2 Timothy 4:9-22

This may seem a little strange, but we begin at the end of the letter so we can understand Paul’s situation in light of his constant emphasis on faithfulness. Paul was in prison, having had one court appearance with another in the offing.

·        With respect to those who should encourage him, only Luke was there.

o    In the case of Demas, one who had been Paul’s partner in ministry (Col. 4:14) apparently loved the world more than Christ.  How difficult this would be as Paul not only invested his life in the spiritual development of those around him, but he knew that his own reward was connected to this (e.g. Phil. 4:1, they were his joy and crown).

o    Crescens and Titus may have been sent for ministry, although we cannot be sure.  Being mentioned with Demas may indicate they may have left the ministry team, perhaps for other ministries.  Tychicus was in Ephesus at Paul’s behest, perhaps carrying this letter.  Erastus was in Corinth for ministry and Trophimus was in Miletua sick (4:20).  The point is that these familiar faces, for good reason, were not at Paul’s side. 

o    Paul says that at his defense no one stood with me.  Had he asked people to speak for him?  Or hoped someone would unexpectedly show up?  Apparently Dr. Luke was not able to speak.  Imagine a case where no one is available or brave enough or willing to take your side.

o    Paul sends greetings from several in 4:21 who are tied to the brethren in Rome.  They had no standing to speak in court but provided important personal care and fellowship for Paul.  They were part of God’s grace to Paul.

·        With respect to those who would speak against Paul it seems that one was there for sure: Alexander the coppersmith.  In the context of 4:16 it seems he was Paul’s accuser before Nero.  History indicates Nero, initially a somewhat reasonable emperor, later became psychotic, aiming his abusive power at Christians.  Perhaps Alexander had seized the opportunity to make a case that, while having no merit, would still find favor with the despotic emperor.  It seems possible that, as a coppersmith, Alexander was involved in the idol business in Ephesus that had come under hard times (Acts 19:21-41).  This had been the advice at the time, to take the matter to the courts (19:38).  It is also possible that Alexander simply opposed Paul for the gospel’s sake so Paul warned that Timothy should also look out for him.

Now with this background, it is amazing the way Paul speaks in 4:17-18.  No one stood with me … but the Lord stood with me.  God had enabled Paul, not so much to defend himself but to speak the gospel in the Roman courtroom.  And furthermore, God had delivered him out of the mouth of the lion (Nero) and Paul stated with utmost confidence that God would deliver him in the future, even to the point of preserving him for His heavenly kingdom.  And then we wonder, when we come to the end of life, will we have such confidence.  A study of 2 Timothy will reveal how it is that Paul stood so strong at the end.