2 Timothy 4:16

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

2 Timothy 4:16 in Other Translations

KJV
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
ESV
16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!
NLT
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.
MSG
16 At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn't matter -
CSB
16 At my first defense, no one came to my assistance, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted 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 repay him for what he has done.
15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Cross References 1

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