What does 2 Timothy 4:22 mean?
ESV: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
NIV: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
NASB: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
CSB: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
NLT: May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.
KJV: The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
NKJV: The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Verse Commentary:
Paul's final words in the New Testament offer much encouragement to Timothy and today's readers: "The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you." Jesus being "with your spirit" is also mentioned in the conclusions of three of Paul's other letters (Galatians 6:18; Philippians 4:23; Philemon 1:25). "Grace be with you" ended other Pauline letters as well (Colossians 4:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; Titus 3:15).
Many questions remain unanswered at the end of 2 Timothy. Did Timothy make it to Paul before his death? How and when did Paul die? When was Paul arrested and imprisoned in Rome? When was his "first defense"? What happened to Luke, Mark, Timothy, and others closely connected with Paul following this time? Though much is unknown, it is clear Paul ended his last letter fully focused on Christ, faithfully serving him until his end. His letters and life continue to inspire believers around the world today who seek to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse Context:
Second Timothy 4:19–22 wraps up Paul's last letter to his dear friend, Timothy. Paul has already asked Timothy to quickly make a trip to see him. Despite one successful trial, Paul knows he will not leave Rome alive. Here, he once again asks Timothy not to delay in making one last trip. Paul also gives some final greetings, both his own and from others in Rome. Paul ends the letter with the same emphasis marking his life and ministry work: the grace of God.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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 3:16:28 PM
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