These he does not reproach; for Titus was one of the most remarkable men, so that Crete was entrusted to him. So then, these two men departed not because they loved the present age, but on business, and perhaps preaching, or some other necessity.
2 Tim. 4:11. Only Luke is with me.
He was constantly at his side, wrote the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. The apostle speaks of him in another epistle: "the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches" (2 Cor. 8:18).
2 Tim. 4:11. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
He demands him not for his own comfort, but for the service of the Gospel. For even in chains he did not cease to preach. Consequently, he was also summoning Timothy not for himself, but for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel, so that no disturbance would arise among the believers on the occasion of his death; when many of his disciples would be present at this, they would restrain the disturbance and comfort those who would not easily bear his passing. For among the believers in Rome, there were probably also men worthy of great respect.
2 Tim. 4:12. Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.
Thus, I remained alone, and your presence is necessary.
2 Tim. 4:13. When you come, bring the cloak which I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books.
Here the apostle speaks of the cloak; he asks for it so as not to have need to take from others. For everywhere he takes great care not to be in need of others. Some, however, think that this is a case, a container in which the books were kept. Why did he need books when he was preparing to depart to God? So that he might pass them on to the faithful, that they might have them in his stead.
2 Tim. 4:13. Especially leather ones.
Probably, they contained within themselves something more valuable.
2 Tim. 4:14. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.
The Apostle recalls this temptation not in order to reproach that man, but to persuade his disciple to courageously endure temptations from worthless and contemptible people. Many, when subjected to insults from prominent people, bear them, finding consolation in the high position of their offenders. But to suffer from worthless and rejected people causes greater sorrow. Therefore Paul also says: "he did me much evil," meaning: he caused me to suffer greatly and in various ways. And it usually happens that insignificant and base people, when they begin to do evil, show no mercy whatsoever, caring nothing at all for the opinion of society.
2 Tim. 4:14. May the Lord repay him according to his deeds!
Take courage, says the apostle: this will not go unpunished for him, but "the Lord will repay him," instead of: He will repay; for this is a great prophecy, not a curse. This was said by Paul not because the saints rejoice in punishments, but because the work of preaching had need of the restraining of those who hindered it, and also the weaker among the believers were greatly comforted by this.
2 Tim. 4:15. Beware of him yourself also.
He did not say: afflict him, punish him—though by the grace of the Holy Spirit he could have done so—but commands them to guard themselves, that is, to avoid him, to withdraw from him, leaving the punishment to God.
2 Tim. 4:15. For he greatly opposed our words.
That is, he wages war and opposes the preaching of the Gospel.
2 Tim. 4:16. At my first answer no one was with me, but all forsook me.
Again the apostle recounts other trials in order to further encourage his disciple. But what first defense is he speaking of? He had previously been brought before Nero and escaped death, so that from that time he continued to preach; but when he converted his cupbearer, then Nero, burning with anger, cut off his head. The apostle expresses his grief with the words: "all forsook me." As if he is saying: even my own betrayed me, and I was deprived of all consolation. Therefore you also, when abandoned in dangerous circumstances, take comfort in my example.
2 Tim. 4:16. Let it not be imputed to them!
Do you see how he spares those close to him? Of course, they, his close co-workers, committed a grave offense by abandoning him. For it is not the same thing to be abandoned by strangers and by one's own people. However, the apostle prays that this not be held against them, of course by God, for otherwise it is a great sin and deserves to be held against them.
2 Tim. 4:17. But the Lord stood by me.
This is again a consolation for the disciple; for it shows that God does not allow a man who has been abandoned by people to suffer anything calamitous.