Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Timothy Ch.4 / 4 Ch.s
2TI:4
* The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though
many will not bear sound doctrine. (1-5) Enforces the charge
from his own martyrdom, then at hand. (6-8) Desires him to come
speedily. (9-13) He cautions, and complains of such as had
deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation
to the heavenly kingdom. (14-18) Friendly greetings and his
usual blessing. (19-22)
#1-5 People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary
of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables,
and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not
endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the
purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must
venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness,
and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.
#6-8 The blood of the martyrs, though not a sacrifice of
atonement, yet was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the grace of
God and his truth. Death to a good man, is his release from the
imprisonment of this world, and his departure to the enjoyments
of another world. As a Christian, and a minister, Paul had kept
the faith, kept the doctrines of the gospel. What comfort will
it afford, to be able to speak in this manner toward the end of
our days! The crown of believers is a crown of righteousness,
purchased by the righteousness of Christ. Believers have it not
at present, yet it is sure, for it is laid up for them. The
believer, amidst poverty, pain, sickness, and the agonies of
death, may rejoice; but if the duties of a man's place and
station are neglected, his evidence of interest in Christ will
be darkened, and uncertainty and distress may be expected to
cloud and harass his last hours.
#9-13 The love of this world, is often the cause of turning back
from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by
Divine inspiration, yet he would have his books. As long as we
live, we must still learn. The apostles did not neglect human
means, in seeking the necessaries of life, or their own
instruction. Let us thank the Divine goodness in having given us
so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; and let us
seek that by reading them our profiting may appear to all.
#14-18 There is as much danger from false brethren, as from open
enemies. It is dangerous having to do with those who would be
enemies to such a man as Paul. The Christians at Rome were
forward to meet him, #Ac 28|, but when there seemed to be a
danger of suffering with him, then all forsook him. God might
justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. The
apostle was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, that is, of
Nero, or some of his judges. If the Lord stands by us, he will
strengthen us in difficulties and dangers, and his presence will
more than supply every one's absence.
#19-22 We need no more to make us happy, than to have the Lord
Jesus Christ with our spirits; for in him all spiritual
blessings are summed up. It is the best prayer we can offer for
our friends, that the Lord Jesus Christ may be with their
spirits, to sanctify and save them, and at last to receive them
to himself. Many who believed as Paul, are now before the
throne, giving glory to their Lord: may we be followers of them.