Timothy II - Expositional Study
ON REMAND
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:13-18 (KJV)
Introduction
After his release from his first Roman imprisonment, Paul enjoyed three or four years of freedom, enjoying again his ministry of the Gospel. Then he was arrested again, perhaps at Troas, and it is from this second imprisonment that 2nd Timothy is written. There seems to be some kind of a break after verse 8 of chapter 4 because verse 9 bears a disjointed appearance. At the conclusion of writing verse 8, Paul may have been taken off to his trial in the Emperor's court. There he may have unexpectedly secured an adjournment, being returned to his prison on remand. He may have imagined that he was to be immediately sent to his death, since the verses he had just completed have an air of final farewell. But, now a further breathing space is afforded him and, with the customary postponements of legal procedures of that time, who knows how long that might be. There may yet be time for him to get one last loving visit from his beloved Timothy. So, once again he turns to complete his letter, speaking in a different fashion from what he may have first expected. He urges Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, telling him something of what happened in court.
Perhaps our present passages were dictated while Paul was on remand, reminding us of the rigor of his cell. The difference between Paul's present condition and his former can be estimated by reading Acts 28:30f. That had been a lenient imprisonment, but now he is in the underground dungeon which would have been damp, dark, dismal, dirty, and dreadfully cold. So, he wants Timothy to bring him some things to help alleviate his distress. Things hurriedly left behind, when, perhaps he was suddenly arrested at Troas and given no time to collect. Otherwise, why would he leave "the parchments" behind? This and other things were in the care of Carpus, a gentleman about whom we know practically nothing. Evidently he was a friend of Paul's. His name means, 'fruit'; perhaps one of the many "fruits" of Paul's ministry. Anyway, in the house of this friend were things Paul longed to have.
Paul requested something to warm his body – "the cloke." It must have been extremely cold in Paul's dungeon cell, especially with winter approaching (v. 21). "The cloke" was a circular garment, sleeveless, with a hole in the middle for slipping it over the head. It was probably made of black goat's hair which was popular at that time. Anyway, apparently it had been a comfort to him on his travels, and now he needs it more than ever. Consider for a moment, why does the Bible mention such an ordinary, everyday thing as the need of a cloke? Obviously, the God of Scripture has room in His heart for every detail of human life. He is concerned about all the little things and needs you have. So, never hesitate to bring them to Him in prayer.
Next, Paul wanted something to occupy his mind – "the books". They would be papyrus rolls. The mind fills with wonder. What were the subjects, and who were the authors? It would be fascinating to know what books he had collected and greatly valued. Perhaps it may have been his personal memoranda. He may have kept records of things, people, sayings, events, and it would no doubt be a source of encouragement for him to go over such reminiscences. Perhaps the idea of getting the books was simply to be able to read through them with Dr. Luke, bequeathing them to him. If so, they would be of much value to the good doctor and author, when he compiled his book of Acts. Speaking of the human side of the matter, we know from Luke 1:1-4 that it was by using the work of other writers, etc., that he constructed his own histories.
Then Paul asked for something to feed his soul – "the parchments". Probably they were parts of the Scriptures, explaining why he "especially" wanted them. Why did Paul leave such behind? This is one reason why it is possible that he was arrested at Troas and given no opportunity to collect his belongings. Under such a situation, he would be forced to leave behind his: warm overcoat, library of books, and "especially" the Scriptures.
Now, as he continues to dictate his letter, his adversary, "Alexander, the coppersmith", rises up in his mind. Or, as it should be, just "the smith", whether copper, or other. Consider this sinister personality who proved to be Paul's chief antagonist at this time.
First consider his position in the matter – "did me much evil." In the words translated, "did me much evil", we have an old legal formula of Roman times, the modern equivalent of which is, "laid the information against me". It was on the sworn information of this man that the case against Paul proceeded. Conybeare and Howson render the phrase, "charge me with much evil". What a dreadful reputation to have on a page of Bible history, i.e., the cause of arrest, trial, and martyrdom of a grand apostle. Hopefully, on the contrary, each of us are the cause of blessing, and lives saved.
The next consideration, regarding Alexander, is his peril for Christians – "of whom be thou ware also, for he hath greatly withstood our words." In 1 Timothy 1:20, we read of "Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme." While there is no evidence, it is possible this is the same Alexander. However, it was a common name of that time, and there may have been two. But, it is also possible they were the same man. At the time of the passage in 1 Timothy 1:20, he has fallen into such grave sin that Paul felt compelled to deliver him into Satan's hands. Hymenaeus is mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:17. Now circumstances have arisen which the tortuous, iniquitous, mind of Alexander can twist into a charge against the apostle, and so "information" is given to the authorities. Also, assuming the Alexander in 1 Timothy and our present text are one in the same, he had been one of the company of Christians. He would know what was done, said,and thought. He could easily trap other Christians, as he trapped Paul. Therefore "of whom be thou ware also." Trusting sheep would be in danger, all the more because he had been one of them. None is so fierce an enemy as a friend.
Consider his punishment by God – "the Lord reward him according to his works." Does this sound vindictive? Are you surprised that such a man as Paul could think like this? It all depends on whether he is thinking of Alexander damaging himself, or the cause of Christ. The Master observed that distinction. He never reproached men for doing harm to Him personally. When, in our present passage, Paul speaks of those who had hurt him, his tone is different, as in verse 16. It is the hurt done to the cause of Christ, which calls forth this statement from the apostle's outraged soul. Notice Paul's reference to "our words", as if he was speaking and thinking collectively. Not "my words", as if he was considering the matter individually and personally. The Revised version says, "the Lord will render under him". Not a hope that God will do it, but a statement of a fact, "the Lord will". "Thou renderest to every man according to his work" (Ps. 62:12). Here, then, is the man who started the trouble.
Lastly, we consider his defense – "At my first answer" (v. 16). That is, his first answer to the charge brought against him. His second answer will be made after his remand, when the case comes up for resumed hearing. The astonishing fact was that no one would undertake his defense. Professional pleaders refused the case, "no man stood with me", the verb is used in a technical, legal sense, as we would say, defending counsel. Probably they were afraid of getting mixed up in such a case, and being painted with the same brush. Without a doubt, as the Jewish leaders did in all such cases against Christians, they preferred an accusation of sedition and treason. They did the same in the case of our Lord, "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is...a king" (Luke 23:2). It was, of course, a false charge. But, the Roman authorities never would have listened to the real trouble, i.e., the religious question. The same thing happened with Paul at Thessalonica, "these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus" (Acts 17:7). Perhaps, Paul was once again the victim of this fraudulent behavior, and may have been why no lawyer would help him. Also, it appears that even witnesses absented themselves, i.e., "all men forsook me". In other words, all who should have been there to testify in his favor. Those whose evidence might have been of enormous assistance should have been there. But, they let him down. Perhaps they did this for the same reason the lawyers stayed away. The accused man felt their defection keenly. But notice his reaction, "I pray God that it might not be laid to their charge." No shadow of vengefulness in Paul, only prayerfulness. He had heard words like this before. As a younger leader, perhaps thirty years earlier, he presided at another Christian's execution. And as the cruel stones crushed the life out of Stephen, Paul heard him pray, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60). No doubt, that scene stayed with Paul, pricking his conscience (Acts 9:5). And Stephen's prayer surely lingered in his mind throughout his years of service to the Lord. Now, facing his own martyrdom, he prayed the same prayer for those who were despitefully using and persecuting him. Both Stephen and Paul caught that marvelous spirit from the Savior, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
So, Paul is alone in the Roman court conducting his own defense. This is never an easy thing to do and is usually dangerous. But, in this instance, there is no other way. How typical of Paul, that in this he saw an opportunity – "That by me the preaching might be fully known". Instead of bits, extracts, and rumors of his teaching which may have reached them, he was now able to give them a full account of his message. The book of Acts shows us how he used his various trials as opportunities to make his message more fully known, telling about Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord of Glory come down to earth, Who went about doing good, Whom they crucified, but God raised up, and all who obey Him shall receive remission of sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Paul's defense was the strangest they had ever heard. He said little or nothing about himself, only the Lord. "And that all the Gentiles might hear", that is, all the Gentiles in that Roman court such as Nero or Burrus, the Prefect of Rome, who on occasion acted for the Emperor in his absence (some writers think Nero missed the court of Paul, being away on Imperial business in Greece at the time). Also present at Paul's trial would have been all the court officials, as well as, the general public, who would certainly have crowded the area on such an occasion. What a chance for Paul to give them all a full explanation of salvation. In like manner, each of us should earnestly ask God to help us see, and seize, daily opportunities. Part of the secret of the early Christians, was their alertness to sudden opportunity.
What was the result of Paul's action? He secured a remand – "I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." That old lion who, "goeth about seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8), was for the moment, robbed of his prey. Paul's deliverance does not mean release from prison following acquittal, but temporary rescue from imminent danger.
Paul would not, however, have us forget that the Lord was his defense – "Nevertheless, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." His unfailing presence and upholding power was at Paul's disposal, though all else fail. We can always rely on that, no matter how lonely or deserted we may feel. The Lord said of Himself, "ye...shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me". He was alone, yet not along. And, thank God, His comfort is our comfort and Paul's. In a Bible class the teacher quoted the words, "I will never leave thee" (Heb. 13:5), to which one of the youngsters suddenly interrupted, "I know what it means. It means that when there's only one of us, there's always two of us." Paul seemed to be alone in that court, but the Lord, the Mighty One, was the other who stood by him and "One with God is always a majority".
Conclusion
This is the reason why Paul secured a remand. And, with the assurance of faith, he adds, "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work". The thing he was spared from on remand, happened to him at his re-trial, so that by then it had assumed something of good, according to his own testimony in Romans 8:28. He knew that his Lord would "preserve" him until the good time comes for his translation to "His heavenly kingdom". To the Lord he gave "glory". And to His will he says, "Amen". Let us join in Paul's "Amen", accepting God's wonderful grand will, always knowing we are not alone. Paul will soon return to trial again, strong in the feeling that God's will be done.
