Explore: Be Persistent to the End

• The Explore the Bible lesson for May 5 focuses on 2 Timothy 4:1-18.

This final passage from 2 Timothy concludes the letter, yet it also contains a great deal of wisdom for all Christians, but especially those called to ministry. The first verses include an exhortation to preach and teach both “in season and out of season” (v. 2). This reference indicates the work of the church continues when conditions are favorable and when they are unfavorable. More broadly, it can refer to the need to proclaim the gospel through all aspects of one’s life, recalling the memorable statement attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel; use words if necessary.”

This concluding section reminds Timothy—and us—that false teaching is not simply about wrong ideas. Instead, since a minister’s role is to care for the spiritual health of his or her congregation—in a manner similar to a physician’s care for patients’ bodies—false teaching is to be opposed because it is bad for your soul. Thus, this letter warns about a time when people will “not put up with sound doctrine” and will “turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (vv. 3-4). In light of this coming opposition, Timothy is urged to be sober, which has an eschatological sense of being alert; to “endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist”; and to perform his ministry well (v. 5).

Emotional depth

It has been mentioned in previous lessons that the author of the letter sees his life coming to an end soon, with some scholars describing the entire letter as a “last will and testament.” We see such emotional depth in 4:6-7, where the author describes his life as being “poured out like a drink offering” with the race nearly finished.

Knowing he has faithfully endured suffering for the sake of the sake of the gospel, he notes he and all who have shared in this cross-shaped life will receive “the crown of righteousness” (v. 8). Clearly, these are the words of someone who has completed his life well and is satisfied with an enduring faithfulness in ministry, a far cry from our contemporary culture’s concern with immediate results, even at the cost of future potential. The letter’s author desires to end well, to be faithful to Jesus until the very end.

The remainder of this passage involves many personal remarks, some of which are left to speculation regarding their backstory. Paul notes many people have left him, some for good reasons (Crescens, Titus and Tychicus) and some for bad reasons (Demas). Furthermore, we know that aside from Luke, he is alone (v. 11).

A break and reconciliation

Verse 12 includes a reference to Mark, who is urged to come to Paul since “he is helpful to me in my ministry.” Scholars have debated whether this Mark is John Mark, who deserted Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:13). When Barnabas desired to bring “John called Mark” on their second missionary journey, the resulting disagreement severed the partnership of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40). If this historical connection is accurate, then 2 Timothy 4:11 could serve as a restoration to Mark, an indication he was somehow brought into Paul’s good graces.

The final verses of this passage include a reminder of some people to avoid (Alexander) and a declaration that God will provide for Paul in his time of need. Previously, everyone had abandoned him even though death was a distinct possibility (v. 16). He did not hold this against them, though. Instead, using a phrase reminiscent of Jesus on the cross, he forgives those deserters. This disciplined faithfulness that allows him to forgive those who have neglected him in his hour of need is amazing.

Even when no one else stands firm, Paul is confident in God’s protection and provision that he can forgive those who have left him for dead. It is for this reason that he finishes with a statement that sounds like a final farewell as it declares God “will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom” (v. 18). This passage began with a reference to Christ’s “appearing and his kingdom” (v. 1). It ends that way as well. Therefore, what matters most is not a resumé full of accomplishments, but a life of faithfulness to Christ. As the passage concludes: “To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (v. 18).