In this last section in 2 Timothy we see the emotions flooding Paul’s heart as he waits in a prison cell to die. Paul is feeling lonely for fellowship, restless to learn, concern for Timothy, confident in Christ, and love for the brethren.
[powerpress]
Paul’s Dying Emotions
2 Timothy 4:9-22
Today we come to our 13th and final expository sermon on Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy. By the time we come to 4:8, Paul has basically finished his letter. He has delivered the burden of his heart to Timothy. He has told Timothy to guard the gospel, suffer for the gospel, continue in the gospel, and preach the gospel. He has done his best to prepare Timothy to continue on in the ministry of the gospel after Paul has died. But before he can set his pen down, he has to add a few final instructions.
Paul has been giving Timothy instructions through this letter. He has told him to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in him. He told him not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord or of Paul. He told him to join with him in suffering for the gospel. He told him to guard the treasure which was entrusted to him. He told him to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. He told him to entrust the truth to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. He told him to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. He told him to solemnly charge the church not to wrangle about words. He told him to be diligent to present himself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed by handling accurately the word of truth. He told him to avoid worldly and empty chatter. He told him to flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace. He told him to refuse foolish and ignorant speculations. He told him to gently correct those who are in opposition. He told him to avoid those who hold to a form of godliness but have denied its power. He told him to continue in the things he has learned and become convinced of. He told him to preach the word, reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction. He told him to be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill his ministry.
Paul has been intensely personal throughout this letter. But before he is finally through, he must add a few more personal instructions. At first reading you might wonder what importance these final instructions might have. However, I hope to help you see that there is much profitable instruction for us in these final words of Paul.
As we look at this final section in 2 Timothy I want to try to glean what was going on in Paul’s heart as he waited in this prison cell to die. What was he feeling? What emotions were flooding his heart?
- He Is Feeling Lonely For Fellowship
- He Is Feeling Restless to Learn
- He Is Feeling Concern For Timothy
- He Is Feeling Confident in Christ
- He Is Feeling Love For The Brethren
1. Paul Is Feeling Lonely For Fellowship (4:9-12)
Make every effort to come to me soon: In verse 21, Paul repeats this phrase, but changes “soon” to “before winter.” Why would Paul urge Timothy to come before winter? All ships were in port during winter because it was too dangerous for sailing. The Mediterranean Sea was closed to shipping from November to March. Paul realizes his death is imminent, and that if Timothy waited until Spring to come to him, it would be too late. Paul’s longing to see Timothy was very strong. We know that because he repeats his request twice, once at the beginning of this section in verse 9, and then once again at the end of this section in verse 21.
Why did Paul want so badly for Timothy to come to him? He tells us in verse 10 and 11, “for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me.” Let’s look at each one of these men in turn.
Demas: Demas’ name appears three times in the New Testament. The first time it appears is in Colossians 4:14, “Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas.” The next time we find his name is in Philemon, verse 23-24, “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.” We learn a couple of things about Demas in these passages. First, we learn that he was a trusted associate of Paul’s. He made it into the inner circle of “fellow workers”, including Mark, Epaphras, Aristarchus, and Luke. That’s pretty impressive company to be in! Think about it. Demas was hanging out with the guy who wrote 2/3 of the letters in the New Testament! He’s also hanging out with the guy who wrote the gospel of Luke and Acts. Furthermore, he’s hanging out with the guy who wrote the gospel of Mark. Demas is laboring alongside the three guys who would end up writing 60% of the New Testament! This guy was in a very privileged and blessed state. Can you imagine calling your friends the guys who wrote the Bible? Second, we learn that he was with Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome. We know that because the letters of Colossians and Philemon were written during Paul’s first imprisonment. So, Demas had managed to remain faithful to Paul during his first imprisonment, but something had happened during Paul’s last imprisonment. What was it?
Having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica: The word “deserted” is the same Greek word that Jesus used when He cried from the cross, “Why have You forsaken Me?” Why did Demas forsake Paul? It was because he loved this present world. There seems to be an intentional contrast with “all who have loved His appearing” in verse 8, and “having loved this present world” in verse 10. When Paul was in prison the first time, things weren’t too bad. Paul lived in his own rented quarters, and was given freedom to preach the gospel to all who came to him. But now, things are different. Persecution has become much more fierce. Paul is in a dungeon in Rome waiting to die. For Demas to remain faithful to Paul at this critical period would have meant possible imprisonment or death, and he was unwilling to pay that price. Here we have someone who started out so well, with so many privileges and advantages, but ends up badly.
Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia: This is the only mention of Crescens in the Bible. Titus was a frequent fellow-traveler with Paul. Paul often sent Titus to one of the churches he had planted to represent him there. There is no blame implied here. Paul had probably sent them on ministry errands.
Only Luke is with me: Luke reminds me of a golden retriever. He’s faithful to the very end. Luke, the beloved physician, had traveled with Paul during his 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys, the trip to Jerusalem, the trip to Rome, Paul’s first imprisonment, and now his 2nd imprisonment.
Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service: Mark was very young when the church began. It seems that the church met in his home to pray for Peter who was to be executed the following day. When Paul and Barnabas set out on the first missionary journey, they took Mark with them as a helper. However, Mark deserted them and returned home to Jerusalem. Later when Paul and Barnabas were about to set out on the 2nd missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark, but Paul refused. The disagreement was very sharp, and it led to Paul and Barnabas splitting up. Barnabas took Mark, and Paul took Silas and went their separate ways. However, that’s not the end of the story. Later we find Mark accompanying Peter, and Peter calls him “my son.” Twenty years later, we find Mark with Paul in Rome during Paul’s first imprisonment, and he calls him a “fellow worker.” Now, at the end of Paul’s life, he asks that Timothy would bring Mark, because he is useful for service. Perhaps Paul was referring to the fact that Mark could testify on Paul’s behalf, or could service the church in Rome, or could deliver personal letters from Paul to various churches. Folks, have you ever failed God and your brothers and sisters? Have you wondered if you would ever amount to anything? Take heart. Mark left Paul and his team down. Mark deserted others when they needed him the most. But that’s not the end of his story. Although he failed miserably at first, he went on to become a useful and faithful servant of Christ. Don’t let your past failures keep you from serving God and others. Take heart from Mark. If he could become useful, so can you!
But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus: Evidently, Paul was sending Tychicus to carry this letter to Timothy, and then to take over Timothy’s duties, while he came to Rome. Tychicus had delivered letters before to Ephesus, Colossae, and to Titus.
Paul is feeling lonely for Timothy’s companionship. Everyone is gone except for Luke. He said in 1:4, “I’m longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.” In 1:15 he said, “You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me.” In 4:16 he said, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.” Everyone is gone. Everyone has deserted him except for Luke. It is interesting that even a great apostle of Jesus Christ got lonely. Even Paul needed the support of friends. There are over 100 specific named people in Paul’s circle of friends and fellow-workers mentioned in Acts and the letters. You say, “Why would he be lonely? Didn’t he have Christ with him?” Of course he did. But even though it is blessedly true that Christ is always with us, it’s also important sometimes to have the physical presence of a loved one close by. This is especially true for Paul now that death is imminent. We take comfort in the fellowship of others, especially when we are going through trials or suffering. Friends, if Paul needed human fellowship, how much more do we?! We were never designed to be alone. It is interesting to me that in Scripture there is always a plurality of elders, deacons, and church planters. You never see just one Elder, or Deacon, or church planter. God has designed that we function and serve and minister in teams of fellow workers and friends. Folks, if you are lonely this morning, you are in good company. Let’s purpose to commit ourselves to each other, to deepening our relationships with each other, and to being there for each other when we go through the fires of suffering and trials.
2. Paul Is Feeling Restless To Learn (4:13)
When you come bring the cloak: The cloak Paul is talking about was like a poncho. It was a great, circular, rug-like garment, with a hole in the middle for your head. It covered a man like a tent, reaching all the way down to the ground. It served both as a coat and a blanket in cold weather, which Paul was about to face. There was already a chilly snap in the cold, dark dungeon Paul was living in.
which I left at Troas with Carpus: Perhaps the church was meeting in Carpus’ house. If so, then Paul may have been arrested during the meeting. It may have happened so suddenly, that he wasn’t even allowed to take along his personal belongings.
and the books, especially the parchments: It is almost certain that the parchments would be Old Testament Scripture. In addition to reading the Scripture, Paul wanted the books. We don’t know what these books were. However, we do know one thing – Paul was restless to continue growing in His knowledge of God and His Word. Now, that is remarkable to me! Here is the guy who was caught up to the 3rd heaven. Here is the guy who wrote 2/3 of the New Testament letters. Here is the guy who has had visits from Jesus Christ Himself. He knows he only has a few more months to live at most, and what does he want to do with his time? Read! He wants to read the Scriptures, and good solid books.
Become a reader of the Scriptures and good, solid Christian literature! I can relate to Paul. I love to learn new things. I’m restless if I’m not growing in my knowledge of God and His Word. Become a man or woman of the Word! Become a reader. Turn your TV off, and read. Dig into the great doctrines of the faith. In addition to meditating on the Word day and night, I encourage you to read some of the great classic Christian books such as Pilgrim’s Progress, the sermons of Edwards, Whitefield, and Spurgeon, Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, the works of the Puritans, and The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink. Among modern writers I would encourage you to read the works of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John Piper and John MacArthur, Wayne Grudem, and D.A. Carson. I encourage you to read less for entertainment, and more for spiritual enrichment and continued learning. We offer free booklets on the entryway table that are rich in spiritual value, featuring the sermons of C. H. Spurgeon, A. W. Pink, and Jonathan Edwards. May God help us to always be restless that we may continue to grow in our knowledge of God.
3. Paul Is Feeling Concerned For Timothy (4:14-15)
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. Now, who was this Alexander the coppersmith. We can’t know with 100% certainty, but we do find Paul mentioning an Alexander in 1 Timothy 1:19-20 where he says, “keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered over to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.” From this passage, it appears that Paul had exercised a form of church discipline against this man for the sin of blasphemy. Alexander may have been enraged at Paul’s actions, and so sought to destroy him.
So, what did this Alexander do? Paul says that he did him much harm. In verse 15, Paul says that he vigorously opposed our teaching. Literally it would read, “he opposed our words.” You can understand this in two different ways. Either Paul is saying that Alexander opposed his apostolic teaching, stirring up division by his own false teaching Ephesus, or he opposed Paul’s defense in court. You see the word “did” in the phrase “did me much harm” means to display, and was often used for laying out information against a man. Perhaps Alexander went to the Roman authorities with false information against Paul, seeking to ruin him in revenge for Paul’s discipline of him. Later he may have been a witness for the prosecution, “opposing our words.” To strengthen this position, notice that he is mentioned right after Paul asks Timothy to bring the cloak and books he left at Troas. Many believe that Paul was arrested in Troas, but was taken away so suddenly, that he had no time to collect his belongings. The mention of the cloak and books reminds him of the person responsible for his arrest. Of course, this is all sanctified conjecture. We can’t know with any degree of certainty exactly what happened, because the Bible doesn’t tell us.
Why does Paul bring up the name of Alexander? Because he wants to warn Timothy to be on guard against him (4:16). So, sitting in his darkened, cold and damp prison cell, Paul is thinking about Timothy, concerned for him. Evidently Alexander would have known that Timothy was very closely associated with Paul. Perhaps now that Paul is out of the way, he would go after Timothy. Paul is saying, “Watch out for him! Keep any eye on Alexander. He’s up to no good!” Paul was always the concerned, watchful shepherd. He was constantly seeking to build up and protect the flock of God. Isn’t it interesting that even when he could have been full of self-pity, he is thinking about and concerned for others, writing to warn them about certain evil men? You have to love Paul for his concern for others.
4. Paul Is Feeling Confident In Christ (4:16-18)
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. In the Roman court system, the accused person had two hearings – one to establish the charge, and the second to determine his guilt or innocence. When Paul mentions his “first defense”, he is speaking about the first hearing. What happened at that hearing? Everyone deserted Paul. No one was willing to come out and openly speak a word in his defense. The stakes were too high. It was just too dangerous to openly align yourself with Paul.
But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Though every human being deserted Paul, the Lord did not desert him. The word “deserted” is the same word Christ used on the cross when He said, “Why have you forsaken Me?” The Lord will never leave us or forsake us! What did the Lord do? He stood with Paul and strengthened him in order that all the Gentiles might hear the proclamation. Now, what is Paul talking about? I believe Paul used this opportunity in court to preach the gospel to the vast throng of distinguished Romans in Nero’s court. They would have been the “Gentiles” he is talking about. You just can’t stop Paul can you? Arrest him, haul him 1,000 miles to Rome, lower him in a hole by a rope or ladder into a windowless, dark, cold, damp room with no toilet or furniture. Haul him out for his defense, and what does he do? He boldly and fearlessly preaches the gospel, so that all the Gentiles might hear it! I love it! If ever there was preaching that was out of season, this was it. Would to God that we might have his same zeal and passion to spread the gospel of Christ.
And I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth. The “lion’s mouth” probably has references to death. Paul is saying that he was delivered out of the jaws of death. So, what is Paul saying? He’s saying that the Lord has been faithful to Him to stand by him when no one else would, to strengthen him when his heart failed him and his knees were wobbly. The Lord was faithful! So, as Paul reminds Timothy of the Lord’s faithfulness toward him, how does that make him feel? Confident!
The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. Notice Paul’s great confidence in Jesus Christ. The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. Paul has no doubt that the Lord will be faithful to Him. Paul has spent the last 32 years walking with Christ. If there is one thing He had learned about His Lord, it was that He could be counted on to be faithful. Even when everyone else deserted him, the Lord stood with him. Thus, he knows that in his present trial, the Lord will deliver him and bring him safely to His heavenly kingdom.
What are the “evil deeds” Paul is thinking of? Paul may have been thinking of evil deeds which he may have committed in his great hour of temptation, like recanting his faith in Christ, or denying his Lord. However, I think he is probably thinking of the evil deeds of his persecutors. The Lord would deliver him out of the evil deeds of the evil men who would condemn and execute him, by bringing him through death safely into His heavenly kingdom.
Notice how much Paul is dwelling on Jesus Christ as he sits in his prison cell waiting to die. He mentions “the Lord” three times. 4:17, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” 4:18, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed.” 4:22, “The Lord be with your spirit.” Paul was absolutely consumed with and captivated by Jesus Christ the Lord. In the hour of his greatest trial he wasn’t forsaking Christ, but he was drawing close to Christ, and relying on His strength. Friends, this is the kind of faith we need to face our bleakest and darkest days on earth.
To Him be the glory forever and ever. Aman. And what does his confidence in Christ lead to? Look at the end of verse 18. “To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Paul’s confidence in Christ leads to worship of Christ. Although Paul has lost everything in this world, including his freedom, he has not lost Jesus. As Paul sits in his dungeon waiting to be beheaded, his thoughts are full of Jesus Christ. He is confident in Christ, and as an overflow of his confidence, he worships Christ. May the Lord enable us to have that same confidence and worship of Christ in our darkest days.
5. Paul Is Feeling Love For The Brethren (4:19-22)
Greet Prisca and Aquila: Aquila and Priscilla were long time friends of the apostle Paul. Originally they had lived in Rome, but were driven out because of persecution against the Jews. They traveled to Corinth where they met Paul, because they were both tentmakers. Later they sailed with Paul and stayed at Ephesus. Later they moved back to Rome, and then back to Ephesus again. The interesting thing about Aquila and Priscilla is that wherever they lived, they always opened their home for the church to meet in. These folks were intimate friends and fellow workers of Paul. They had labored in the gospel shoulder to shoulder. They had lived together, worked together, prayed together. You see, Paul is saying his goodbyes here. He knows that he will never see Prisca and Aquila again on earth. So, he’s telling Timothy, “tell them good-bye for me.” Perhaps a tear trickled down his cheek as he penned these words.
And the household of Onesiphorus. Onesiphorus had eagerly sought Paul out and refreshed him in prison. He was a real servant of the Lord. Paul could say to Timothy, “and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.” Well in Paul’s final days he urges Timothy to greet the household of Onesiphorus. Why didn’t Paul tell him to greet Onesiphorus himself? It may be that by saying “the household of Onesiphorus”, Paul was including Onesiphorus in that description. However, he may also have used the phrase “the household of Onesiphorus” because Onesiphorus had either been arrested or executed because of his association with Paul and the gospel. We don’t know. But we do know that Paul is thinking of Onesiphorus’ family, his wife and children, and telling Timothy to greet them for him.
Eubulus greets you, also Pudens and Linus and Claudia, and all the brethren. We know nothing of these names, except that they have Latin names. They must have been Romans in the church at Rome, that Paul had become acquainted with somehow while he was there.
Notice how much of Paul’s life was poured out into developing leaders. Usually Paul called them “fellow workers.” In this chapter alone Paul mentions Demas, Crescens, Titus, Luke, Mark, Tychicus, Prisca, Aquila, the household of Onesiphorus, Erastus, and Trophimus. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other fellow workers would have included Barnabas, Silas, Epaphras, Epaphroditus, among others. Paul was not a one man band. He never worked solo. Teamship is so important in the church, whether it is a team of Elders, or Deacons, or church planters.
As Paul prepares to die, he has a vast host of men and women whom he has trained and poured his life into, that will carry on the work of the gospel when he is gone. They are the fruit of his last 32 years of ministry. When I think about this, I think about Chuck Smith’s recent death, and the scores of men whom he influenced and who went out into ministry planting and pastoring churches that have reached hundreds of thousands of people for Christ. Folks, when I die, I hope that I will be leaving behind men whom I have poured my life into, who are strong in the Word, and will go on to do great exploits for Jesus Christ. Don’t you want the same thing? If so, let’s be about the Master’s business now, discipling younger men, meeting with them, teaching them, mentoring them, and challenging them to give themselves completely to Jesus Christ and His work.
I can’t help think that as Paul penned these last few words of his last epistle, and tells Timothy to greet certain people by name, that he is feeling a strong affection and love for those with whom he has labored and ministered, and with whom he will never see again until they are reunited in heaven.
Life Application
Let’s learn from Paul’s example.
1. Loneliness is a normal human emotion, and one we don’t need to feel guilty about. God built into human beings a need for friends and family. God told Adam, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” We are hard-wired for community. Let’s just recognize that, and commit ourselves to one another in the bonds of Christian fellowship.
2. Let’s continue to grow in our knowledge of God and His Word for the rest of our lives. May all of us be restless to continue to learn. I remember having a conversation with a believer in Sonora who told me, “Yeah, I’ve read the Bible. I don’t need to read it any more. I just need to do it.” While I applaud that believer for his desire to apply the Word, it is foolishness to think we don’t need to continue to read and learn the Scriptures. In addition to the Bible, read good solid Christian literature. We’ve got some great literature available for free on our book table. Get some as you leave today.
3. Let’s be concerned for the well-being of others. Just as Paul was concerned that Alexander would harm Timothy, we need to be on guard for one another. If we see another brother or sister being brought under the influence of false doctrine, or an evil lifestyle, we need to go to them and warn them, as Paul did Timothy.
4. Above all, let’s be absolutely confident in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ! No matter what others do, He will never let us down, leave us or forsake us. May our faith in Him be rock solid, no matter what the devil brings into our lives.
5. Let’s be busy pouring our time, energy, and lives into others, so that when we die we can have the satisfaction of knowing that we have left an army of fully devoted followers of Christ that will continue on doing His will and spreading His gospel.
______________________________
© The Bridge
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by The Bridge.
Follow Us!