2 Timothy 4:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

NIV: I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

NASB: But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

CSB: I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

NLT: I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

KJV: And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

NKJV: And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

In this passage, Paul has been offering updates on his various ministry partners. Here, he mentions Tychicus, whom Paul has personally dispatched to Ephesus. Timothy personally knew Tychicus, from their travels with Paul (Acts 20:1–6). When Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers during his first imprisonment, it appears Tychicus delivered the letter (Ephesians 6:21). Along with Onesimus, he also delivered Paul's letter to the Colossians (Colossians 4:7).

Interestingly, Tychicus was also mentioned with Paul prior to his second Roman imprisonment. In Titus 3:12 we find, "When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there." They were in Nicopolis together sometime prior to Paul's arrest. After Paul's arrest, he was with him at least some time in Rome, then traveling to Ephesus. The purpose of his travel there is not explained.

The fact that Tychicus has been sent to Ephesus, where Timothy is, suggests that Paul intends him to serve as a substitute for Timothy so he can travel to see Paul. This is supported by Paul's very next comment to Timothy, in verse 13: "When you come."

Second Timothy 4:9–18 updates Timothy on Paul's ministry partners, as well as his antagonists. Some of Paul's friends have been sent out on missionary causes. Others, such as Demas, have turned their back on Paul and abandoned him. Only Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, is still with him. Paul specifically warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith. Paul knows full well that he will not survive this trip through the Roman legal system. Rather than despair, he still rejoices in his salvation and praises God.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.