CHAPTER 4
2 Timothy 4:1-2 I therefore seriously charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, at his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction .
The continuous exhortation and command produces three effects: it makes the command more formidable and undeniable, and it presents what is useful in speech. For if it were not such, it would not be necessary for it to be preached with such great determination. Moreover, what belongs to him who urgently announces it is done, no longer subject, as is likely, to the negligence that usually occurs in preaching.
who is to judge the living and the dead, at his appearing . Paul speaks of the sinners and the righteous, or those who have passed away, and those still living, or that many will be left alive then. Paul also says elsewhere, "Indeed, we shall not all sleep." (1 Cor. 15:51)
at his appearing . When is the future to be judged? At the Lord’s arrival, which will be after the kingdom and glory have come. For he will not come in the same way as he came before.
Preach the word . But what then is the obstacle? Do not hide the message, but proclaim it.
be prepared . That is, repeat, look around and watch that no one sins. And do this promptly, untimely, that is, do not have a fixed and definite time for this, but at all times, even if it is not convenient, manage. And if you find, Paul says, someone sinning, correct . For nothing ought to be done before you have convinced: and after you have shown him to be guilty, rebuke .
Find fault, blame . Then after the wound, apply a remedy. For Paul says, " encourage ," so that such a person is not swallowed up by excessive grief.
with great patience . For the matter requires patience, so that one should not simply trust those who speak, but come through every investigation and the test of time to the truth.
and careful instruction . Paul says to admonish along with the rebuke, as one lays it upon a child, not as one punishing an enemy, for he knows when encouragement has more power than rebuke.
About those who were devising new things to oppose Timothy.
2 Timothy 4:3-5 For there will be a time when they will not endure sound teaching; but according to their own desires they will accumulate for themselves teachers, having their ears tickled; and they will turn away their hearing from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry .
Therefore, before they rush headlong, occupy them in the meantime while they obey you. For this reason, Paul says “in season and out of season,” (2 Tim. 4:2) as long as they endure. For they must be accustomed to persuasion before they revolt. But observe the absurdity of the teachers, that the desires of the people serve as a pretext for them to protect themselves.
having their ears tickled . 1 That is, delighting in hearing things that excite desire, and always longing to hear things that please.
and they will turn away their hearing from the truth . Paul foretells these things, not to cause sorrow, but teaching that it is necessary for the disciples, until they become obedient and reasonable, to be properly shaped and to be burdened, and so that when this comes to pass, they do not lose heart. “For I was prepared," he says, "and I was not disturbed." (Ps. 119:60) Do you see that they do not err as if unaware, but willingly? For they will turn away their hearing, he says, and be turned aside, so that the evil is voluntary.
But you be sober in all things . Therefore, because of being sober and having been awakened, he said these things.
endure hardship . Strive, Paul says, labor, anticipate the teachings of the disciples in good and true doctrines before that distress comes upon you.
fulfill your ministry . For even Timothy also served in preaching. Indeed, he preached. Therefore, complete what you have begun with confidence, and spread the message while they are still receptive.
Concerning his own impending departure, into eternal glory.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come; I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who love his appearance .
For I, Paul says, already offer myself as a sacrifice to Christ. And he did not say sacrifice, but a drink offering , indicating something greater and more sacred. For a part of the sacrifice alone was offered to God as incense. But the entire drink offering was dedicated to Him. And Paul himself commands his disciples to do this, saying: "Present your members as a living sacrifice." (Rom. 12:1) For he who sacrifices for Christ performs a sacred service himself.
— [OECUMENIUS] The meaning of " being am poured out " is, as it were, that I break the war against all. Neither fighting nor being fought against, for I am perfected.
of my departure . For departure means death, either because of the departing from the earth from which we were taken; or towards the Creator Christ. [ end of the excerpt by Oecumenius Π f.169r; A f.182v; B f. 220v; G f.309v—310r ] —
fought . Paul said this, not boasting: by no means, but consoling the disciple, as if he were going to receive crowns and rewards for good works, and as if he said: You ought rather to rejoice than mourn, that I achieve such an end.
I have fought the good fight . For every struggle on behalf of Christ is good, even if it involves chains, or persecutions, or deaths. If therefore it is good, then you should accept it yourself.
I have finished the race . For Paul had run through the world, leading all to the knowledge of God, so that the Gospel had been fulfilled from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum.
I have kept the faith . For many wished to seize it from him, false friends, enemies, Greeks, Jews,
From now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness . Then Paul also comforts Timothy from his sufferings. For who would grieve over one receiving a crown? And of righteousness, as if it were the universal virtue.
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day . For do not tell me here about temporary things, for I seek those there. But see how the obligation demands it from him, through the phrase, " will award to me ," but he did not say, "He will give"; this is also indicated by, " the righteous Judge ."
not only to me . Here he also appointed Timothy, saying that he will repay you as well.
For if he gives a crown to all who love his appearance , much more to you. But who loves his appearance? Those who do good deeds and are rewarded by the good.
2 Timothy 4:8-13 I urged you to come to me quickly. For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present age, and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books, especially the parchments .
For what reason does Paul call Timothy to himself to whom the Church of Ephesus had been entrusted? Since Paul being in prison, he was not able to leave. Therefore, he wishes Timothy to come to him, both because he is alone, and because he had given him certain instructions.
come to me quickly . Paul did not say: Meanwhile, while I am still alive: for he did not want to sadden Timothy.
having loved this present age . Having become safe and secure, as he thought. For Demas preferred to indulge in luxury at home rather than suffer hardships with me. But Paul does not want to slander this man, rather to support us so that we do not become weak.
Crescens to Galatia . They had left of their own accord, therefore he does not say, “The rest.” Moreover, Titus was among the distinguished to whom the bishopric of Crete had been entrusted.
Only Luke is with me . This Luke is the one who wrote the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. And since he was eager to learn, holy and committed, he was never separated from Paul.
Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me . Paul said, "Not for my comfort, but for the ministry of the Gospel." Indeed, Paul also called Timothy for this reason, so that after his death the brothers might be comforted.
for ministry . Of the Gospel, Paul says.
I have sent Tychicus . See the unity through all things.
Bring the cloak that I left . Here Paul mentions a certain garment. However, he seeks to ensure that he is not a burden to anyone in need. For this is of the greatest concern to him everywhere.
— [CHRYSOSTOM] In another way. Here the type of clothing is mentioned. Some indeed want it to signify a case in which little books were kept. But what necessity was there for the little books themselves, for one who was soon to depart to God? Certainly, then it was especially necessary to entrust them to the faithful, and for them to have those as their own teaching. Indeed, he was seeking a case so that he would not need to receive it from others. [ end of the excerpt by Chrysostom ] —
— [THEODORET] especially the parchments . The term " parchments ," more commonly known in Roman usage as “scrolls" [εἶλητα], was used moderately according to the custom in Rome, from which Paul was indeed writing the Epistle. For the ancient Scriptures were contained in scrolls, just as the Jews still mostly possess them up to the present day. [end of the excerpt by Theodoret ] —
He referred to books [βιβλία] in a general sense, so that Paul might also have books in another form or format.
especially the parchments . Perhaps, however, these contained certain more useful things within themselves. Nevertheless, those worthy of laughter are those who think that the Apostle here meant a cloak rather than a type of booklet, who did not pay attention to the sequence of letters. For it would have been needless to say: "And books," even if that had been a type of booklet, since it could have been indicated together with others.
2 Timothy 4:14-18 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our words. In my first defense, no one came to my support, but all deserted me (may it not be counted against them). But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching might be fully accomplished and all the Gentiles might hear it. I was rescued from the lion’s mouth, and the Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen .
Paul also showed Timothy to endure bravely the troubles from common people. For it is painful to be wronged, especially by common people.
the Lord will repay him . Not because Paul was pleased with the punishment, but because for the sake of the weaker among the believers, those who were excessively opposing had to suffer badly, so that they would not despise the weakness of the preaching.
according to his deeds . Or that it is a prophecy of things to come, not a curse.
Beware of him yourself . Paul did not say, Punish, punish (for it was also permitted for Timothy to do this through the spirit), but, Beware . Do you see that he does not allow punishment? But the "Beware" is like a warning.
opposed our words . That is, to those of the preaching.
In my first defense . Paul already appeared before Nero and escaped. But when he instructed his cupbearer, then he was beheaded. For Nero did not have such zeal towards idols; he was thus relentless in all things.
but all deserted me . The Jews, Paul says, the brothers.
may it not be counted against them . Do you see that Paul not only does not wish to be avenged, but also prays for their forgiveness? And yet he suffered terrible things. For it is not the same to be betrayed by strangers as by one's own people.
But the Lord stood by me . For the Lord does not abandon the one forsaken by men. He strengthened m e, Paul says; that is, the Lord granted boldness and did not allow me to fall. Do you see a counsel to the disciple, and again another comfort?
so that through me the preaching . See the humility. For I was helped not as worthy of assistance, but because of the preaching, so that it might be fully accomplished and come to an end.
and all the Gentiles might hear it , Paul says. "So that the power of the preaching and the care concerning me may become evident to all."
from the lion’s mouth . It refers to the lion, that is Nero, because of his cruelty and beastliness.
and the Lord will rescue me . If He will deliver, how does He say, "I am already being poured out"? But see. Then indeed the Lord delivered Paul from Nero, but now no longer from Nero, (for enough has happened according to the Gospel,) but from every sin, that is, the Lord will not allow one who has been condemned in anything to perish.
will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom . Paul says, "He will snatch me from there, and will keep me." For this means, "He will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom." Therefore, this is the true salvation, when we shine there.
To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen . See the doxology for the Son as well as for the Father elsewhere, and for the Spirit; here indeed is the Lord, namely the Son.
2 Timothy 4:19-22 Priscilla and Aquila greet you, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth. I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus greet you, as does Claudia, and all the brothers. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with us all. Amen .
These are the ones whom Paul continually remembers among the tentmakers, from among whom he also stayed with and often mention. But he first remembers the woman, as more trustworthy and earnest. For she also instructed Apollo. He offers a greeting, both comforting at the same time, and also showing honor and love through this, and the greater things, having been filled with much grace, the one being addressed.
and the household of Onesiphorus . For Onesiphorus was in Rome. Therefore, Paul greets those in his house, stirring up zeal similar to that of Onesiphorus.
Erastus stayed in Corinth . Since Paul did not remember these things before, now he remembers, in order to show that he is isolated on all sides and needs Timothy.
I left Trophimus sick in Miletus . Miletus is near Ephesus. Therefore, when he sailed to Judea, Paul left him in Miletus, or after arriving in Rome, again in these parts, we do not have information to say.
sick . Why then did he not heal him, but let him be? Because the saints did not do everything, so that they would not be considered better than human nature.
Make every effort to come before winter . "Until then," Paul says, "while I live, so that you do not see me having been delayed by the winter."
and Linus . They say that this Linus became the second bishop of Rome after Peter.
as does Claudia . Do you see how even women have been fierce and passionate, crucified to the world? Indeed, this kind is in no way inferior to men, provided they desire it.
and all the brothers . Those mentioned by name were more fervent in faith.
The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit . The help is twofold, that of Christ and that of the Holy Spirit, as if Paul were saying, With the coming of the Holy Spirit which you now have. Let also the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Since this is with you, you will not suffer at my departure. Or that it is not possible to enjoy the presence of Christ without being endowed with spiritual grace, so as to be, in relation to this interpretation, with your spirit, that is, with spiritual grace.
Grace be with us . And Paul prays for himself, either so that he may always be grateful, or so that he may always have a spiritual gift.
Finished, with divine help, of the later Epistle to Timothy.
It was written from the city of Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero Caesar the Roman for the second time.
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Translator notes for 2 Timothy chapter 4.
1. having their ears tickled. [Κνηθόμενοι τ ὴν ἀκοὴν]. Most English translations read “having itching ears,” which is an expression meant as an experience for a relief for curiosity. But as we can see by the interpretation by Oecumenius, the expression refers to the experience of pleasure, where “having their ears ticked” fits the context better. Other Greek Early Church Fathers such as Clement of Alexandria, John Chrysostom, and Theodoret of Cyrus understand Κνηθόμενοι τ ὴν ἀκοὴν as referring to pleasure, not curiosity.
COMMENTARY ON TITUS
BY OECUMENIUS
HYPOTHESIS ON THE EPISTLE TO TITUS
Paul sends this letter from Nicopolis. For he spent the winter there. The purpose of this letter is this: He left Titus in Crete to appoint clergy in the cities. Since many there were attempting to deceive the people under the pretext of the law, Paul, having learned this, writes. And first, giving thanks to God for His reverence, it signifies that the faith in Christ is not new, but has been prepared and promised by God from eternity. Then concerning the state of the clergy, and it teaches how and what kind of minster they ought to be. And he is commanded to rebuke those who contradict the sound doctrine, especially those of the circumcision, knowing that the Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons, and to teach that all food is clean to the clean, and how the older women who owe this duty must train the younger women in self-control. He also exhorts how slaves ought to be subject to their own masters. And finally, having reminded that the grace of the Spirit did not justify us by works, but by His own kindness; and having commanded to avoid legal disputes as shameless, Paul shows that after sending Artemas to Titus, so that he might come to him, he also instructed him to teach and to take the lead in good works among his own, and thus Paul completes the Epistle.
THEODORET
Titus was an excellent disciple of Paul. Indeed, he was appointed by Paul to be the bishop of Crete, which was very large. Moreover, he was authorized and entrusted to ordain bishops in the lower ranks. When Paul wrote these things, he was in freedom: for he nowhere mentions affliction. The letter is also extended to the Jews. However, this letter seems to have been earlier than the letter to Timothy.
The Epistle to Titus by the Apostle Paul