_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Timothy 4:1. I CHARGE THEE BEFORE GOD.—As in 2 Timothy 2:14. The word of itself does not mean to swear, but only as connected with “in the presence of God.” 2 Timothy 4:2. PREACH THE WORD.—_I.e._ herald the word of reconciliation. BE INSTANT IN SEASON, OUT OF SEA... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Timothy 4:6. FOR I AM NOW READY TO BE OFFERED.—R.V. “I am already being offered.” R.V. margin, “poured out as a drink-offering.” When the gaoler took the cup of hemlock to Socrates, the philosopher asked, “Is it allowable to make a drink-offering of it?” Paul’s sp... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Timothy 4:9. DO THY DILIGENCE TO COME SHORTLY UNTO ME.—Make all possible speed to arrive, or on earth we shall not meet again. Perhaps, however, it was the loneliness of the apostle that made him yearn for Timothy. Compare 2 Timothy 4:10, with 2 Timothy 4:21. 2 T... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Timothy 4:14. THE LORD REWARD HIM ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS.—R.V. “the Lord will render,” etc. What the Jew Alexander would have said to the Ephesian mob we cannot now know, but he must have been one of the leaders of the Jewish element in the mob, and therefore we c... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Timothy 4:16. AT MY FIRST ANSWER.—R.V. “defence” (Gr. ἀπολογίᾳ). On his first appearance in the emperor’s court. NO ONE STOOD WITH ME.—R.V. “took my part,” _i.e._ as advocate. ALL MEN FORSOOK ME.—St. Paul was in the lion’s mouth (2 Timothy 4:17), and men fled from... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Timothy 4:19_ A Martyr’s Last Words— I. BREATHE THE SPIRIT OF LOVE TOWARDS TRIED AND FAITHFUL FRIENDS.—“Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus” (2 Timothy 4:19). How tenderly this salutation would be prized when the friends received intelli... [ Continue Reading ]