Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

It would seem, from the context of the verse and Paul's general tone, that he believed that his imprisonment in Rome was about to end in his execution for his faith, since he said in 2 Timothy 4:6 that he was being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of his departure was at hand. This would have added a degree of urgency to Paul's request that Timothy come to him. 

Paul was also concerned for the continuation of the work of his ministry, since (as he said in 2 Timothy 4:10) multiple associates had left him, either to evangelize elsewhere, or because they had deserted the faith.

In addition, Paul apparently needed items that Timothy had access to and could bring to him (2 Timothy 4:13).

Finally, Paul's urging Timothy to come before winter (2 Timothy 4:21) may have been out of a desire that Timothy come to him before the change of seasons and weather would make Timothy's travel (especially on the Mediterranean Sea) more difficult or dangerous, and thus delay his arrival past what Paul anticipated his remaining time to be.

December 08 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report