2 Timothy 4:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!

NIV: At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

NASB: At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.

CSB: At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

NLT: The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.

KJV: At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

NKJV: At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

Roman law typically gave prisoners a preliminary hearing before a full trial. In Paul's case, in this trip through the legal system, he made his defense without his fellow believers there for support. This was likely due to the fact that Christians were targeted for persecution by Nero. Following a series of fires in Rome in the summer of AD 64, Christians were blamed. Given the political climate of that time, anyone who stood by Paul at his first defense would likely have been jailed along with him.

Paul seems to understand this, and instead of bitterness, he offers forgiveness. Jesus made a similar statement from the cross (Luke 23:34), as did the first martyr Stephen while Paul watched the coats of those who stoned him (Acts 7:58—8:1). Though Paul had been charged with a crime, he did not want any "charge" against those who failed to stand with him at his hearing.

At the same time, this sheds some personal light on Paul's earlier appeal to Timothy not to be "ashamed" of his faith (2 Timothy 1:8), or to be afraid of suffering for the sake of Christ.

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.

Accessed 5/2/2024 10:47:27 PM