 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
More II Timothy commentaries
II Timothy 1:1-7
Timothy’s Faith and Heritage
II Timothy 1:8-12
Courageous and Shameless
II Timothy 1:13-18
Loyalty to the Faith
II Timothy 2:1-7
The Goal of the Soldier, Athlete and Farmer
II Timothy 2:8-14
Things We Need to Remember About Christ
II Timothy 2:15-19
Approved and Disapproved Workers
II Timothy 2:20-26
Separate Yourself from False Teachers
II Timothy 3:1-9
Turn Away from the False
II Timothy 3:10-17
Follow Those Who Are True
II Timothy 4:1-4
Preach the Word
II Timothy 4:5-8
Fulfill Your Ministry with Excellence
II Timothy 4:9-15
The Abandoned Apostle
II Timothy 4:16-22
The Importance of Getting Others Involved with You
© Family Times | About Us | Donate | Contact Us
Search for sermons by: Commentaries | Scripture search | Topics
The Abandoned Apostle
II Timothy 4:9–15
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
It is not the dog’s keen smell or hearing that has endeared him to modern man, it’s his uncomplaining readiness to obey and lavish affection on his human friends. An old saying goes, “To his dog, every man is Napoleon.” dog is loyal, and lovable, even if his master can … More
Paul sends word to Timothy to hurry and come to Rome to be by his side (v. 9). It seems that in the face of approaching death the apostle craves to have his beloved “child in the faith” Timothy with him. He is lonely and in need of Timothy because most of his companions have left him (v. 10). He relates how Demas who had been his trusted fellow-worker during his first imprisonment (Col. 4:14) has “forsaken” him because he “loved this present world” (v. 10). Perhaps it was the love of money that enticed him back into the world. Maybe because of self-interest he was unwilling to be associated with the apostle because of the dangers involved.
After Paul has spoken of the man who was the deserter, he goes on to speak of the man who was faithful unto death. “Luke alone is with me,” he says (v. 11). We know very little about Luke, and yet even from that little he emerges as one of the most loyal characters in the New Testament. He also asks Timothy to get Mark and bring him, for he is very helpful to me for the ministry. For some reason he has sent Tychicus to Ephesus (v. 12). He wants his coat and books brought to him (v. 13). He goes on to say that Alexander, the metalworker, has hurt me in many ways, but the Lord will take care of him for what he has done (v. 14). He opposes what we preach so you had better watch out for him (v. 15).
What a man Paul was! His friends forsake him, and he prays that God will forgive them. His enemies try him and he looks for opportunities to tell them how to be saved. He could not do the job by himself. It is a great man who enlists others to help him and share in the greatness.
Application
A good question to ask is who are some people I really need? How have they ministered to me? Have I let them know how much I appreciate them? Am I having a ministry in anyone’s life? If so who?
II Timothy 4:9-15 (English Standard Version)
Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »
Post your comment or question below.