2 Timothy 4:10-17b
Chapter 4
10
You must know that Demas has abandoned me because he loved this world; he went back to Thessalonica. Crescens has traveled to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11
Only Luke remains with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is a helpful aid in my work.
12
I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13
When you come, bring the cloak I left at Troas, at Carpus’ house, along with the scrolls, especially the parchments.
14
Alexander, the metalworker, did me great harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.
15
You too be on guard against him, because he has strongly opposed our message.
16
At my first court appearance, no one supported me; all deserted me. May God not hold it against them.
17
But the Lord was with me and gave me the strength to fully preach the message, so that all the Gentiles could hear it. I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
Commentaries
Final Recommendations and Greetings.
At the end of his testament, Paul sees himself clearly as a servant of the Word who faces the certainty of his final departure. The Apostle’s imminent and violent death, like his entire apostolic life dedicated to the Gospel, has the character of a liturgical sacrifice, a libation (6). His departure will be like raising anchor. He is an athlete who has competed to the finish and now prepares to receive the crown of victory (1 Cor 9:25). In this competition, it is not just one person who is crowned, but all who run with unwavering hope.