\\INTRODUCTION TO 2 TIMOTHY 4\\

In this chapter the apostle charges Timothy to perform his office as
an evangelist with great diligence, constancy, and faithfulness, with
reasons for it; gives some hints of several particular persons
mentioned, which made him very desirous that Timothy would come
quickly to him; relates how things were with him when he made his
first defence at Rome; and concludes the epistle with salutations,
and his usual blessing. The charge is made in the most solemn manner
in the sight of God; and of Christ, as Judge of quick and dead; and
directs to the several parts of the ministerial work, and the manner
in which they should be performed, \\#2Ti 4:1,2\\. The reason of
which charge is, because the time was hastening on that sound
doctrine would not be endured, and men would depart from the truth
to fables and false teachers, \\#2Ti 4:3,4\\. Wherefore the
apostle repeats his charge and exhortation to Timothy, though
in other words, to be vigilant, patient, courageous, and faithful in
the discharge of his office, \\#2Ti 4:5\\ adding a fresh reason
moving to it, taken from the apostle's death being at hand; which is
expressed by a sacrifice, and by a departure out of the world,
\\#2Ti 4:6\\ which leads him to give an account of his past conduct in
fighting the good fight, finishing his course, and keeping the faith,
\\#2Ti 4:7\\ and of his firm belief of eternal glory and happiness,
\\#2Ti 4:8\\ and next he desires Timothy to use all diligence to come
quickly to him, \\#2Ti 4:9\\ his reasons for which were, because he
had scarce anybody with him: one had forsook him through love of the
world; another was gone to Thessalonica; a third to Galatia, and a
fourth to Dalmatia; only Luke the evangelist was with him; and as for
Tychicus, he had sent him to Ephesus: he therefore desires he would
bring Mark with him, and his cloak, books, and parchments he had left
at Troas, \\#2Ti 4:10-13\\ and then takes notice of persons that had
used him ill, particularly Alexander the coppersmith; he wishes
justice might be done him; and advises Timothy to beware of him,
because of his opposition to the doctrines of the Gospel,
\\#2Ti 4:14,15\\ and also of others that neglected him, who forsook
him when he defended himself: however, he prays that this might not
be charged upon them; and observes the goodness of God in standing by
him and delivering him; and expresses his faith and confidence that
he should be delivered and preserved safe to eternal glory,
\\#2Ti 4:16-18\\ and next follow the apostle's salutations of some persons
at Ephesus, and an account of two others, one at Corinth, and another
at Miletum; and a repetition of his request to Timothy, to come
quickly to him, and before winter; and then some salutations of
persons at Rome, sent by Timothy; and the whole is concluded with the
apostle's usual benediction, \\#2Ti 4:19-22\\.