Paul’s Final Words (4:9-22)

Neal Pollard

From what we just read, it is doubtless that these are Paul’s last, inspired words. The time of his departure is at hand and he is ready to be offered (7). He chooses to speak of 19 specific individuals from faithful coworkers to those who betrayed him to those who were spiritual enemies. While there are a few logistical matters mentioned by Paul, there is also a few notes of a time-sensitive or urgent nature as well as some very personal feelings. Let us look closer into Paul’s final words.

He expressed concern about people’s spiritual condition. He mentions Demas, who because he was “in love with this present world” had deserted Paul (10). Demas is a shortened form of Demetrius (Lea & Griffin, NAC, 252), leading some to speculate if he might be the man mentioned by John (3 John 12). We know he is favorably described earlier in Paul’s ministry, a fellow worker (Phile. 24) and one who sends greetings (Col. 4:14). There’s no mention of his buying into false teaching. We will never know what he left for, but we do know why he left. It is tragic. Alexander the coppersmith (14) is mentioned only as a spiritual enemy, first to last. He was likely the man mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20, and the “blasphemy” has been thought by many (Fee and Spicq among them) to be that Alexander informed on Paul and caused his rearrest. Whatever his sin, he is immortalized in infamy here!

He expressed concern about people’s physical condition. As a man who had suffered so much physically (Gal. 4:13,15; 2 Cor. 11:23ff), he probably had empathy for those who suffered in this way (note his concern about Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25-30). He expresses such concern here, writing about Trophimus whom he left ill at Miletus (20).  A man whose life intertwined with so many, whose list of co-workers is exhaustive, was going to, in his words, “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15).

He expressed interest in people’s spiritual service. The bulk of those he mentions, he seems to do so in connection with their faithful Christian activity. There is no reason to conclude other than that Crescens and Titus left Paul for missionary efforts (10). The same is true of Tychicus (12), Priscilla and Aquila (19), the household of Onesiphorus (19), Erastus (20), Eubulus (21), Pudens (21), Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers (21). These all appear to be faithful brothers and sisters, at work in their various fields of ministry. It says a lot about Paul, a man who was very interested in education (he wanted Timothy to bring him his books and parchments, 13), who had succeeded in business (Acts 18:3), and was a man who was widely-traveled and well-informed. But, what captured his greatest interest was kingdom matters. It’s what dominated his last recorded words.

He expressed personal concerns. It is easy to forget that such an extraordinary person as Paul was only human (In his words, “Who is weak without my being weak?”–2 Cor. 11:29). He is lonely, pleading with Timothy, “Do your best to come to me soon” (9). It is so much on his mind that he inserts it a second time at the very end of the letter: “Do your best to come before winter” (21; Did he hear rumors that he is about to executed?). He also longs to see John Mark again, whom he knows is useful for service once more (11). Perhaps he is feeling physical discomfort, being cold in the dank dungeon (13). But he had also felt alone in his times of spiritual trial, having no one with him when making his initial defense (16). Yet, overriding his personal concerns was his unshaken confidence in God’s providence and deliverance (16-18). He had experienced His rescue and knew that he would ultimately be brought safely into God’s heavenly kingdom!

Note Paul’s very last words: “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you” (22). This draws me back to Paul’s first admonition in this letter (1:7). Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of timidity. Now, Paul prays that God would be with his spirit. What better encouragement than “grace”? How will any of us make it without spiritual strength and unmerited favor? 

It is suggested that Roman citizens were given the relatively compassionate execution of beheading, over in a moment. History says Paul met such a fate later in the year this epistle is written. Peter, a non-citizen, would have faced a more cruel fate. Sure enough, tradition says he was crucified as part of the same dragnet by Nero. In fact, history says he requested to be crucified upside down in deference to his Lord (Eusebius, Ecc. History, 3.1.2). Whatever the specifics, Paul leaves the stage of Scripture an accomplished apostle, a courageous Christian, and an influential servant of Christ. He lived and died “not ashamed.”