared in his cause, to speak to his character, to be a witness for him, or plead his cause:

but all men forsook me;
all his friends, all that came with him from Judea, or from Asia; see ( 2 Timothy 1:15 ) being timorous of coming into danger, and of the loss of their lives; as the disciples of Christ were, when he was apprehended, who all at that time forsook him and fled:

[I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge;
that this sin may not be imputed to them, or they be punished for it, but that it might be pardoned; so differently does he express himself on the account of these, than on the account of the coppersmith; he sinning through malice, wilfully and obstinately, these through surprise, temptation, and weakness.

2 Timothy 4:16 In-Context

14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did.
15 Watch out for him. He violently opposed what we said.
16 At my first hearing no one stood up in my defense. Everyone abandoned me. I pray that it won't be held against them.
17 However, the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that I could finish spreading the Good News for all the nations to hear. I was snatched out of a lion's mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from all harm and will take me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory belongs to him forever! Amen.
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