2 Timothy 4:16

16 At my fyrst answerynge no man assissted me but all forsoke me. I praye God that it maye not be layde to their charges:

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 coppersmyth did me moche evyll the lorde rewarde him accordynge to his dedes
15 of whom be thou ware also. For he withstode oure preachynge sore.
16 At my fyrst answerynge no man assissted me but all forsoke me. I praye God that it maye not be layde to their charges:
17 notwithstondinge the Lorde assisted me and stregthed me that by me the preachinge shuld be fulfilled to the vtmost and that all the gentyls shuld heare. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lyon.
18 And the Lorde shall delivre me from all evyll doynge and shall kepe me vnto his hevenly kyngdome. To who be prayse for ever and ever. Amen.
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