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2 Timothy 4:1 Therefore I charge you before God and our Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead. The Apostle instills fear in Timothy in another place, saying: “Before God, the giver of all things, I entrust to you” (1 Tim. 6:13); here he makes his speech more terrible, recalling that trial. He, he says, who will demand an account, I bring as witness that I did not hide this from you. He calls the living and the dead either sinners and righteous people, or the dead, as well as those who will then remain alive. Some, however, mean souls and bodies. Into His appearing and His Kingdom. When should he be judged? At the time of His coming, which will be with glory and royal majesty. For the second coming will not be as humiliating as the first. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word. Why exactly does the apostle conjure? What does this mean? “Preach the word,” do not hide or bury the gift that is within you. Oh, let us who are lazy to preach be afraid of this. Infusion on time and not on time. Preach unceasingly, speak tirelessly, not just once, but always. Let there not be a specific time for you, but “in time,” that is, during peace, tranquility and being in the church, and “out of time,” that is, in danger and outside the church, speak and preach. “In time” and “not in time” the apostle said in the same sense in which it is said in ordinary speech. The time for preaching is considered to be a time of peace and calm, and the time for it to be untimely is the time of calamity. Others again consider a sermon in the church to be a timely sermon, and a sermon outside the church to be untimely. Or another way: do not wait for the time of fall, but teach before anyone falls. When you see that this must be done, that is, when you find someone sinning or intending to sin, then do not let it go in vain. After you expose and prove to the sinner his error, forbid him, that is, impose penance and punishment. Prohibition with punishment is like cutting, and consolation is like a pleasant plaster. So, apply a patch of consolation, so that one cutting, causing extreme pain, does not plunge you into despair. With all longsuffering and edification. Combine this with all the preventive measures. For one must reprove with all longsuffering, so that the one being reproached believes everything not without reason; “and edification,” explaining how he sinned and what the sin was. Thus, one must prohibit with patience, imposing punishment not as an enemy, but as a son - admonition. And in teaching, that is, teaching oneself the benefits of punishment. Consolation needs patience and teaching most of all. With long-suffering, not accidental, but “with everyone,” that is, revealed in every case - both in deeds and words and in outward appearance. 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. So, warn them before they fall into disaster. That’s why I said above: “in time and not in time”; While you still have the opportunity to convince, do everything. But according to their own whims they will choose teachers for themselves. The apostle means by the expression “they will choose” a disorderly crowd of teachers, and also the fact that they are elected by a people who will not act according to sound reason, but will choose those who will gratify their lusts and only say and do what pleases them. Which would tickle the ears. That is, those who always want to hear something pleasant, delightful, and caressing the ear. 2 Timothy 4:4 And they will turn away their ears from the truth and turn to fables. Do you see? They are not mistaken out of ignorance, but arbitrarily. “They will turn away,” he says, “their hearing and turn to fables.” Therefore, their evil is voluntary. The apostle says this not to plunge the disciple into despondency, but to persuade him to take advantage of the present time of safety as it should be, and so that he will bear it courageously when this happens; just as Christ says: “they will hand you over to the courts and beat you” (Matthew 10:17). And Paul himself in another place: “After I am gone grievous wolves will come in among you” (Acts 20:29). 2 Timothy 4:5 But be vigilant in everything, enduring tribulations. Do you see why the apostle said first of all that he should watch? It’s as if the apostle says this: before this destruction occurs, until the wolves come, suffer both voluntarily and against your will, in order to bring the sheep to a safe state. Do the work of an evangelist. Therefore, the job of an evangelist is to suffer both from himself and from strangers. Thus, then the ministry is fulfilled when someone suffers. 2 Timothy 4:6 For I am already becoming a sacrifice (σπένδομοα - lit. “poured” like wine on the altar), and the time of my departure has come. He didn’t say: I sacrifice myself, but more powerfully. For in a sacrifice not everything is offered to God, but the sacrificial drink offering (wine) was all offered. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight. Why does Paul now exalt himself for this? He does not exalt himself, but consoles the disciple so that he does not grieve for him, because Paul, as having reached the good end, departs to the crown. Just as a father before his death, comforting his son sitting before him and crying, says to him: don’t cry, child, we lived well, we erected trophies, the king shows us his favor, and you will be famous for my deeds. Obviously, the father says this in order to make his son easier to bear separation from him with his praises. So Paul consoles Timothy here, leaving his letter as a testament. “I have fought the good fight,” therefore you too take it upon yourself. So, Paul, where there are bonds and shackles, there is a good fight? Yes, by the very fact that it is performed for Christ. At ordinary spectacles people compete for many days, and for one minute they receive a crown; Here, forever, glory to those who labored. Therefore, the feat is good, that is, pleasant and glorious. The Apostle carried out the work of evangelism from Jerusalem and the surrounding area to Illyricum, and thus passed through countless obstacles of death, execution, and disaster, as if having wings of fire. There were many things that tried to take away his faith: threats, mortal dangers, the temptation of pleasures; but he stood his ground against all, being vigilant and watching for the creeping thief of faith. 2 Timothy 4:8 Now there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. Enough for consolation and what has been said; but here he also adds about rewards, in order to further support the student. You shouldn’t, he says, be sad or grieve, because I’m going away to receive a crown. Here too the apostle calls virtue in general “truth.” Which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give 7 to me on that day. He did not say: he will give, but: he will repay, as something due, as a debt. Being righteous, He will undoubtedly determine the reward for labor, so the crown of righteousness should belong to me. And not only to me, but also to all who loved His appearance. Here the apostle encourages Timothy himself. For if he rewards everyone, then how much more will he reward you. Who loves His appearance? He who does what is worthy of this phenomenon, so whoever does not do it, obviously does not love it, on the contrary, he hates it, so as not to receive what is worthy of his deeds. The phenomenon (επιφάνεια) is so called because it appears as a mountain (το επάνω φαινεσθαι) and shines from above. Before the universal appearance there is another appearance in which the Lord reveals himself to worthy people, and not to the world. Here again, says the Lord: “We will come to him and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). 2 Timothy 4:9 Be careful to come to me quickly. Why does the apostle call Timothy to him, when the Church in Ephesus and the whole people were entrusted to him? Because he was in chains, imprisoned by Nero and could not come to him himself; That’s why he invites him to Rome, wanting, perhaps, to convey a lot to him before his death. 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas has left me, having loved this present age, and has gone to Thessalonica. He doesn’t say: I want to see you before I die, so as not to sadden him; but since I have no one to help me in the gospel, you hasten to come. What does it mean: “having loved the present age”? That is, having loved peace, a safe and quiet life, he wanted to enjoy himself at home rather than be in poverty with me. He reproaches only Demas, however, he did not want to reproach him, but to shame us, so that we would not weaken in spirit in danger; at the same time, he wanted to tie Timothy even more to himself. Crescent to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. These he does not reproach; for Titus was one of the most wonderful men, so Crete was entrusted to him. So, these two men went not because they loved the present age, but on business, and perhaps preaching, or due to some other need. He was constantly with him, wrote the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. The apostle speaks about him in another letter: “brother, praised in all churches for the gospel” (2 Cor. 8:18). 2 Timothy 4:11 Take Mark and bring him with you, for I need him for my ministry. He does not require it for his own peace, but for the service of the Gospel. For even in prison he did not stop preaching. Consequently, he called Timothy not for himself, but for the gospel, so that there would be no confusion among the believers on the occasion of his death; when many of his disciples were present, they would control the confusion and console those who would not easily bear his death. For among those who believed in Rome there were probably also venerable men. 2 Timothy 4:12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. Thus, I am left alone, and your presence is necessary. 2 Timothy 4:13 When you go, bring the phelonion that I left at Troas with Carpus and the books. Here the apostle speaks of clothing; he demands it in order not to have to take it from others. For everywhere he takes great care not to need others. Some, however, think that this is a box, a case in which books were kept. Why did he need books when he was preparing to go to God? to give them to the believers so that they might have them in his stead. They probably contained something more valuable. 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. The apostle recalls this temptation not in order to reproach that person, but to convince the disciple to courageously endure temptations from insignificant and despicable people. Many, being insulted by noble people, endure them, finding consolation in the high position of their insulters. To suffer from insignificant and rejected people causes great sorrow. That is why Paul says: “he did me much harm,” instead of: he made me suffer greatly and in many ways. And it usually happens that insignificant and low people, when they begin to do evil, they no longer give any mercy, not caring in the least about the opinion of society. May the Lord reward him according to his deeds! Take heart, says the apostle: this will not pass him unpunished, but “may the Lord reward him,” instead of: reward; for this is a great prophecy, and not an oath. This was said by Paul not because the saints rejoiced at the punishments, but because the work of preaching had the need to pacify those who hindered it, and also the weakest of the believers were greatly comforted by this. 2 Timothy 4:15 Beware of him also. He did not say: cause grief, punish, although by the grace of the Holy Spirit he could do this, but he commands to take care of himself, that is, to evade, move away from him, leaving the punishment to God. For he strongly opposed our words. That is, the war is waged and opposed to the gospel of the Gospel. 2 Timothy 4:16 When I first answered, no one was with me, but they all left me. Again the apostle tells of other temptations in order to further encourage his disciple. But what is the first answer he is talking about? He had previously been presented to Nero and escaped death, so that from that time he preached; but when he turned his cupbearer, then Nero, inflamed with anger, cut off his head. The apostle expresses grief with the words: “everyone has forsaken me.” As it were, he says: even his own people betrayed me, and I was deprived of all consolation. Therefore, when you are abandoned in dangerous situations, have consolation in my example. Do you see how he spares those close to him? Of course, they, his close collaborators, committed a grave offense by leaving him. For it is not the same thing to be abandoned by strangers and by one’s own. However, the apostle prays that this would not be imputed to them, of course, from God, otherwise it is a great sin and deserves to be imputed. 2 Timothy 4:17 And the Lord stood before me. This is again a consolation for the student; for it shows that God does not allow a person abandoned by people to suffer anything calamitous. That is, he granted boldness and did not allow him to fall. So that the gospel may be established through me. Look how great his humility is. Not because, he says, God strengthened me so that I would be worthy of such a gift, but “so that the gospel would be established by me,” or would pass from end to end and be fulfilled. It is the same as if someone wore a scarlet robe and a diadem and was saved because of them. That is, so that both the glory of the sermon and the care of Providence for me become known to everyone. And I got rid of the lion's jaws. That is, from Nero. He calls him a lion because of the power of his kingdom and his inflexibility. You see how close he was to death, falling into the very jaws of the lion. 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil deed. Before this He delivered me from bodily death; since I have already preached enough, then further, I hope, He will deliver me not from bodily death, since I am already “becoming a victim,” but from all sin, that is, he will not allow me to relax before death, but will allow me to resist sin until I bleed, which means getting rid of the mental lion. So, this last deliverance, when he was to be put to death, is more important than the first, when he escaped death. And he will save it for His Heavenly Kingdom. That is, he will deliver me from all sin and keep me there. For to be saved for the Kingdom of Heaven means to die for it here. “Whoever hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life” (John 12:25). This is true salvation when we shine like this. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. This is the doxology of the Son, as well as the Father; for He is Lord. 2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila. These are the people who received and taught the faith to Apollos, whose hospitality Paul himself enjoyed and about whom he constantly remembered. He appoints his wife first, because she was more zealous and more devoted to the faith, she taught Apollos the faith; - or the apostle does it indifferently. He expresses his greeting in order to partly console them, partly to express respect and love, and - what is more important - to impart great grace. For even one greeting from such a blessed and holy man could fill the one who was worthy of it with great grace. That is, his family. He himself was in Rome and served Paul in prison, as stated above. By his greeting the apostle makes them more diligent to succeed in such matters. 2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus remained in Corinth; I left Trofim sick in Milita. Since the apostle did not remember them, he now remembers and shows that he was abandoned by everyone, thereby encouraging Timothy to come to him as soon as possible. Why did the apostle not heal the sick Trophimus? Because not everything can be done by saints, since this is God’s work, so that people do not idolize them. So Moses, tongue-tied since childhood, did not heal himself and did not enter the Promised Land, so that he would not be considered God. So Paul himself had a serious illness. Miletus is located near Ephesus. Consequently, Paul left Trophimus in Miletus either when he sailed to Judea, or after he visited Rome and returned to these countries again - it is difficult to say. 2 Timothy 4:21 Be diligent to arrive before winter. Since I am completely abandoned by everyone, as you see, then hasten to come. He doesn’t say: before my death, since that would sadden him, but: so as not to encounter difficulties from winter - to see me, although this is not said. Evvul, and Pud, and Lin greet you. Some say about this Linus that he was the second bishop of the Roman Church after Peter. Do you see how the women were zealous and ardent in the faith, just as they crucified themselves to the world? For this race is not at all inferior to men, if it wants. And in everyday affairs they contribute a lot to life, since they take charge of the household and thereby give their husbands the opportunity to freely engage in public affairs. And in spiritual matters they can succeed even more than their husbands; in chastity, holiness, modesty and fasting; in general, the female sex has no obstacles to virtue if they wish. He no longer remembers them by name - there were so many believers; He remembers by name only those who were more famous, since they had already renounced worldly affairs and were more ardent in spirit. 2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ is with your spirit. Do not grieve, he says that I am far from you; The Lord is with you. And he did not say: with you, but: “with your spirit.” Extreme help: from the grace of the Spirit and from God helping her. And otherwise the apostle makes it clear: the Lord is with us when we have the Spirit with us and do not drive Him out with anger. Grace is with us 8. Amen. Finally, he asks for grace for himself, so that he can always be pleasing to God and receive grace from Him. Just as someone who sees a king and enjoys his favor does not feel any sorrow, so we, even if we lose friends, even if we are exposed to disasters, will not feel any sorrow if grace is with us and protects us. This cannot be otherwise, unless we do what is pleasing to the Lord. Just as in houses those servants enjoy the favor of the masters who do what is pleasing to them, so each of us will have grace from the common Master of all if he takes care of what belongs to Him. May His providence for everyone be fulfilled; to Him be glory forever. Amen. In glory - “will reward”, as in Greek. αποδώσει. The text reads: "with you". But darling. Theophylact, St. John Chrysostom and others read: “with us.” And it seems better. 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