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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - 2 Timothy 4:9 - 4:9
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Our apostle comes now, in this second part of the chapter, to treat of some private and personal affairs.
And first he desires Timothy to come speedily to him, having a great desire to see him, and be comforted by him, before he died. The strongest of Christians may sometimes be helped by the weaker; a Paul may stand in need of a Timothy ; there is not a member in the body, but is some way serviceable to the head.
Secondly, He assigns a reason why he did thus desire Timothy's presence, because of Demas' and others' absence; Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world. The best may sometimes be forsaken by their bosom friends; Demas was such to St. Paul, yet left him. For what cause? For the love of the world, This, when it grows inordinate, will cause a man first to forsake his friend, and then his God.
Thirdly, Crescens was gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia, Tychicus to Ephesus: all of them, no doubt, to spread the gospel, to plant or water the churches. Good men will be doing good wherever they are, wherever they come or go. Only Luke was with him; nothing could separate that good man from him. A faithful friend loveth at all times; yet friendship (olle amicitia) will vanish in adversity: but true Christian friendship is perpetual, the foundation of it is eternal.
Lastly, he desires Timothy to bring Mark with him; not for rest or recreation, because he wanted a companion for his diversion; no, but to assist him in his work: Bring Mark; for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 'Tis happy when the ministers of God affect the company, and desire the presence, of each other, for spiritual ends and religious purposes.