Faithful to the End

2 Timothy 4:9-15, 19-21

From Paul's final words here, we see the importance of relationships. What is on the mind of the apostle at death? Jesus and people! Paul was not a lone ranger. He always mentioned people in his letters. In chapter 1, he describes the sad desertion of Phygelus and Hermogenes and the exemplary service of Onesiphorus. In chapter 4, he mentions a number of individuals, both friends and foes. Some were faithful, and some were unfaithful. Some started well but departed. Others started poorly but were now exemplary. As we survey the individuals mentioned, we might ask ourselves if we are being faithful to God and one another. Are you like Demas or Mark? Are you an Alexander or a Luke?

In verses 9-15, Paul lists nine people. While we should not sit in judgment over them, it seems that enough is said about them to at least learn from them and examine our own faithfulness. Below is a chart that might help summarize this group of people. It may look like a battery, but it is not! The positive and negative signs reflect Paul's words. Some who are mentioned might receive a "positive, positive" while Alexander receives a "negative, negative." Others, like Demas and Mark, changed their course, according to Paul.20 Of course, I do not mean to imply that the "positive, positive people" were sinless. I am only saying that Paul had good things to say about their lives and that we should all seek to emulate their faithfulness.217

Timothy (4:9). Twice Paul urges Timothy to come to him quickly (vv. 9, 21). His desire for Timothy's urgent visit probably indicates that Paul believed his time was short, and soon the winter months would inhibit travel. It also shows the close bond between these two men. While Paul's ultimate desire was to see his Savior, he still wanted to see his spiritual son (cf. 1:4). John Stott notes that these two desires are not incompatible. He writes, "One sometimes meets super-spiritual people who claim that they never feel lonely and have no need for friends, for the companionship of Christ satisfies all their needs. But human friendship is the loving provision of God for mankind" (Stott, Message, 120). Timothy was a "positive, positive." He was there in the beginning, and he was there in the end.

Demas (4:10). While people can be wonderful sources of joy, they can also be sources of discouragement. Enter Demas. Paul says that he "has deserted me." The word "deserted" is a strong verb, meaning to "utterly abandon and leave someone helpless in a dire situation" (MacArthur, 2 Timothy, 206). His desertion brought pain to Paul. According to other passages, Demas was previously a "coworker" (see Col 4:14; Phlm 24). In both passages, Demas's name is with Luke's. Demas had been "positive" but sadly went "negative."

Why did he desert Paul? Paul says it was "because he loved this present world." Instead of loving Christ's appearing (4:8), Demas loved "this present world" (cf. Rom 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17). It is hard to tell exactly what this means since the details are not given, but it is certainly not positive. We know it means he had misplaced affections. As noted earlier in this letter (3:2), when we have the wrong loves, we live a wrong life.218

It is astonishing to think about a guy who hung out with Paul but later fell away. He not only went to "Bible studies," but he also sat with a guy who wrote part of the Bible! Demas reminds us of Judas. He was a fair-weather disciple. His desertion should serve as a warning to us: "Whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall" (1 Cor 10:12).

Crescens, Titus, and Tychicus (4:10c, 12). While Demas's desertion hurt Paul, three other departures seem to have received the apostle's blessing. Crescens and Titus appear to have been sent out on mission: "Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia." Dalmatia was across the Adriatic Sea, and Galatia was across the Aegean Sea. Nothing else is known about Crescens in the New Testament, but a tradition connects him with the churches of Mayence in Gaul (Guthrie, Pastoral Epistles, 183).

Titus is no stranger to us. Apparently, Titus finished his assignment in Crete and was now sent on a new assignment. Elsewhere, Paul calls Titus "my true son" (Titus 1:4) and speaks of him as an exemplary friend and gospel partner. Titus brought comfort to Paul and others (e.g., 2 Cor 7:6). He appears to be a strong equipper of leaders. Paul trusted Titus to lead struggling churches. Earlier Paul had told Titus that the reason he wanted him in Crete was to "set right what was left undone" (Titus 1:5). His mission in Dalmatia is probably similar. He is sent out to strengthen the church and build up its leaders.

Tychicus also seems to have been a "positive, positive" associate, demonstrating a consistent life of faithfulness. He was the loyal bearer of the letter to the Colossians and Ephesians (see Eph 6:21-22; Col 4:7-8). Think about that assignment! Hand delivering a book of the Bible! It is possible that he took this present letter to Timothy also: "I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus" (4:12). Another possibility is that he was going to serve as Timothy's (temporary) replacement in Ephesus, so that Timothy could visit Paul in Rome (see Titus 3:12).

Because these three faithful men were sent out, it increased Paul's need for Timothy's companionship.

Luke (4:11a). Paul says, "Only Luke is with me," but we should not read this as a disparaging comment about Luke. Paul is not saying, "Please come visit me! I have no real friend here, just Dr. Luke!" Luke, "the dearly loved physician" (Col 4:14), was a loyal friend and companion to Paul. He stands in contrast to Demas. Hughes says, "Luke was a tough friend for tough times. He was with Paul in prison from the first time to the last. He was Paul's biographer, and the 'we' passages in Acts

Luke (4:11a). Paul says, "Only Luke is with me," but we should not read this as a disparaging comment about Luke. Paul is not saying, "Please come visit me! I have no real friend here, just Dr. Luke!" Luke, "the dearly loved physician" (Col 4:14), was a loyal friend and companion to Paul. He stands in contrast to Demas. Hughes says, "Luke was a tough friend for tough times. He was with Paul in prison from the first time to the last. He was Paul's biographer, and the 'we' passages in Acts 219indicate that he was with the apostle during some of the most difficult times" (Hughes and Chapell, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, 260). Surely, Paul was glad to have Luke with him.

Mark (4:11b). Concerning (John) Mark, Paul writes, "Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry." Mark's story is encouraging. He started out with many incredible privileges and opportunities. His mother's home was one of the main places for the Jerusalem church. Peter joined the disciples in this home after miraculously getting out of prison (Acts 12:12). This home may also have been where the last supper was eaten. Mark was an eyewitness of Jesus and may have been the young man who ran away (naked!) at Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:51-52). He was familiar with the life and ministry of Jesus.

When Paul went on his first missionary journey, Mark went with him. For some reason, however, Mark went home (Acts 13:5, 13). Later Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them on another trip, but Paul rejected the idea because he viewed Mark as a deserter. Barnabas and Mark went one way, and Paul and Silas went another.

But Mark gets restored and is later present with Paul during the apostle's first imprisonment (Col 4:10). Paul calls him a "coworker" (Phlm 24). Peter also mentions Mark as his "son" (1 Pet 5:13). Here in 2 Timothy, some 20 years after their separation, Mark makes the short list of reliable friends and companions of Paul.

Mark's story should give fallen Christians hope. Despite rejection, possible shame, hurt, and failure, Mark is restored and put back in the game. Mark not only was useful to Paul, but he was used by God to write the Gospel of Mark! Under the inspiration of the Spirit, Mark gives us the action-packed Gospel focusing on the suffering Messiah. This Messiah restored him and can restore us all by His grace.

Carpus (4:13). Paul mentioned Carpus in his request to Timothy: "When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments." As a pastor, few things are more important to you than your books! I would consider this guy a righteous man if he watched over my books and returned them safely! Apparently Carpus lived in Troas, and Paul had visited him. It is also possible that the church in Troas met in his house (see Acts 20:6-7). For some reason Paul left some important items there (due to an arrest?).

Paul's cloak is important because he was cold in Rome. This was probably an expensive item. His scrolls and parchments were also expensive and personally valuable. His "books" (ESV) were probably papyrus220 rolls, possibly being the Old Testament. Parchments were expensive. They were vellum sheets made of treated animal hides that were used for important documents like legal papers. These were possibly written accounts of Jesus' words and deeds. Or they may have simply been blank pages that Paul planned on using for other writing purposes. It is not outrageous to think that these parchments contained important Christian material. It certainly fits the idea of "guarding the truth."

We see a glimpse of Paul's humanness and need here. Stott says, "When our spirit is lonely, we need friends. When our body is cold, we need clothing. When our mind is bored, we need books. To admit this is not unspiritual; it is human" (Stott, Message, 121).

Alexander (4:14-15). Alexander was an obvious opponent to Paul and the gospel. Paul notes that he "did great harm to me" and that "he strongly opposed our words." He may have been involved in Paul's second arrest. As a "coppersmith," he may have been an idol maker who resented Paul (like Demetrius in Acts 19:24) because Paul was cutting into his bottom line. In 1 Timothy, Paul mentions an "Alexander," whom he "delivered... to Satan" (1:20). Whether this is the same Alexander we cannot know for sure.

Paul tells Timothy two things about Alexander. First, "The Lord will repay him according to his works" (v. 14). Paul says that the Lord, the righteous Judge, would render the ultimate judgment on this man (cf. Ps 62:12). Second, he warns, "Watch out for him yourself" (v. 15), and be on guard constantly against his evil opposition.

Prisca and Aquila and Onesiphorus (4:19). As we jump ahead to the final list of names, Paul first greets his friends in other places. Prisca and Aquila (wife and husband) befriended Paul in Corinth. Paul stayed with them and worked with them as tent makers (Acts 18:2-3). Paul called them his "coworkers" (Rom 16:3), and apparently, they were still in Ephesus, where they had accompanied Paul before he left for Caesarea (Acts 18:26). They exemplify steady faithfulness to Jesus. Paul also greets Onesiphorus's household. Even though this refreshing friend appears to be in Rome, Paul still mentions a word of greeting to his household.

Erastus and Trophimus (4:20). Two other mutual friends are included here. Paul says, "Erastus has remained at Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus." It may be that this is the Erastus spoken of in Romans 16:23,221 where he was known as the "city treasurer" and the same guy who was with Timothy on a previous trip to Macedonia (Acts 19:22). Trophimus, a native of Ephesus, was a companion of Paul on his third missionary journey. According to Acts 20:4, he was with Paul when he went to Miletus, and according to Acts 21:29, he went with Paul to Jerusalem. Trophimus knew of the hardships of Paul and undoubtedly experienced difficulty as well in laboring for the gospel. He may have been with Paul on this trip from Asia to Rome but had to remain in Miletus because of an illness. These individuals were loyal servants.

Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and the brothers (4:21b). Nothing is known of these three men and one woman. They appear to be part of the church in Rome since their names are joined with "all the brothers." One tradition places Linus as the one who became first bishop of Rome following the martyrdom of Paul and Peter.

These four new friends show how faithful saints through the years have blessed the body of Christ. While they are unknown to us, they were not unknown to God. Your service to Jesus does not go unnoticed either! The church has been blessed, enriched, and strengthened throughout the ages by unsung heroes.

The Lord's Perfect Faithfulness

2 Timothy 4:16-18, 22

Paul's "first defense" (v. 16) may refer to a preliminary investigation that would precede the formal trial, roughly equivalent to a grand jury hearing (Hughes and Chapell, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, 267). Paul says that no one stood with him during this trial. Some could not because of other tasks, and others would not because of fear or other reasons. This courageous missionary of the church did not have one single Christian alongside him. We do not know what charges were laid against him, but according to Pliny, Tacitius, and others, several claims were made about Christians. They were accused of atheism because they rejected Caesar-worship and of cannibalism because they spoke of eating the Lord's body (Stott, Message, 123).

Paul reminds us of Jesus. Previously Paul, like Jesus, went to Jerusalem knowing that he was walking into his death (Acts 21:11-14). Now here in 2 Timothy, Paul is in his own garden of Gethsemane. He222 says, "Everyone deserted me" (4:16; cf. Mark 14:50). And like Jesus, Paul says, "May it not be counted against them" (v. 16; cf. Luke 23:34), showing mercy and not anger or bitterness.

What is more, here during his dying days, it seems that Paul uses the language of Psalm 22 (vv. 16-18), which may indicate that he was meditating on this classic Christ-exalting psalm. This psalm also occupied the mind of Jesus during His dying moments. Take a moment to compare 2 Timothy 4:16 with Psalm 22:1 and 11; 2 Timothy 4:17 with Psalm 22:21 and 27; and 2 Timothy 4:18 with Psalm 22:28. Paul is certainly a model of faithfulness and devotion, worthy of our imitation because he points us to the Savior (1 Cor 11:1).

Paul also knew, like Jesus, that he was not ultimately alone. The Lord was with him! He says to Timothy, "But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me, and all the Gentiles might hear. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth" (v. 17). By God's strength this Christlike apostle heralded the gospel to the Gentiles who were present. What an amazing illustration of 2 Timothy 4:1-2: "Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not."

Paul's dominant concern was not himself but the message of Christ! In front of this large crowd, before judges and perhaps the emperor himself, Paul publicly declared the gospel. He did not fear men because he preached "before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead" (4:1). When you recognize that you ultimately stand before God Almighty, you are freed from the fear of man. Remember that you preach in God's sight by God's strength.

The Lord also temporarily rescued him from death ("the lion's mouth"). The court could have easily decided to take his life, but instead there would be another hearing. In the end Paul would die, but the Lord would still provide the ultimate rescue to this faithful messenger.

Though Paul was temporarily rescued, he knew death was certain. But he could face death with peace because of his relationship with his faithful Lord. He says, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom." He stood confident that the Lord would rescue him from evil and bring him to heaven.223

Because God provides us the strength, gives us the message, protects us from evil, and will ultimately bring us to heaven, God deserves the glory: "To Him be the glory forever and ever."

We began this exposition of 2 Timothy by noting the gospel-centered nature of the letter. Now Paul ends it with a gospel-centered blessing: "The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you!" The apostle's final recorded thought is fitting: "grace." This war-torn apostle experienced God's amazing grace, testified to the gospel of grace, and closed by praying for the Savior's grace to strengthen and empower his "son."

As you pursue faithfulness to God, you can rest in the Savior's grace, remember God's perfect faithfulness, and rely on His strength to finish your course. Then when you are put in your casket, go join Paul and these others in the Savior's heavenly kingdom.