2 Timothy – Chapter 4

New Testament • 22 Verses

Chapter Summary

"I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:" — so begins 2 Timothy 4. The chapter centers on Aquila, Titus and Luke. Across its 22 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and sin and divine judgment. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:

2Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine.

3For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears:

4And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.

5But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober.

6For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand.

7I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith.

8As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly.

9For Demas hath left me, loving this world, and is gone to Thessalonica:

10Crescens into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia.

11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13The cloak that I left at Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee: and the books, especially the parchments.

14Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works:

15Whom do thou also avoid: for he hath greatly withstood our words.

16At my first answer, no man stood with me: but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge!

17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished and that all the Gentiles may hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

19Salute Prisca, and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.

20Erastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.

21Make haste to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren, salute thee.

22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Important Verses in 2 Timothy 4

“I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:”

2 Timothy 4:1

“As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly.”

2 Timothy 4:8

“The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

2 Timothy 4:18

“The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. ”

2 Timothy 4:22

Historical Context

2 Timothy addresses timothy, entrusted with the faith as the apostle faces martyrdom within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 4 of 4 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 22 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Aquila, Titus, Luke and Mark appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:" The final verse reads: "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. " The wider setting of 2 Timothy is this: Paul's last letter, written awaiting execution under Nero: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' (2 Tim 4:7). Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 2 Timothy around About AD 66-67, from his final Roman imprisonment.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 66-67, from his final Roman imprisonment

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:" The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of faithfulness in ministry and Scripture's inspiration. Paul's teaching on Scripture's inspiration (CIC 105-107). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2340).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

Aquila1 mentionTitus1 mentionLuke1 mentionMark1 mention

Reflection for Today

2 Timothy Chapter 4, containing 22 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2559). Here the emphasis falls on the Eucharist as source and summit, which shapes how the Church understands faithfulness in ministry and Scripture's inspiration.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 2772).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Timothy Chapter 4 about?

2 Timothy 4 contains 22 verses. It opens with "I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:" and closes with "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. ". The book as a whole is pastoral epistle.

What is a key verse in 2 Timothy 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Timothy Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions Aquila, Titus, Luke, Mark.

Who wrote 2 Timothy and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 66-67, from his final Roman imprisonment.

Related Chapters

Acts 18Shares people and themes with this chapterColossians 4Shares people and themes with this chapterPhilemon 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

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