2 Timothy 4 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.
Time Period
~AD 66 to 67, shortly before Paul's execution under Nero
Location
A Roman prison, with references to Troas on the coast of Asia Minor, Ephesus, Galatia, Dalmatia, Thessalonica, Corinth and Miletus
Audience
Timothy personally, receiving what reads as a last set of instructions and requests
Situation
Paul charges Timothy to preach the message in season and out, then speaks of his own life as a drink offering already being poured out and his departure as near. He asks Timothy to come before winter and bring the cloak and the parchments left at Troas, listing who has stood by him and who has left.
Key Background
A drink offering was wine poured out beside a sacrifice, so Paul is picturing his death as the last liquid emptied over an offering already on the altar. Sea travel across the Mediterranean effectively shut down from November to March, so come before winter meant come now or not for months, and the request for a heavy cloak points to a cold stone cell. The first defence Paul mentions was the opening hearing of a Roman trial, at which a defendant would normally be backed by supporters speaking for his character, and Paul says no one appeared.
I'm you — right in front of God and the Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead — and by his and his
the Be ready whether the timing is convenient or not. people, warn them, and encourage them — with complete and careful teaching.
Because the time is coming when people won't put up with anymore. Instead, they'll pile up teachers who tell them what they want to hear — because they have an they
They'll turn away from the truth and wander off into
But you — keep in every situation. Endure hardship. Do the work of who the Carry out fully.
As for me, my life is already being out a and the time has come for me to
I've the I've finished the race. I've kept the
From now on, the of is waiting for me. The Lord — the just judge — will award it to me on that day. And not only to me, but to everyone who has longed for his
Do to come to me soon.
abandoned me because he in with this and took off for Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
Only is still with me. Pick up and bring him with you — he's to me for the work.
I sent to
When you come, bring the I left with Carpus in Troas, and the — especially the
Alexander the did me a lot of harm. The Lord will for what he did.
Watch out for him yourself — he our message.
At my nobody stood by me — everyone me. May it not be them.
But the Lord by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and all the could hear it. And I was from the
The Lord will me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. All the belongs to him forever and ever. it does.
Say hello to and Aquila, and to the household of
stayed in Corinth, and I left sick in
Do your best to get here Eubulus sends greetings to you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the and
The Lord be with your be with all of you.